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 (currently being updated). 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.

You can also view the e-career map for internationally trained nurses. E-career maps are interactive guides that outline the process for registering in a profession or trade.

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.

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: Kitchener

Bridging for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN) Certificate

Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology

This program helps internationally educated nurses prepare for licensure. The program offers prior learning assessment, academic and occupation-specific language training, and work experience opportunities. Upon completion of the program, graduates also receive an Ontario College Certificate from Mohawk College.

Website: www.mohawkcollege.ca/continuing-education/bridging-international-nurses/
Phone: 905 540-4247 ext. 26737
E-mail: http://www2.mohawkcollege.ca/cecat/cecat.asp?name=NancyBrown
Location: Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, Niagara Regions

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.

Website: www.care4nurses.org
Phone: 416-226-2800
E-mail: info@care4nurses.org
Location: Toronto, Hamilton

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

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

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

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/
Contact: Verla Fortier, Senior Consultant Nursing Recruitment
Phone: 905-521-2100 ext. 77099
E-mail: fortier@hhsc.ca
Location: Hamilton

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

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

"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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