Have you ever wondered if a future in nursing is the right career move for you? Without a doubt, choosing what to study in college can be a stressful decision. You’ll be investing a lot of time, money and effort, and sometimes it can be difficult to gauge whether the choice you make now will pay off in the coming years. But choosing to pursue nursing in Canada is a career path that is not only rewarding, but will also provide you ample growth opportunity, strong job security, and options to work in a variety of settings and locations.
There are an abundance of opportunities for international nurses in Canada
Nurses are an essential part of the healthcare system, and are in high demand, both locally and around the world. As the Canadian population ages, the current demand is only going to increase. In fact, according to Leap Scholar, as of 2023, there is a Canadian nursing shortage of over 60,000 positions, which is expected to grow to more than 100,000 nationwide by 2030 (Scheffler RM, Arnold DR.). For an internationally-trained nurse, who might just need to fill a few skills gaps, this means your future job prospects are wide open.
Canadian nursing jobs are secure
Because of the consistent demand for nurses in Canada, once you get hired, your job is pretty secure. With labour market trends indicating positive growth across the country for the next three years, nursing also offers a competitive salary, and good benefits. And, because of Canada’s well-respected healthcare system, there are plenty of opportunities for career advancement, as well as the potential to work in a variety of clinical practice areas, like pediatrics, geriatrics, critical care, mental health, and community health, among others.
There are opportunities to travel and work inside and outside Canada
Canada is a multicultural, diverse country, and welcomes nurses from abroad. The number of internationally-educated nurses working across the country in 2022 reached just over 33,000 (Canadian Institute for Health Information). And while there are many opportunities right here in Toronto, nurses are needed far and wide, in both big cities and rural communities across the country. Similarly, nurses are needed all over the world, so if you ever feel like taking your career elsewhere, the door is open.
International Nursing at Centennial College
Keeping all these factors in mind, you can see how pursuing a nursing career in Canada can be a rewarding career choice. And the best part is, we have the Canadian nursing education that can help you get to where you want to be.
If you’re an international nurse looking to work in Canada, Centennial College’s Practical Nursing for Internationally Educated Nurses program serves as a means to transfer your knowledge and skills into the Canadian workforce. This accelerated nursing program takes place over three semesters, and can be completed in just one year, during which you’ll develop your critical thinking, communication, research, and leadership skills, among other things, and learn how to apply them in the Canadian context. The process is quick, and will help set you up to meet Ontario nursing requirements, so you can get back into the workforce doing what you love.
A career in Canadian nursing offers numerous advantages, including strong job security, competitive salaries, and diverse opportunities for career growth. Whether you're a first-year nursing student or an internationally-trained nurse looking to bridge skills gaps, the demand for nurses in Canada ensures a bright future. With the added benefit of a multicultural environment and the possibility to work in various clinical practice areas, nursing in Canada is not just a career choice—it's a fulfilling path that can lead to a lifetime of rewarding experiences. If you're ready to embark on this journey, Centennial’s programs provide the education and support you need to succeed in the Canadian healthcare system.