The Best Nursing Schools in British Columbia

Nursing is a rewarding career filled with benefits and opportunities. It also requires a lot of work and diligence on the part of the student who has the calling to care for people who are in need. There is much to consider when entering this lucrative and rewarding health care field. Attending one of the top nursing schools in British Columbia can give a graduate a good position upon graduation.

Determine If a Nursing School Is Good

The Maclean’s and Campus Ranking tools help students to gauge their experience and subsequently rate the best nursing schools in B.C.

The graduation rates and exam pass rates can help you discern if the program you plan to attend is worthwhile. Check the percentage of graduates who gained employment after leaving the nursing school.

Nursing as a Profession

The nursing profession is continually evolving and expanding. It offers job security and career flexibility as nurses become an even more integral part of a clinic or hospital. Nurses practicing in Canada can expect to make in the mid-five figures annually with many opportunities to advance.

Education for Nurses

To become a nurse, the student has to navigate a competitive and intense program. The first year of nursing education can be the most difficult as the student adjusts to the course workload.

Prepare for the first year by creating a practical schedule for family responsibilities, work or other obligations. Before you step into your first class or slip on scrubs for a lab class, prioritize what you need to do on a monthly, weekly and daily basis. This can help you manage any bumps that come along in life as you cruise through nursing school.

Applying to the Best Nursing Schools in B.C.

If you are worried about filling out the application, then take some time to flesh out all that makes you a good candidate. A well-crafted application can allow your application to rise to the top of the pile. When applying to nursing school, include more than the numbers, such as SAT or ACT exam results, that amount to your qualifications as an undergrad.

If you have worked in the community, whether in the health field or as a volunteer, then make sure to include this in your application. Highlight any areas where you excelled, from sports to the drama club. A college wants to see the whole picture and all that a student can contribute to the institution.

University of Toronto

This is probably the most recognized higher education institution in Canada for health programs. It is the only Canadian school to have crested the top 10 list of nursing programs in the world.

The Faculty of Medicine is affiliated with numerous teaching hospitals that provide medical treatment and research and advisory services to patients to give nursing students hands-on experience as they finish their studies. The programs are skill-based.

University of Alberta

One of the best nursing programs in British Columbia, the University of Alberta is often in the top five in nursing schools in B.C. rankings. QS World University Rankings puts this school as the second best nursing school in B.C. Students rave about the experienced professors.

The undergraduate programs are NEPAB approved and accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing. It is the only Canadian member of the Hartford Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence. Students get a hands-on laboratory experience from early on in the program in the Nursing Simulation Centre.

University of British Columbia School of Nursing

Nursing students can hit the ground running after graduating from this innovative and relatively advanced program. It is heavy on classroom study and clinical practice in acute care in community settings.

To gain admittance into the college, student’s must have a bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 48 non-nursing university transferable credits in pre-med or any other field of study.