Canadian Nursing Schools

STFXNurse · May 7, 2005

STFX is the BEST

I am about to enter my 4th year of the BScN program and I've heard it is one of the best in the country. St.FX is in Antigonish NS, so it has a small maritime town atmosphere and the class sizes are small as well. This makes for a close knit feeling between all the faculty and students. I would recommend the program to anyone!! ST.FX has been ranked the #1 undergraduate university in all of Canada for the past three years!

I can't wait to graduated and have the X ring on my finger next year!

nurse_ange1 · May 28, 2005

What is the best nursing school in Canada? (Brandon, McMasters/ McGill, UWO, U of T, U of A etc????)
I have heard that Canadian nursing students get more clinical experience than there American counterparts? Is this true? What is nursing school like in Canada?
I have some contact with American nursing school, and I am really wondering how different the two are.
Agape...

I just graduated with my BScN from the collaborative program through Laurentian University. My program alss had us in clinicals the first semester. My final semester was two online classes and 370 hours practicum. I've been in Canada for over 6 years, and I'm originally from Michigan. Americans and Canadians differ in some ways, but I don't believe either is better than the other, just different in some ways. Have you inquired about the student visa and all that for when you get here? As an American you can enter at a port of entry with all of your paperwork in order and then pay the fee of $125 CND for the student visa. Another interesting tid pit... you can get financial aide from the US to pay for your tuition at a Canadian univerisity. I personally worked my way through school so i don't have any loans out, but it was nice to know I could have gotten help if I needed to.

Just curious, why Canada for nursing? Hope you get accepted to where you want. :) Take care

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:nurse:

Jenthenutritionnut · May 30, 2005

Hi! I'm currently in Toronto but moving to Vancouver in under a year. I have heard that Langara College has just be accepted to offer BN's after 4 years rather than just being part of the college-university collaboration.

But where is UCVF?

What questions should I be asking when looking for a good nursing program? I"m wanting to focus on community and public health... (at least that's what I think right now!!)

Thanks

-Jen :confused:

TRousse · May 30, 2005

Hi..I'm new here. Thanks so much for that! I'll be starting this program in the fall and now I'm even more excited. I already have a BA so I looked at all the 2 year accelerated programs elsewhere. I decided that doing the full 4 years in Kitchener where I live would be a much saner (ie; less stressful and debtfree) way to do it. I want to have a good learning exprience even if it means taking a little longer to do it. It was difficult for me to imagine going to school for another 4 years (I'm 32) but I feel it will be well worth it so thanks for your post.

Hey...
I just noticed that noone has tooted McMaster's horn yet...I'm graduating next month from Mac's first Collaborative class with Conestoga college- LOVED it.
As far as I know, mac doesn't offer any advanced standing for students who already have a degree. But, the 4 year program was great (even though most of the students in my class already had university experience - myself included).
We have an emphasis on self-directed learning (confusing, but it works in the end, I swear) and life-long learning. We also have somewhat of a "touchy-feely" outlook on things, with a big focus on psychosocial aspects of client care, as well as introspection into yourself as a caregiver.
Much luck finding a school (southern Ontario is beautiful) *lol*
Lys

RNinRubySlippers, BSN, RN · May 30, 2005

Hey Jen (the Nutrition Nut)

UCFV's main campus is in Abbotsford (BC) but all the Health Sciences are at the Chilliwack campus. Its very nice because we have our own building...Check out the website....http://ucfv.ca/health.htm

We are very luck and well thought of as students becausse we have SO MUCH clinical time compared to most all schools in BC. Its honestly a great school...nurses love it when UCFV students are on the floor, not so much from other schools...(honestly)

Hope this helped!

Oh ya and our 3rd year has community nursing and 4th is entirely public health!

Jenthenutritionnut · Jun 1, 2005

Awesome Bex, thanks so much for that-- I guess it'll be worth me retaking my chem and bio credits...

The last two years of study there are really making me lean towards UCFV.

artful dodger · Apr 8, 2007

Hello! Did anyone go to Queen's or Western for their BScN? I managed to get accepted into the 4 year programs there and I'm trying to figure out which school has the better program. Any information would be greatly appreciated =) As well, what were some important factors that you guys took into consideration when choosing a nursing school?

Thanks in advance!

Soon2BPaeds · Apr 8, 2007

I am currently in Western's program and my only advice is to ask about the clinical placements. For example not everyone will get an acute care pediatric placement, some will get placed in schools instead and we do not get an obstetrical placement either. Im not sure what the placements are like at Queens but its worth checking into.

leosrain, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2007

Woo Hoo! U of C grad here. Nice to hear that we have a good reputation. I think U of C did a great job at preparing us from the very basics of patient care, right to the advanced analytical thought required for leadership and community roles.

The only thing I find lacking in Canadian nursing schools (at least here in Calgary) is a lack of a critical care placement. I would love to have had even a little bit of experience in an ICU/ER setting.

Sean

The University of Calgary and Brandon turn out really great nurses. The Universities of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ottawa's nurses are mediocre. Red River College in Winnipeg also has a good track record, offering a condensed program. Cost of living and tuition are higher in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa than they are in Winnipeg, Brandon or Saskatoon. We all write the same exam in the end though, so pick a place where you're likely to enjoy living.

leosrain, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2007

University of Calgary grad here.

The BNAT program has a so/so rep. All the students are very smart and older, but they are sped through the program so fast! The four year degree students generally have time to work as nursing attendants and then as Undergrad Nurses before finishing. As a result they have a well-rounded set of skills, more experience,and more confidence. Plus, the BNAT students get about 240 hours less clinical time. However, after a few months on the job, I'm sure it all evens out...because seriously, the BNAT students are smart, education, and well-rounded in many other ways (since they all have a first degree).

As for Vancouver connections. There really isn't any official connections, but everywhere in Canada is desperate for nurses. You will get a job in whatever city you would like, and on any unit you desire.

University of Calgary (and probably any university program) is very focused on theory/research/community health/advanced practice. Calgary has a greate masters and doctoral program, including a nurse practitioner program.

Sean

I was searching for canadian nursing school info and came here.
Sorry to cut in, but I was wondering which school would be greater, University of Toronto or University of Calgary accelerated program (BNAT)?
If I want to work in Vancouver in the future, does Calgary have better connections with hospitals in Van?
If U of T is trying to make leaders in nursing, do all the students go into graduate study after BScN?
How about Calgary? What kind of nurses are they trying to make?
If I want to have masters degree afterwards, should I consider U of T?
Any information about both universities would help.
Thank you. :)

tsunami62 · Apr 19, 2007

Hi.... I'm also new here,

there is a new BN programme at mount royal college. 'm wondering if the LPN's that studied there thought te faculty and programme were good. Also I would love to hear from anyone about what their class schedules wer like (ie 2 full days in class and 2 full days clinic/ etc.) and did you have options for what times you did yor clinics? or was is scheduled just like a class and the whole class was in the same one....

thanks for any input... it's much appreciated.