FAQs: Nurse Practitioner (NP) Program

Why study at the McGill Ingram School of Nursing?

The Ingram School of Nursing is, currently, one of the only nursing schools, in Quebec, to offer all five NP concentrations (neonatal, primary care, mental health, pediatric and adult care). We pride ourselves on providing high quality NP education that will prepare you for your future NP practice. A Strengths-Based and Healthcare approach is taught by leading nurse and medical academics and clinicians, who have extensive experience in their fields of expertise and are committed to your success. We are student-centered and regularly ask for student feedback to continuously improve our NP Program. Our NP concentrations have been accredited by the Ordre des Infirmières et infirmiers du Québec.

How is the NP scope of practice different in Quebec when compared to the rest of Canada?

The NP scope of practice can differ from province to province across Canada. In 2021, the scope of practice of NPs in Quebec was expanded, which was a recognition of the expertise and the autonomy of NPs. Our program aims to be forward-thinking to ensure that students attain the competencies they need in their future NP practice.

Do you have an online option?

The Ingram School of Nursing NP Program is an in-person academic program that offers case-based learning with a multitude of opportunities to interact with nursing and medical experts and student colleagues. Assessment and clinical skills are taught in a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory. We use diverse student-centered methodologies to support student attainment of NP-level competencies.

How do I prepare for an admission interview, if it is requested?

The purpose of the interview is to get to know you and to understand your motivations for applying to our program. We want to make sure that you are a good fit and vice versa. We would expect that you have done your research and have a good understanding of the role of the NP.

How many students do you accept per year?  Is there a cap on admissions?

Every concentration has a maximum number of students that can be admitted. This may vary every year based on program resources and the number of available clinical internships.

Is financing available to undertake this program of study?

Financing has been offered by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS). For additional information regarding MSSS funding for NP studies, please visit: https://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/msss/document-001038/

Do I need to have a signed contract of employment to apply to the program?

You do not need a signed contract of employment (promesse d’embauche) to apply to the program. You can only sign a contract of employment after starting your internships (clinical placements).

Do I need to be able to speak French?

The NP Program requires that students be proficient in French (oral and written comprehension, and oral and written expression) in alignment with the OIIQ requirement for licensing in Quebec. Resources are available to support students in developing their French language skills.

I am more comfortable with French. Can I study in your program? Are all exams in English?

The language of instruction at McGill University is English, however, it is a McGill policy that all written work/exams can be submitted in either French or English language. A significant number of McGill nursing students have French as their first language.

I do not have a Quebec Nursing license. Can I apply?

In some concentrations, nurses are accepted with a license outside Quebec. Contact us for further information at graduate2.nursing [at] mcgill.ca.

My GPA is not on a 4.0 scale.  Will this be converted?

Upon receiving your application, your GPA will be converted for the application review.

My GPA is lower than 3.0/4.0 scale as required for admission to the program. Can I apply?

You can still apply. We evaluate applicants whose GPA is below 3.0 on a case-by-case basis. We encourage applicants to include information in the NP Essay Questions regarding the circumstances that contributed to a GPA below 3.0/4.0.

Do you consider courses/degrees that have been completed online?

Online courses and degrees can be considered. They must be equivalent to the Bachelor’s of Nursing or Master’s of Nursing degrees offered at McGill University.

What if my undergraduate or graduate degree is not in nursing?  Can I apply?

You must be a licensed nurse to apply to the NP Program with a minimum of a Bachelor’s of Nursing degree equivalent to the Bachelor’s of Nursing degree offered at McGill University.

I already have a Master’s degree in Nursing. Can I apply?

We offer the possibility of completing a graduate certificate and graduate diploma to complete your education and training as a nurse practitioner.

How long does the program take to complete?

This depends on your full/part-time status and on your previous educational level. However, if you are full-time and doing the full MScA + graduate diploma, it will take you 2.5 years to complete the program.

Can I study part-time?

This depends on the NP concentration and previous studies. Please refer to the course of study of the concentration of interest for further information.

Do we have to find our own practicum/internship sites?

You do not have to find your own practicum/internship placements. Our program has very good collaborative relationships with our clinical partners and we provide quality internships for our NP students.

Are there employment opportunities for NPs?

The Ministry of Health and Social Services of Quebec (MSSS) governs all public sector NP positions in the province. Applicants are encouraged to visit the MSSS website for more information: https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/professionnels/soins-infirmiers/infirmieres-...

When are NP certification (licensing) exams scheduled? How many attempts do I have?

The NP certification (licensing) exams are organized by the OIIQ, minimally once per year for each specialty. The exam can be offered in the Fall and in the Spring. Candidates are given three (3) attempts to successfully pass the exam. For more information visit the OIIQ website: https://www.oiiq.org/en/pratique-professionnelle/pratique-avancee/ips/ca....

Will I be able to practice in another province Canada or in the Unites States?

You will need to apply for equivalency in the jurisdiction where you would like to practice.

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