Number of years of studies - Québec VS rest of Canada

[Benla]

Hi guys,

Future Nursing student here. Québec resident, Canadian citizen.

From what I can see, there is basically three levels (based on studies) for nurses in Québec:

- 3 years of "Cégep" will make you a Nurse (Infirmière)

- 3 years of Cégep + 2 years of University (Bachelor degree?) - DEC-BAC combined will make you a Clinical Nurse (Infirmière Clinicienne)

- 3 years of Cégep + 2 years Bachelor + 2-3 years "Maitrise" in University will make you Practical Nurse (Infirmière Praticienne)

I read on some Ontario and BC colleges websites that to become a nurse in these provinces, you have to complete 4 total years and end up with a bachelor degree. Now, to get that bachelor degree in Quebec you need 5 total study years. So basically, for the same degree and same knowledge and all, you can do in 4 years in Ontario (for instance) while it will take you 5 years in Québec. Am I right? What are the equivalences in Ontario for the above titles?

I'm a bit confused.

Thanks!

[randomgal]

It's because highschool in Quebec is only 5 years and not 6 like in the other provinces. So you actually do the same number of years, but it's divided differently. If you did 6 years of highschool outside Quebec and choose to do post-secondary there, then you choose to take on that extra year... but the tuition in CEGEPS is non-existent, and it's lower even at university level than other provinces, so in a way, it all balances out...

[dishes, BSN, RN]

I think it has more to do with Quebec having college level diploma nursing programs than total years of high school education, because prior to 2005, Ontario had college level, 3 year diploma nursing programs, which after completion, plus passing a national exam, would make you a registered nurse.

Prior to 2005, the 3 year diploma + 2 years university (bachelors) degree combined would make you a post diploma degree nurse, however, holding a degree in Ontario, does not change a registered nurse's title, like it does in Quebec where holding a degree makes you a clinical nurse. I am not sure what exactly the role of a clinical nurse is in Quebec, can you tell me Benla?

[Benla]

Wow thanks for your replies guys, very appreciated. I understand it all now.

Dishes: a clinical nurse can do more "complex" things, they can also teach in colleges and do more administrative work.