Yes, students should have an intermediate level of French or greater for the Nursing program. Priority will be given to those students competent in French. All students are required to take two French-second-language courses at a college level of proficiency.
In order to obtain an RN license in Quebec, individuals must hold a bilingual certificate (completed Secondary V in Quebec since June 1986) or studied in a Francophone institution. All other students will be required to successfully pass all components of the Office québécoise de la langue française (OQLF) exam. The OIIQ has the right to issue temporary nursing permits valid for not more than one year to persons who are declared qualified to practice nursing (i.e. passed the OIIQ professional exam but who have not passed the OQLF exam.) The permits may be renewed, only three times, with the authorization of the OQLF.
Upon graduation, individuals who have successfully passed the OIIQ professional exam can work in a variety of nursing domains in Quebec.
Upon successful receipt of an RN license in Quebec, candidates can apply for a transfer of license to a respective professional College of Nurses across Canada under the respective provincial/territorial legislation and regulations. For more information please contact the Canadian Nurses Association.
Unfortunately, we do not offer an online or part-time program. However, students may choose to extend their program over five years if needed.
Yes, students may work part time as long as it does not interfere with their studies. Students are not allowed to work a night shift before a clinical shift. There are several bursaries and loans available to students to ease the financial stress of school. Please contact Financial Assistance for more information.
Upon completion of a nursing program at the college or university level, students are eligible to write the professional licensing examination by the Ordre des infirmières and infirmiers du Quebec (OIIQ), which is offered in both English and French. Students may request accommodation measures for the exam as specified in the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. For more information, please consult the OIIQ l’inscription à l’examen professionnel.
Students who have completed Secondary V in Quebec since June 1986, as well as students who have at least three years of high school studies in French, or have a bilingual certificate, are not required to write the OQLF exam.
All other students will be required to successfully pass all components of the OQLF in order to be licensed in Quebec. Within the last two years before obtaining their diploma for a permit to practice, students can register for testing with the OQLF. It is recommended not to wait until the last minute.
During their program of studies, students who are not successful on their first attempt, have several other attempts to be successful. It is highly recommended that students seek additional support/ tutoring based on their level of French. French support and tutoring is offered through Student Services.
The OIIQ has the right to issue temporary nursing permits valid for not more than one year to persons who are declared qualified to practice nursing (i.e. passed the OIIQ professional exam but who have not passed the OQLF exam). The permits may be renewed, only three times, with the authorization of the OQLF.