Nursing

Working in Ontario

In Ontario, nursing is one profession with two categories – Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs). RNs and RPNs study from the same body of nursing knowledge. Programs for RN students are longer and more in depth, while RPN students study for a shorter time, resulting in a more focused body of knowledge.

If you are an internationally trained nurse and you want to practise in Ontario you must register with the College of Nurses of Ontario. To find out how to register, view the career map in the ‘Tools and Information’ section of this page.

Tools and Information

The Ontario Government has partnered with the College of Nurses of Ontario to create a Career Map for internationally trained nurses. The Career Map explains in detail every step of the registration process including the language requirements, labour market conditions, the credential assessment process and other important information.

Getting Help

Entry to practice requirements: You can find information on how you can practise as a regulated nurse in Ontario on HealthForceOntario.

Bridge training programs: If you are qualified in your profession but new to Ontario, you may benefit from a bridging program. Bridge training programs help qualified immigrants move more quickly into their professions without duplicating what they have already learned.

HealthForceOntario offers a number of services to health professionals, including a recruitment centre and jobs listing service.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) for Internationally Educated Nurses

York University

This program helps internationally educated nurses obtain the credentials needed to practice as a registered nurse in Ontario. The program offers participants academic training, skills upgrading, language training and clinical experience.

Program graduates receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and are qualified to write the Canadian Registered Nurses Exam.

Website: www.yorku.ca/health/nurs/programs_inter_educated.html
Contact: Dr. Patricia Bradley
Phone: 416-736-2100 ext. 33182
Email: bradleyp@yorku.ca
Location: Toronto

Bridge to Certification for Internationally Educated Nurses

Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology

This program helps internationally educated nurses meet the regulatory requirements to become registered nurses and registered practical nurses in the province of Ontario. The program provides participants with academic and occupation-specific language training, registration exam preparation support as well as supervised clinical placements and mentorship opportunities.

Website: www.fanshawec.ca/programs-courses/gateway-international-professionals/professional-bridging-programs/nursing-credenti
E-mail: bien@fanshawec.ca
Telephone: 519-667-2392 ext. 251
Location: London

Bridge to Practice in Ontario

Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology

This program offers courses in occupation-specific language, workplace culture and communication, technical skills, clinical practice in simulation labs, Canadian work experience opportunities, employment preparation workshops and exam preparation.

Centennial College also offers pre-program courses for internationally educated nurses waiting for their Letter of Direction from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). The pre-program prepares internationally educated nurses for success in Centennial College’s main bridge training diploma program.

Website: http://www.centennialcollege.ca/Programs/ProgramOverview.aspx?Program=9352
E-mail: healthstudies@centennialcollege.ca
Phone: 416-289-5303
Location: Toronto

Building Internationally Educated Nurses’ Intercultural Competence through Technologically Enhanced Learning

York University

This program is designed to increase internationally educated nurses’ intercultural awareness using technology enhanced learning. This program is a component of York University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Internationally Educated Nurses program, and is available to participants of the program.

Website: www.yorku.ca/health/nurs/programs_inter_educated.html
Contact: Dr. Patricia Bradley
Phone: 416 736 2100 ext 33182
E-mail: bradleyp@yorku.ca
Location: Toronto

CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses

CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses

This program provides exam preparation, nursing-specific language training, counselling, financial advice, workshops, job shadowing, networking opportunities and job shadowing through health agencies in Ontario. CARE now has locations in Toronto, Brampton, Hamilton, Kingston and London.

Contact: Zubeida Ramji, Executive Director
Website: www.care4nurses.org
Email: info@care4nurses.org
Phone: (416) 226-2800
Location: Toronto, Hamilton, Peel, London, Kingston, Windsor

Enhanced Academic Pathway for Nurses Graduate Certificate

George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology

This program helps internationally educated nurses prepare for registration and employment by providing academic coursework, clinical placements, training workshops as well as mentoring and job search support opportunities. On-line courses will be developed and delivered in order to increase the flexibility of the program for participants. Completing the program leads to a nursing graduate certificate.

Website: http://coned.georgebrown.ca/owa_prod/cewskcrss.P_Certificate?area_code=PA0017&cert_code=CE0133
Email: gbradley@georgebrown.ca
Telephone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2872
Location: Toronto

Gateway for Internationally Educated Nurses

Chinese Professionals Association of Canada (CPAC)

This is a one-stop program to assist internationally educated nurses to obtain licensure and employment in their field in Toronto, York and Peel Regions. It includes an introduction to nursing in Ontario, nursing-specific language training, workplace culture training, registration exam preparation, mentoring, employment services and job placement.

Website: www.chineseprofessionals.ca
E-mail: office@chineseprofessionals.ca
Phone: 416-298-7885
Location: Toronto, York Region, Peel Region

Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) & English as a Second Language (ESL) Nursing Project

Hamilton Health Sciences

This program is for internationally trained registered nurses and registered practical nurses working at Hamilton Health Sciences Centre. The program provides services to address training and employment needs from recruitment and orientation to full clinical integration. The program also includes clinical assessment, clinical skills development, problem-solving, communication skills training, team relationships, professionalism and managing conflict in a hospital setting.

Website: www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/body.cfm?id=2257
Contact: Daniela Dijmarescu, Project Manager
Phone: 905-521-2100 ext. 77512
E-mail: dijmares@hhsc.ca
Location: Hamilton

Keeping it Current for Internationally Educated Nurses

Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology

This program helps internationally educated nurses meet the requirements necessary to qualify for the registration examination and to practice in Ontario either as registered practical nurses (RPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). The program includes enhanced occupational-specific language training, in-class academic or simulated laboratory training, clinical placements, cultural competency, workplace preparation and registration exam support.

Website: www2.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/
Contact: Mary Jane Burrows, Program Coordinator
Telephone: 613-727-4723 ext. 5085
Location: Ottawa

Outreach Programming for Internationally Educated Nurses

Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology

This program offers training and supports to IENs living in the regions of Niagara, Waterloo, Halton, Dufferin and Peel. This program uses a combination of delivery methods including online modules, videoconferencing, and local classroom instruction. This program also includes clinical placements in order to help participants meet the requirements to write Ontario's nursing registration exams.

Website: www.mohawkcollege.ca/continuing-education/bridging-international-nurses.html
E-mail: nancy.brown@mohawkcollege.ca
Phone: (905) 540-4247 ext. 26705
Location: Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, Niagara, Dufferin and Peel regions

Pathways to Health Care Certification for Internationally Trained Individuals

Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology

This program delivers training and supports to internationally educated nurses (IENs) living in Northwestern Ontario. It prepares IENs to write Ontario's nursing registration exams, and help them integrate effectively into Northwestern Ontario's health-care workforce.

Website: www.confederationc.on.ca/splash
E-mail: bernosky@confederationc.on.ca
Phone: 807-475-6211
Location: Thunder Bay

Pre-Health Bridge to Practical Nursing Diploma

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

This 15-week program helps internationally educated health professionals obtain licensure and find work as Registered Practical Nurses. The program includes occupation-specific language preparation, pre-health academic course work and a practicum. Program graduates also qualify for accelerated completion of Conestoga College’s Practical Nursing Diploma.

Website: www.conestogac.on.ca/about/newcanadians/specialprograms.jsp
Contact: Jane Richards
Telephone: 519-748-5220 ext. 2421
Email: jprichards@conestogac.on.ca
Location: Kitchener

"Test for Success": Multifaceted Program to Promote Internationally Educated Nurse Success on the Canadian Registered Nurse Exam (CRNE)

York University

The "Test for Success" curriculum has been embedded in York University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Internationally Educated Nurses program. A website has been created for participants to learn effective test-taking strategies and take practice tests in preparation for the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination. This component is available only to participants of the BScN for Internationally Educated Nurses program.

Website: www.yorku.ca/health/nurs/programs_inter_educated.html
Contact: Dr. Patricia Bradley
Phone: 416-736-2100 ext. 33182
Email: bradleyp@yorku.ca
Location: Toronto

Regulatory Body

College of Nurses of Ontario
101 Davenport Road
Toronto, ON M5R 3P1
Phone: 416-928-0900
Toll Free 1-800-387-5526
Fax: 416-928-6507
Email: cno@cnomail.org
Website: www.cno.org

Learning More

To learn about occupations in Canada, visit the Working in Canada website. This site will help you identify the name of your occupation in Canada. It will also give you important information about your profession in many regions of Canada, including job duties, skill requirements and wage rates. To learn about your occupation, visit the website and click the ‘Start’ button on the main page.

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What is a temporary work permit and how can I get one?

Temporary work permits are used to give you permission to work for a specific period of time with an employer in Ontario. You must obtain this permit before entering Canada. Your Canadian employer will be required to consult with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. You may also be interested in the Ontario's Multinational Employee Transfer.
How do I find a job in Ontario?

You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool. You may also benefit from labour market information that will provide you with current market trends. Employment Ontario funds a variety of services to help you in your job search. Jobs are also advertised in newspapers, on websites and through local employment agencies.
How can I get my education, professional credentials and skills assessed?

You can find information on education and credential assessment on our site and learn about Ontario's professional licensing bodies. You may also want to know about apprenticeship program to work in the trades and about bridge training programs to enter the Canadian market.
Where can I get job-specific training?

The Ontario government supports Bridge Training programs to help newcomers get their license or certificate in their profession or trade, so that they can work in Ontario. Find out more about these job-specific training.
What jobs and professions are in demand in Ontario?

You can use the Working in Canada tool for wage information, job demand and skills requirements in Canada. You can also find labour market information for Ontario including current market trends.
What should I do if an employer wants to hire me to work in Ontario?

You must either be a permanent resident or have a work permit in order to work in Ontario. You are also required to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It may also be necessary to have your international academic credentials assessed and recognized.
What are my rights in the Ontario workplace?

The Employment Standards Act, 2000, known as the ESA, is a law that sets minimum standards in employment for fair workplace practices in Ontario. You can find Employment Standards information on many languages. You may find the frequently asked questions and the Guide to the Employment Standards Act published on the Ministry of Labour's site very useful.
Where can I get information on professional associations and regulatory bodies?

In Ontario, each regulated profession has its own regulatory body. You will find informaton on regulated professions and their regulatory bodies on our site by choosing your profession in the left navigation bar.
Where can I go to improve my English?

Basic English language assessment and instruction for adults is available in Ontario. School boards also deliver English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for children and non-credit programs for adults. Use our language class wizard to find an English language training program near you.
What programs are available if I want to upgrade or improve my education?

Adults who want to earn a high school diploma in Ontario may do so by attending classes through local school boards. Adults may also earn a high school diploma by studying at home through the Ontario Government's Independent Learning Centre. Universities and community colleges accept mature post-secondary students and will often offer continuing education programs.