Nursing in Canada is a well-respected healthcare profession that focuses on health protection, promotion, and advocacy for individuals and families. The Bachelor of Nursing degree is a pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Canada, offering opportunities to pursue various nursing careers.
Top nursing programs in Canada span over 100 options with different specializations and degree levels like bachelor’s, master’s, diplomas, and PhDs across prestigious universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, and University of Calgary. These bachelor’s nursing programs typically last 2 to 4 years, covering nursing theory, practice, professional issues, physiology, and anatomy.
Top Nursing Program #1
The University of Alberta is consistently ranked as the top nursing program in Canada and among the best in the world. It moved from 23rd globally in 2019 to 5th in 2023 for teaching, research, and clinical care. According to the 2023 QS World University Rankings, the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Nursing secured the 5th position worldwide and the top rank in Canada.
The university offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program that qualifies graduates to become Registered Nurses. The undergraduate nursing curriculum covers diverse topics such as:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Community engagement
- Indigenous health
- Mental health
Students gain extensive clinical practice experience in various settings, including hospitals, continuing care centers, and schools. The program maintains a favorable student-faculty ratio of 7:1 for most clinical experiences. This hands-on training prepares students for their future nursing roles effectively.
| Key Highlights | Statistics |
| Employment Rate | 98% within two years of graduation |
| Program Reputation | Ranked #1 in Canada |
| Research Reputation | Among the top nursing programs globally |
The University of Alberta’s nursing program is renowned for its strong research focus, exceptional clinical placements, and reputation for producing highly skilled graduates . Its consistent top rankings reflect the program’s commitment to excellence in nursing education and training.
Top Nursing Program #2
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is ranked as the #2 nursing programs in Canada in 2023. UBC School of Nursing offers a BScN program that can be completed in 20 months after finishing a bachelor’s degree or 48 non-nursing university credits.
The nursing curriculum at UBC is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nursing theory and practice. The program covers various topics, including:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Nursing ethics and professionalism
Students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, community health centers, and long-term care facilities. This practical experience prepares them for their future roles as registered nurses.
| Key Highlights | Statistics |
| National Ranking | #2 in Canada |
| Program Duration | 20 months (for students with a previous degree) |
| Clinical Placements | Diverse healthcare settings |
UBC’s nursing program is known for its innovative teaching methods, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong focus on research. Graduates from this program are well-prepared to enter the nursing profession and contribute to the healthcare system in Canada.
McMaster University’s School of Nursing is recognized worldwide for its innovative approach to nursing education, with a focus on the development and enhancement of nursing education.
Top Nursing Program #3
The University of Toronto is ranked as the #3 nursing program in Canada in 2023, according to the QS World University Rankings. The Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto is ranked the 5th best nursing program in the world and the top program in Canada.
The University of Toronto offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program that qualifies graduates to become Registered Nurses. The nursing curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing ethics and professionalism
- Clinical practice experiences in various healthcare settings
The program is known for its strong focus on research, innovative teaching methods, and state-of-the-art facilities. Graduates from the University of Toronto’s nursing program are well-prepared to enter the nursing profession and contribute to the healthcare system in Canada.
| Key Highlights | Statistics |
| Global Ranking | #5 in the world |
| National Ranking | #1 in Canada |
| Program Duration | 4 years |
The University of Toronto’s nursing program has consistently been ranked among the top programs in Canada and the world, reflecting its commitment to excellence in nursing education and training.
Top Nursing Program #4
McGill University is ranked 4th overall for its nursing program in Canada for 2023 The university’s Ingram School of Nursing offers a 3-4 year BScN program, ranked the best in Quebec and among the top 5 in Canada .
McGill’s nursing program has the 5th best program reputation and the 4th best research reputation among the top 20 nursing schools in Canada. It is recognized for its innovative approach to nursing education and its focus on practical skills through simulation labs and clinical placements.
The program encourages students to take complementary courses such as management studies and social sciences. This approach aims to take the quality of nursing and healthcare to the next level globally. The demand for nurses in Canada is expected to increase from 64,000 to 142,000 over the next decade, highlighting the importance of high-quality nursing programs like McGill’s .
Top Nursing Program #5
McMaster University is ranked as the #5 nursing programs in Canada in 2023. The ranking criteria includes both program reputation and research reputation .
McMaster University’s School of Nursing is recognized worldwide for its innovative approach to nursing education, with a focus on the development and enhancement of nursing education. The university offers various nursing programs, including:
- 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program
- 20-month accelerated BScN program
- 3-year BScN program for Registered Practical Nurses
These programs aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nursing theory and practice, covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing ethics.
| Key Highlights | Details |
| National Ranking | #5 in Canada |
| Global Ranking | Top 25 in the world |
| Program Options | 4-year, 20-month accelerated, and 3-year streams |
McMaster University’s nursing programs are known for their innovative teaching methods, strong focus on research, and practical experience through clinical placements in various healthcare settings.
Top Nursing Program #6
Dalhousie University and Queen’s University are tied for the 6th best nursing program in Canada . The ranking is based on two factors: program reputation and research reputation. Dalhousie University has a program reputation rank of 6 and a research reputation rank of 7, while Queen’s University has a program reputation rank of 8 and a research reputation rank of 6 .
Dalhousie University’s School of Nursing offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, with options for students to obtain approved nursing certificates in areas like oncology, public health, mental health, and acute/critical care nursing.
| Key Highlights | Details |
| Program Duration | 3 years |
| Certificate Options | Oncology, Public Health, Mental Health, Acute/Critical Care Nursing |
| Program Reputation Rank | 6 |
| Research Reputation Rank | 7 |
Both Dalhousie University and Queen’s University are renowned for their innovative approaches to nursing education and their commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the nursing profession.
Conclusion
Nursing is a noble and essential profession that plays a pivotal role in healthcare systems worldwide. Canada’s top nursing programs have consistently demonstrated their dedication to providing exceptional nursing education, fostering practical skills, and promoting cutting-edge research. These programs have earned their place among the best in the world, with the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, McGill University, McMaster University, Dalhousie University, and Queen’s University leading the way.
The rankings and highlights presented in this article serve as a testament to the commitment of these institutions to nurturing the next generation of skilled nurses. Aspiring nurses can be assured that by choosing these top-ranked programs, they will receive a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and a strong emphasis on research. This holistic approach prepares graduates to excel in their chosen nursing careers while contributing to the advancement of healthcare practices.
FAQs
- What are the top nursing programs in Canada? Several universities in Canada are renowned for their nursing programs. Some of the best include the University of Alberta, University of Toronto, McMaster University, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Calgary, Queen’s University at Kingston, and the University of Ottawa.
- Which nursing program in Canada is the easiest to gain admission to? Lakehead University is considered one of the easiest nursing programs to get into in Canada, with an acceptance rate of 55%. This makes it particularly accessible for international students.
- Which Canadian nursing school is the most difficult to enter? The nursing program at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) is among the hardest to get into in Canada. It admits only 125 students into its BScN program, and the University of Prince Edward Island accepts just 70 students. These programs see tens of thousands of applicants each year, with the number of applications continuing to rise.
- Which nursing program has the highest acceptance rate? In the United States, several nursing programs boast a 100% acceptance rate. Notable examples include Lubbock Christian University, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma Wesleyan University.