News & Events

Median Salary: $74,672.00

Change in Salary (2008–2014): +12%

Total Employees: 301,300

Change in Employees (2008–2014): +16%

 

Canadians are getting older, and that means the country will need more registered nurses. In fact, we could be short by nearly 60,000 full-time positions by 2022, according to the Canadian Nurses Association. That spells opportunity to break in and move up.

 

How to qualify: A registered nurse requires a bachelor of science in nursing, or a bachelor of nursing degree, both typically four-year programs. A diploma in practical nursing can be obtained within two years through a college, but practical nurses are limited in terms of the patients they can work with. Upgrading to a nursing degree is possible through another two-year program.

 

Money: Someone just entering the profession can expect to make just under $60,000. Nurses with more experience can top $80,000.

 

Outlook: Seasoned nurses are retiring, which is an alarm the profession has been sounding for some time. That’s happening at the same time that the Canadian population is getting older, meaning there will be more Canadians in need of care. By 2050, almost third of the population is projected to be over the age of 60. Both factors over time should make it a seller’s market for experienced RNs.