Karsten SturmayA career as a health professional might be demanding but it’s also one of the most rewarding. If you’re thinking about pursuing training to become a nurse, this list is exactly what you’re looking for.
We’ve compiled this list of the best nursing schools in Edmonton based on their programs, reputations, and career opportunities. Although there are only a few registered nursing schools in the city, we’ve supplemented it with practical nursing programs and health care aide training as well.
Before we have a look at our top picks for nursing schools, let’s talk a little bit about tuition.
How Much Do Nursing Schools Cost in Edmonton?
Getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) will cost anywhere from $4,000 – $12,000 per year, depending on the school and course load. Each learning institution will have its own additional charges, which are usually administrative fees or payment for supplies and services.
The first table is the tuition for one year at the University of Alberta for a full-time Canadian student who doesn’t need to board or live in a dormitory.
| Tuition | $7,106.40 |
| Athletics/Recreation Fees | $183.28 |
| Books, Supplies and Instruments | $3,500.00 |
| PAW Centre Fee | $58.00 |
| Student Academic Support | $517.20 |
| Student Health and Wellness | $127.60 |
| Students’ Union Dedicated Fees | $168.98 |
| Students’ Union Dental Plan | $150.00 |
| Students’ Union Health Plan | $155.00 |
| Students’ Union Membership Fees | $107.36 |
| U-Pass | $360.00 |
| Estimated costs | $ 12,433.82 |
The next table is the approximate tuition for MacEwan University for a domestic student with a full-course load of 18 credits.
| Tuition | |
| Cost Per Credit | $210.00 |
| Credits Selected | 18 |
| Tuition Subtotal (Credits x Cost Per Credit) | $3,780.00 |
| Other Mandatory Fees | |
| SAMU General Membership Fee | $179.25 |
| Global Education Fee1 | $3.50 |
| U-Pass | $180.00 |
| Medical Clinic Fee1 | $12.00 |
| Information Technology fee | $34.50 |
| Registrarial Service Fee | $18.00 |
| Sport and Wellness Fee1 | $102.00 |
| Other Mandatory Fees Subtotal | $529.00 |
1 | Not applicable for programs offered at a campus outside of Edmonton.
| Total Estimated Tuition and Fees for one term | $4,309.00 |
On the other hand, practical nursing programs for domestic students can reach a similar sum, ranging from $10,000 to $17,000 for a year of training. For international students, these can cost significantly more – NorQuest College, for example, can cost up to $46,000.
The Best Nursing Schools in Edmonton
Now that you have a better idea of what nursing school costs, we can take a look at our pick for the best nursing schools in Edmonton.
1. University of Alberta
| PROGRAMS | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), BScN bilingual program, BScN After-Degree, BScN Honors After-Degree, RPN-to-BScN program. |
| WEBSITE | https://www.ualberta.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 116 St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 492-3111 Prospective Student Inquiries Phone: (780) 492-4094 Email: [email protected] |
The University of Alberta earns a spot on our list because it’s ranked as one of the top 5 universities in Canada according to Macleans.ca and is also in the top 150 worldwide as reported by QS World Universities. This makes it one of the finest institutions to receive your education from.
With experienced and acclaimed professors and facilitators, they have one of the most modern facilities both for research and educating. The welcoming community is open to students from all walks of life fostering a diverse and multicultural university.
The University of Alberta offers five Nursing programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), BScN with Honors – After Degree, BScN – After Degree, Bilingual Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Baccalauréat Bilingue ès Sciences Infirmières), and Registered Psychiatric Nurse to Nursing Program (RPN-to-BScN).
Receiving your BScN degree is the first step towards becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Your four-year education can take place in the institution of your choice, at the North Campus at the University of Alberta, Red Deer College, Keyano College, or Grande Prairie Regional College.
The BScN program places you in a clinical setting where modern technology and advanced patient simulations give you the best training possible. This practical approach starts as early as the first semester, which is one of the most unique traits of the program at this university.
Now, once you’ve started your third year, you can apply for the BScN Honors Program, and although it offers a lot of additional training and coursework, it can help advance your career in a highly competitive industry.
Some of the possible careers you can enter after graduation include one as a registered nurse, Canadian Forces commissioned officer, community health nurse, home care nurse, and hospital-based nurse, among others.
For those who already have a university degree, the University of Alberta offers its comprehensive BScN Honors After-Degree Program. You’ll receive guided mentorship and clinical preparation from a Faculty of Nursing researcher, but further supplementary credits will be required that must be taken at the university.
However, unlike the BScN Nursing degree, the After Honor program will be held at the Edmonton Clinic Health Academy which is nearby the University of Alberta Hospital. Other programs offered by the University of Alberta include the BScN (Collaborative) program, the BScN bilingual program, and the RPN-to-BScN program.
Pros
- One of the top universities in Canada and worldwide
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Can take the program at partner colleges
Cons
- Expensive tuition fees
- Different tuition fees for boarders and international students
2. MacEwan University
| PROGRAMS | Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing, Bachelor of Sciences in Psychiatric Nursing |
| WEBSITE | https://www.macewan.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 10700 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 497-5040 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm |
With over 40 different programs, MacEwan University is one of the most sought-after learning institutions in Alberta. Whether you’re pursuing a registered nursing career in administration, education, or research, MacEwan University prepares you with the necessary foundation.
With competitive admissions in its nursing program, MacEwan University requires one of the higher average grade range criteria for new applicants, which changes depending on the grades submitted by those who are applying at the same time as you.
For example, in 2021, post-secondary graduates need at least a 3.4-3.8 AGPA, while mature applicants need to hit a range in the high 80s to mid-90s.
English proficiency in both native and non-native speakers is also a main criterion of admission here, with the latter requiring to submit proof of a standardized language evaluation.
The Bachelor of Nursing program offers complete education on both practical, medical, and ethical skills and knowledge. You have up to six years to complete it, which begins with learning theory first and practical skills practiced more frequently as you approach the final years.
The program will educate and prepare you for a career that involves hands-on practice. You’ll have access to learn in different areas of the university such as classrooms, clinics, labs, and their state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Centre.
You need to take a minimum of 9 credits to be considered full-time if you want to be eligible for student loans unless you have been approved through Access and Disability Resources (ADR) to take a lesser load.
MacEwan University offers over a hundred different scholarships for students. However, some of them are via nomination by the staff or faculty and not application-based.
Pros
- State-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Centre
- Offers over a hundred different types of scholarships
- Affordable tuition fees compared to other universities
Cons
- Grade average requirement changes depending on applicants
- No higher nursing programs offered
- Credits cost more for international students
3. NorQuest College
| PROGRAMS | Practical Nurse Diploma Program, Practical Nurse Refresher |
| WEBSITE | https://www.norquest.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 10215 108 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 1L6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | College Directory Toll Free: 1-866-534-7218 Phone: (780) 644-6000 Email: [email protected] Student Recruiters: Phone: (780) 644-5927 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 7:00pm Saturday: 8:00am – 4:00pm |
NorQuest College aims to provide its students with the necessary skills and education to give them new career opportunities, provide for their families, and contribute to the world. They offer post-secondary diploma and certificate programs that can lead to jobs in the health, community, and business sectors.
They do their best to accommodate the different lives and living situations of learners by providing various methods of receiving their training. These include traditional classroom instruction, distance learning online, or continuing their studies even after a long absence.
NorQuest College offers one of the largest Practical Nurse programs in Canada, which prepares students to provide the highest quality service in various health-care related scenarios. With a multicultural student roster, they are proud to be composed of over 114 countries of origin with over 78 spoken languages used in and around the college.
A total of 22 courses are needed to graduate as a Practical Nurse, which is a five-term Diploma program that can be completed in two years if you follow the school’s recommended course path.
However, you can get ahead if you take some of the courses via their Open Studies program, especially since the first term is a heavy load.
Part of the requirements for this program is proof of English Language Proficiency no later than two years from your admission date. They accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and CELBAN with corresponding minimum grades for each institution.
Take note though that NorQuest highly recommends that students have their own vehicle, computer, and access to the Internet to increase their chances of success at graduation. Students will be asked to travel to specific locations for their practicum, which is a requirement to finish their studies.
During the screening of applicants, the students must also be prepared to meet the demands of being a practical nurse, which includes physical and emotional well-being. With four practicums reaching a total of 680 hours, working full-time can take a toll on those who are not prepared.
Regardless, NorQuest has one of the most esteemed Practical Nurse programs in Alberta with graduates becoming very successful in their chosen field. This earns this college a spot on our list of the best nursing schools in Edmonton.
Pros
- Open Studies programs lets you take courses ahead of time
- One of the largest recognized Practical Nursing programs
Cons
- High English proficiency requirements
- Need to travel or commute to attend practicum
4. Robertson College
| PROGRAMS | Nursing Assistant Diploma Program |
| WEBSITE | https://www.robertsoncollege.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 10145 109 St NW #206, Edmonton, AB T5J 4Y6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Toll Free: 1-855-333-9319 Phone: (780) 705-6633 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm Friday: 8:00am – 4:30pm |
Robertson College aims to equip its students with the flexibility to adapt to the modern workforce with programs that give fresh training and state-of-the-art resources. What makes their learning environment unique is that the educators are not just professors, but professionals in their field as well.
Whether you’re training for the career of your choice or changing paths and need new training, Robertson College has you covered. While they may not have an RN program here, they do offer a Diploma program as a Nursing Assistant, which could be the first step in your career.
A major component of your studies will be the practicum where you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom in an entry-level work position. The Nursing Assistant program has two practicums that last for six weeks as a Health Unit Clerk and a Health Care Aide.
Those who graduate can then pursue jobs in health units of hospitals, supportive care facilities, and assisted living housing facilities. Some of the opportunities that you can apply for include a Nursing Assistant, Health Care Aide, or Health Unit Clerk positions.
We like Robertson College because they continue to provide support to their alumni even after graduation by assigning a career specialist before you formally complete your schooling. You’ll receive assistance with drafting your resume, looking for a job, and even preparing you for interviews.
Pros
- Extensive practicum training
- Lifetime support as alumni
Cons
- No programs for registered or practical nurse
- No nursing simulation programs
5. Nightingale Academy
| PROGRAMS | Health Care Aide Training Program |
| WEBSITE | https://nightingaleacademy.com/ |
| ADDRESS | Venta Care Centre 13525 102 St. Edmonton, AB T5E 4K3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 886-0619 Email: [email protected] |
Nightingale Academy provides Edmonton with high-quality graduates ready to provide the best care in the health industry. Whether it’s hospitals, assisted living, or long-term care facilities, students from this school are well-equipped to join the province’s workforce.
Nightingale Academy offers a Health Care Aide training program that lasts for 35-weeks and is certified by the Government of Alberta. Since this is the only program they teach, you can expect highly focused training with its small class sizes and acclaimed instructors.
Having overseen over 200 classes over two decades, they offer training in an actual health care facility to provide students the best hands-on education. With monthly start dates, graduates will have access to job placement assistance from this school to help them find the best career opportunities.
The Nightingale Academy Program, sanctioned by Alberta Health Services is made up of in-class learning, laboratory studies, clinical instruction, practicum, and continuing education for its graduates.
Some of the things you’ll learn to do are taking vital signs, aseptic sterile techniques, and dealing with patients in long-term care facilities, among others.
Nightingale Academy provides financial assistance options, which include child care, school costs, and general living expenses. We like that they accept applicants that left high school early, providing job opportunities and career paths for those who may have had some hurdles in life.
Health Care Aides are the “eyes and ears” of nurses and assist in providing compassionate and competent care to patients. Although they may not directly treat patients, it’s a great step towards a career path in nursing.
Pros
- Specializes Health Care Aide training for 20+ Years
- Certified by Alberta Health Services and Government of Canada
- Monthly Start Dates,
- Graduate Employment Rate Exceeds 90 Percent
- Over 10 Certificates Included
Cons
- Only offer Health Care Aide Training
- No flexible scheduling available
FAQs about the Best Nursing Schools in Edmonton
This concludes our list of the best nursing schools in Edmonton. We hope you were able to find a learning institution from this list to pursue your education.
If you have any suggestions or recommendations for other nursing schools, drop us a line, and we’ll make sure to check it out.
By the way, if you need help managing your finances so you can finance your or your child’s education, take a look at our list of the best financial planners in Edmonton to help you out.
