Meagen SetterTop 5 Nursing Schools in Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful city and the best place to get your nursing education. If you’re interested in becoming a nurse, you have to have some planning.
Below you will find some of the top schools in Vancouver that specialize in the field of nursing. Please keep in mind that this list is not in any particular order.
How Much Do Nursing Schools Cost in Vancouver
There are numerous nursing schools in Vancouver. The best way to choose which school is right for you is by understanding what qualifications you need and then finding schools that meet those requirements.
A post-graduate nursing diploma can cost up to CAD 22,815 on average. Furthermore, if you want to enroll in a nursing review program, review centers charge up to CAD 15,000 plus CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,300 for textbooks and materials.
Check out the table below to see the types of nursing courses and their average tuition rates:
Top Nursing Schools in Vancouver
Many prospective nursing students find that the process of choosing an institution and/or program can be a daunting task, with numerous schools and programs to choose from.
We’ve assessed the following institutions based on the criteria below:
1. Gateway College
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Efficiency | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Areas of Expertise | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Passing Rate | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Recognitions | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Location | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Established in 1986, Gateway College has provided education and training for students who are looking to start a career in the healthcare industry.
We were immediately impressed by their mentors’ extensive experience working in both private and public hospitals, which we believe allows them to share critical knowledge in both areas.
We also liked that they have teachers who have worked in long-term care, elderly care, and home support agencies, as we believe that the diversity of their staff is important for students to get educated in all areas of healthcare.
It’s also a great feature that this institution has fully-equipped labs with hospital beds, medical equipment, articulated mannequins, and many more. In our opinion, this is beneficial for students to learn through practical exercises.
Gateway College offers an 85-week nursing program that prepares students for careers in the Canadian healthcare system. It’s worth noting that they combine theory and skills, which we believe are critical for honing students’ abilities.
We also appreciate that this course covers a wide range of topics, including medical-surgical, pharmacology, and the Canadian Nursing Exam.
Now, we do want to mention that they have a non-refundable application fee of CAD 250 for domestic students and CAD 300 for international learners.
We also thought it would’ve been more convenient if they offered online classes for theoretical subjects. Despite that, we think Gateway College is one of the top nursing schools in Vancouver.
Pros
- Specializes in health care education and training
- Diverse and experienced mentors
- Fully-equipped modern labs
- Wide range of course coverage
Cons
- Application fee is non-refundable
- No online classes available
Customer Reviews
Experienced teachers and accessible location
“Amazing College, very experienced teachers, great environment. Also the school is easily accessible – only a couple minutes of walk from the sky train station.” -Michael L.
Great facilities and nice teachers
“Teachers and faculties are super nice, easily got my study permit by enrolling in the college, I became a Canadian permanent resident last month thanks to Gateway College.” -Kolby L.
2. Sterling College
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Efficiency | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Areas of Expertise | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Reputation | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Passing Rate | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Recognitions | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Location | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Sterling College was founded in 2001 and specializes in Business, Nursing, and Information Technology programs. We liked how accessible their Vancouver campus is via public transit as they’re close to the Vancouver Convention Center.
The nursing programs at this institution focus on theoretical nursing knowledge and clinical nursing skills in a Canadian context. We believe that this prepares students to manage and lead within healthcare organizations, both public and private.
Their nursing program is a two-year course that prepares students to take on leadership positions in the Canadian healthcare environment.
This school incorporates a wide range of exam techniques such as multiple choice exams, case studies, practical exercises, and written assignments, which is a great challenge.
This, in our opinion, trains learners in various ways to test their knowledge and expertise.
We also liked how simple their application process is, as you only need to fill out their online application form, after which they will review your application and send you an offer letter and payment details.
They will send you a letter of acceptance once you have paid. Please keep in mind that if you are an international student, you must apply for a study permit.
Unfortunately, their admissions office is closed on weekends. Even so, we thought it was a nice touch that they provide student housing.
If you’re looking to apply to one of the top nursing schools in Vancouver, we think Sterling College is definitely a worthy choice.
Pros
- Accessible location
- Focuses on theoretical nursing knowledge and clinical nursing skills
- Wide range of exam techniques
- Simple application process
- Student housing available
Cons
- Admission is closed on weekends
- Relatively higher rates
Customer Reviews
Efficient teaching methods
“An excellent course: it provides students with the concepts and skills necessary for acquiring a nursing license here in Canada.” -Joyce F.
Skilled teachers
“I am currently studying here and it is a great experience so far. I feel engaged in the lessons, and the teachers are very skilled in what they do.” -Liza Z.
3. Omni College
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Efficiency | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Areas of Expertise | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Passing Rate | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Recognitions | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Location | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Founded in 1999, Omni College has provided nursing education in Vancouver. This institution was built by Ron Burke, a Canadian Registered Nurse.
We found it impressive that he recognized that there would be a nursing shortage in Canada because the country doesn’t have enough nursing graduates to keep up with the country’s population.
We believe that his enthusiasm for his job enables him to consistently improve the quality of education at his nursing school.
In our opinion, this school is ideal for learners who are looking to become a Registered Nurse in Canada as they have programs that are tailored to fit Canadian standards and language.
Apart from that, Omni College also has a Canadian Nursing Review program that teaches critical-thinking training for nursing judgments, test question approach strategies, safe and effective workplace practice, and many more.
In our opinion, this 12-week program is a nice addition to their programs for learners who are looking for more on-site and practical laboratory sessions and case-study simulations.
That said, we were a bit disappointed that they have a small team of mentors. We also wish they had financing options for students who need financial assistance.
Despite that, we were impressed that they have a 100% passing rate, making Omni College one of the top nursing schools in Vancouver.
Pros
- Years of experience
- Canadian-tailored nursing programs
- Offers 12-week nursing review programs
- 100% passing rate
Cons
- Small team of mentors
- Relatively higher rates
Customer Reviews
Professional and trustworthy
“They are an incredibly professional and trustworthy organization that truly cares about the success of their students. And it shows…they have a 99% success rate.” -Kevin M.
Responsive and helpful
“Love the owners of this college! Very helpful and responsive, getting your needs met and such an easy, organized process they have. If you want to have a career in nursing, this is the school to go to!!.” -Grace I.
4. Sprott Shaw College
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Efficiency | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Areas of Expertise | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Reputation | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Passing Rate | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Recognitions | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Location | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Robert James Sprott founded Sprott Shaw College in 1903. This institution currently has over 3,500 students per year and 16 campuses in British Columbia.
What we liked best about Sprott Shaw College is that they provide students with lifetime job placement assistance. This feature, in our opinion, benefits graduates because they’re entitled to placement services years after they complete their education.
We also appreciate that they provide flexible scheduling to accommodate students with part-time jobs and other commitments outside the campus.
Sprott Shaw College also offers a wide range of healthcare programs, including nursing, pharmacy, dental, and health unit clerkships. We believe this makes them a one-stop shop for those looking to launch a career in the healthcare industry.
Now, their nursing programs provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to cater to patients in hospitals, home care environments, and elderly care.
We also liked the fact that their professors are licensed doctors, registered nurses, and physicians because we believe this allows students to learn from experienced professionals.
Apart from nursing, this college also has courses for trade and design, business, and community support. Having said that, we didn’t like not all of their courses are available on some campuses.
Nevertheless, we still think Sprott Shaw College is one of the top nursing schools in Vancouver as they provide a comprehensive and flexible nursing program.
Pros
- 16 campuses in British Columbia
- Lifetime job placement assistance
- Flexible scheduling
- Wide variety of healthcare programs
Cons
- Not all courses are available on some campuses
- Admission closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Diverse community
” Sprott Shaw Richmond Campus has a very diverse community and the staff at Richmond Campus awalys make it a point to celebrate this diversity honouring the rixh culture of the community.” -Nathalie L.
Accommodating mentors
“I am very grateful and appreciate my instructor and all the staff that assisted me whenever I need to. I highly recommend this campus!.” -Pecky M.
5. CDI College
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Efficiency | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Areas of Expertise | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Passing Rate | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Recognitions | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Student Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Location | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
CDI College is a private career college located in downtown Vancouver. This college has over 50 years of experience, and they have five campus locations in Burnaby, Richmond, South Surrey, Surrey, and Vancouver.
Perhaps what we liked the most about this institution is they provide students the flexibility to choose between taking on-site or online classes. We believe this is beneficial for learners who prefer learning in the comfort of their own homes.
It’s also an added bonus that they have a wide range of courses for different strands, such as healthcare, business, legal, technology, and many more.
As for their nursing program, we were impressed with their wide range of diploma and certificate healthcare programs.
Whether you want to earn additional certifications or switch to a career in healthcare, CDI College has programs to help you finish your studies.
CDI College’s nursing programs prepare students for the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE). We believe that combining theory and practical techniques is extremely beneficial to students. This, in our opinion, prepares them for real-world situations.
Furthermore, many of the students we’ve spoken with have commented on how they push each student to perform to the best of their abilities.
Some students also mention how helpful their instructors and employees were in providing them with a comfortable learning environment.
All in all, we believe CDI College earned a spot on our list due to its extensive diploma and certificate healthcare programs.
Pros
- Over 50 years of experience
- Five campus locations
- Online programs available
- Combines theory and practical techniques
Cons
- No tuition rates displayed on their website
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Understanding mentors
“Our instructors are very understanding and considerate! They push each student to the best of their abilities.” -Charles A.
Addresses every student’s concerns
“Best school to go and study. Very helpful instructors and employees. Especially our new campus director,Alberto who is very helpful for the students addressing for our every concerns and needs.” -Valerie M.
FAQs about Nursing Schools in Vancouver
Finding the right nursing school for you is a daunting task, and due to the fact that healthcare is a growing industry, finding a school with good passing rates won’t be easy.
We hope our article helped you make a well-informed decision on where to take nursing courses in the city.
Now, check out these related articles where you can consider taking an internship to widen your knowledge and skills in the healthcare industry:
