US student applying to nursing school in Canada

Published

Hi there,

I'm a new allnurses user - from what I can see this platform has been a great resource to many people, so I'm hoping to get some great information, or insight as well.

Are there any US students out there that have applied to Canadian nursing programs, such as University of British Columbia, that have been accepted and graduated from the program, or are currently in the program? As I prepare to submit applications in the Washington State area, I've considered applying to UBC, just to keep my options open.

If you have any information on this particular kind of experience, I'd love to hear about: Were you accepted the first time around? What are the possibilities of returning to the US to work as a nurse? What are the possibilities of practicing in Canada? How did you handle tuition and living expenses as an international student (the fees are quite steep for int'l students). What is your take on the quality of education that you are receiving or received? Have you been satisfied with your decision?

A lot of questions I know! But I hope to take my background and match it with the school that is best for me. Any information would be awesome. Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am not a US student in Canada but I do have 2 US students in my class (Ontario). They were accepted the first time around and the fees are not as high as you would think. The possibilities of working in either country are good as Nursing is under the NAFTA agreenment, just jump throught the hoops and do the immigration paper work. As for the quality of education, i can not speak for UBC but here it is excellent.

Good luck in your endevours

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I am a Canadian/American dual citizen (or equivalently as close as you can get to dual nowadays)

My education was completed in Canada, But I have only ever worked in the US. In fact, I'm not even licensed in Canada...I only wrote NCLEX, so I couldn't work there right now unless I decided to write the CRNE

Writing NCLEX with a Canadian education without a Canadian registration is a bit tricky. There is actually only one state that allows this....You have to jump through a lot of hoops to get a license in your desired state, but it is possible.

MY reason for taking this route is the CRNE is darn expensive and I never planned on working or living there in the near future.

Hope this helps you a bit

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

Forgot to add

Canadian minimum entry to practice for nursing is almost virtually a BSN in all provinces (there used to be an exception in one province, but that was a long time ago)

The quality is excellent, and most BSN programs are 4 years...not too many "get a nursing education in 12 months" programs.

However if you plan to work in Canada having a BSN does not give you an edge cause everyone has one!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi! I'm from the states and went to nursing school in British Columbia. Honestly, it ended up being a fabulous experience. I was accepted into the program first time I applied. One huge bonus to going to school there was being able to start practicums 2nd semester of 1st year...and this was a 4 year program. At the time, it seemed like most programs in the states didn't start practical rotations until your 3rd year, but I'm not sure if this is still the case. One added benefit that I had that you unfortunately won't was the fact that the US dollar was much stronger at the time. Right now the Canadian and US dollar are right about even. That said...I love Canada, I loved going to school in Canada and I felt like I received an exceptional education there. There was no issue in passing the NCLEX and the transition from student nurse to practicing RN went very smoothly. I had no difficulty in registering for the NCLEX or getting licensed in several states...but I don't know if the process has changed. For me, the process was really seamless. Even with the exchange not being as optimal, I'd still really encourage anyone interested in going to school in Canada to check it out.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all for your incredibly helpful responses - I am encouraged! Right now it appears that community colleges in my area (offering 2-year ADN degrees) are averaging 200+ applications to 20 seats. Universities are better, but still very competitive. It's nice to know I have options. If you think of any other helpful information in terms of studying in Canada, feel free to drop a line! Any tips are appreciated. All the best to each of you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi! I'm from the states and went to nursing school in British Columbia. Honestly, it ended up being a fabulous experience. I was accepted into the program first time I applied. One huge bonus to going to school there was being able to start practicums 2nd semester of 1st year...and this was a 4 year program. At the time, it seemed like most programs in the states didn't start practical rotations until your 3rd year, but I'm not sure if this is still the case. One added benefit that I had that you unfortunately won't was the fact that the US dollar was much stronger at the time. Right now the Canadian and US dollar are right about even. That said...I love Canada, I loved going to school in Canada and I felt like I received an exceptional education there. There was no issue in passing the NCLEX and the transition from student nurse to practicing RN went very smoothly. I had no difficulty in registering for the NCLEX or getting licensed in several states...but I don't know if the process has changed. For me, the process was really seamless. Even with the exchange not being as optimal, I'd still really encourage anyone interested in going to school in Canada to check it out.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Hello nightowl29,

May ask how you financed your Canadian education? I mean, did you receive any kind of assistance? Did you live on campus or off campus? How did it work out? Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP.

I would LOVE to emigrate to Canada. Seriously. We even tried once, but they wouldn't take my husband. Seems they don't want more trial lawyers in Canada. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi TFoy...

I'll be honest. I really lucked out as far as financing my education goes. During the four years I went to school in Canada, the average exchange rate was $1USD = $1.5 Canadian. Now it's about $1 USD = .97 Canadian. I had a really good job during the summer months and breaks, so I actually didn't have to get outside assistance besides a little from my family. Looking back I realize how fortunate I was. So I wish I could give you more information on finding financial assistance when going to school as an international student in Canada, but I really don't know. Hopefully the financial aid office at UBC could give you a bit more direction.

As far as living arrangements, I lived on campus for my 1st year which was a really great way to meet people, and then I lived in an apartment with friends for the next 3 years which worked out to be a little bit cheaper and worked out really well.

Hmmm...I'm trying to think of any other info that might be helpful. It was very easy to get a student visa. At one of the border crossings, I showed them my university admission papers, paid around $100, and they gave me a 4 year student visa in return.

I hope this helps a little!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International forum

Remember if you train outside the country you are from you will always be required to complete paperwork as a International trained nurse and that means there are delays in getting OK to sit NCLEX and meet eligibility

Also as mentioned remember you will need to get a student visa and all information can be found on the CIC website. There are also opportunities to stay post grad and work and gain experience

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion