Canada faces one of its most serious healthcare staffing crises in history, with provinces actively recruiting nurses domestically and internationally. Nursing is one of the most secure and well-paying careers in Canada, with Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) earning $55,000 to $75,000 and Registered Nurses (RNs) earning $70,000 to $110,000 annually. Nursing is also one of the priority occupations in Canada immigration category-based draws.
RPN vs RN: Which Pathway Is Right for You?
Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
A 2-year college diploma program. RPNs work in hospitals, long-term care, and community settings under the supervision of RNs and physicians. Faster to qualify, lower tuition, and high employment demand. Salary range: $55,000 to $75,000. Available at most Ontario colleges.
Registered Nurse (RN)
A 4-year university degree (BScN) or 2-year college diploma with university transfer. RNs have greater scope of practice and earn more. Salary range: $70,000 to $110,000. Required for most leadership and specialist roles.
Top Nursing Colleges in Canada
Seneca Polytechnic (ON)
Practical Nursing program with high NCLEX pass rates. Clinical placements at top GTA hospitals including Sunnybrook and North York General. High graduate employment rates.
George Brown College (ON)
Practical Nursing program with excellent downtown Toronto clinical partners. BScN collaboration with Ryerson. Strong international student support.
Centennial College (ON)
Practical Nursing and BScN collaborative programs. Multiple campus clinical simulation labs. Strong diversity and newcomer support programs.
Douglas College (BC)
Licensed Practical Nurse program. BC has strong demand for nurses and excellent wages. Clinical placements in Metro Vancouver hospitals.
NAIT (AB)
Practical Nurse program with Alberta highest employment rates. Alberta pays nurses very well and has no provincial income tax at lower incomes.
For Internationally Trained Nurses
If you are already a qualified nurse from another country you may be able to have your credentials assessed and get licensed in Canada without completing a full nursing program. The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) assesses internationally educated nurses. After assessment you may be required to complete a bridging program, pass the NCLEX-RN or RPN registration exam, and meet language proficiency requirements of your provincial college of nurses.
Immigration tip: Nursing is listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes eligible for category-based Express Entry draws targeting healthcare workers. Registered Nurses (NOC 31301) and Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101) both appear in IRCC healthcare draws with lower CRS cutoffs than general draws.
Written and reviewed by the GuideCAN Editorial Team
Editorially reviewed for clarity, practical usefulness and alignment with the official starting points listed below.
Official sources
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