Practical Nursing Program for International Students

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Hello everyone,

I am a senior student who is studying Business in a U.S university.

I am Vietnamese and hoping to change my major and pursue a Practical Nursing Diploma in Ontario after I graduate from the U.S. Could anyone please tell me what should be the most suitable program for an international student among Centennial, Conestoga, Durham, Fanshawe and Seneca programs?

1, What is the most competitive programs among those colleges?

2, Which colleges have the most related programs (without taking too many core requirements?) I know Centennial courses are pretty relevant.

3, Which schools have the highest rate of graduates being employed?

4, What are the potential employers from those colleges?

5, Should I take the Pre Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program to be able to write the HOAE (Health Occupations Aptitude Exam)? I know that writing a HOAE is one of the application requirement for Conestoga.

Any advice and sharing are appreciated!

Many thanks.

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

1 and 2.They are all about the same.

3. Employment isn't tied to where you went to school.

4. Same as anywhere else. Hospitals, clinics , LTC, home care. Etc

5. You don't need to take prehealth to write the HOAE. There are no required courses before you take it.

Be aware that going to school in Canada doesn't mean you can stay and work. You would need to get a student visa and leave when school is done . Currently the job market in Ontario is pretty bleak. School can be expensive for international students. Student visas limit how much you can work.

Just beware of programs that do not directly prepare you/lead you to write the licensing exam. There are many college programs related to nursing and other health professions in Canada that capitalize on international students' desire to be educated and subsequently immigrate to Canada. It's a big money maker and some programs aren't enough to allow you to write the licensing exam.

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