Canada In Requirement Of More Nursing Workforce

20 Dec 2010

According to a recent survey conducted by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canada has now around 350,000 regulated nurses across the country. About 75% of those nurses are registered nurses, followed closely by licensed practical nurses, who have experienced the highest growth rate in the nursing workforce.

Canada is facing a growing population that is aging and more healthcare services will soon be required for them. And in spite of the increased number of immigrants under nurses’ profession, there is still high requirement. Both registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are on the list of the 29 occupations that are currently in-demand in Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker program. There has been a limit placed on the number of applicants allowed to apply under each occupation. Although registered nurses are quickly reaching the limit, there are still over 900 licensed practical nurses who can apply under this program.