Overview
Join John Abbott’s Nursing Program on our beautiful lakeside campus! Preparing graduates to work as registered nurses for nearly 50 years.
Our Nursing program is renowned for its innovation in nursing education. We are committed to preparing our students for real-life practice in an increasingly challenging, complex healthcare system.
In our state-of-the-art learning environment, classroom and laboratory experiences include integrated simulation, combined with clinical fieldwork in Montreal area hospitals. Students practice in a wide range of specialties. The hours spent in the clinical setting gradually increase so that, by the third year, students spend much of their time in a hospital setting integrating all that they have learned.
CEGEP-University integrated nursing program (DEC-BN)
After completion of your DEC in Nursing, eligible graduates are encouraged to continue their studies at the university level. McGill University (Ingram School of Nursing) offers CEGEP Nursing graduates full or part-time studies towards a Bachelor’s of Nursing Integrated degree (BNI). The BNI program is offered in-person and online. Graduates may also choose to pursue their studies through other universities across Canada.

What distinguishes our nursing program?
In addition to our recognized simulation program, we are the only English CEGEP to offer multiple nursing programs to meet the needs of new students and nurses looking to renew and enhance nursing knowledge and skills, in preparation for nursing practice and licensure in Québec.
Apart from the three-year Nursing program at John Abbott College, we offer the following programs through our Centre for Continuing Education:
- Two-year Nursing Intensive program (NIP): An accelerated full-time 24 consecutive month program
- Internationally Educated Nursing (IEN) program: A full time day program of a 7-month duration, designed to allow internationally educated nurses to become licensed in Québec
- Refresher program: A fulltime day program designed to prepare nurses who have been out of the workplace for four years or more to return to practice
For more information, please contact the Nursing Department at nursing@johnabbott.qc.ca
Québec Perspective Scholarship
Students in this program are eligible to receive a Québec Perspective Scholarship if they meet all the criteria. This scholarship, valued at $1500, will be awarded after each successful study term up to a maximum of 6 terms and a total value of $9000. Click here for more details Québec Perspective Scholarship Program | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)
What to expect from a career in Nursing
Nursing can be one of the most demanding and rewarding careers requiring exceptional attention to detail and a compassion for those in need.
Nursing is a profession that focuses on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. Nurses are set apart from other health care providers by their approach to patient care, training, and scope of practice. Nurses practice in many specialties with differing levels of patient acuity .
Graduates of the program are expected to have the knowledge and abilities to practice nursing in a rapidly changing health care system, in a manner which is professional, caring, clinically competent and ethically and legally grounded. They will function as collaborative members of the health care team.
The health care sector is actively searching for qualified candidates; job prospects are excellent! Graduates of the Nursing program work in many health care settings, such as acute or chronic care hospitals, rehabilitation centres, clinics and more…
This program is for you if…
- You care about people and enjoy working with others.
- You are trustworthy and accountable.
- You have good communication and interpersonal skills.
- You have good observation and problem solving skills.
Employment opportunities
Our students are very much in demand in hospitals and a variety of different health care settings. This trend is expected to continue due to the increasing shortage of nurses and the aging population of Canadians.
Why choose John Abbott?
- Small clinical teacher-student ratios
- Award-winning simulation program
Nursing students are provided with an opportunity to learn using state-of-the-art, high fidelity simulators, as well as professional standardized patients and virtual patients, making John Abbott a leader in nursing education. This College has received a national award (SIM ONE award) recognizing its innovative approach to teaching our future nurses. Simulation, now widely accepted as an integral method in nursing education, is used in labs and class, and complements the clinical experience for our students.In addition to our fully equipped simulation centre onsite, John Abbott College has partnered with the regional simulation centre in Montreal, Environnements avec simulateur patient pour l’apprentissage (ESPA) where students benefit from simulation experiences off-campus.
Join us and let John Abbott prepare you for an exciting career in nursing today!
- State-of-the-art learning environment
- Peer tutoring
Nursing Peer Tutoring Program
John Abbott has a well-established Nursing Peer Tutoring program to promote student success in the clinical and academic environments. Second and third-year students assist learning in labs, as well as in individual and small group settings. Whether its case studies, help with clinical organization or skills tips and tricks, we have something for you! Additionally, tutors who meet the criteria, are rewarded with the Student Involvement Recognition (SIR) on their transcripts to demonstrate their professional dedication to future employers.
- Faculty tutoring hours
- Biology Tutoring
- Health and Wellness day
The JAC Health and Wellness Clinic is an annual event in which students from Nursing, Paramedic Care, and Dental Hygiene departments collaborate. A variety of basic screening assessments, including blood pressure measurement, blood testing to screen for glycemic control and cholesterol levels, blood typing, electrocardiograms and cardiovascular age assessment s are undertaken. Education is offered to John Abbott faculty and staff about potential health concerns identified by the screening procedures, as well as how to reduce existing risk factors for illness and how to promote excellent dental health.
- Dialogue McGill
Under the umbrella of Dialogue McGill, second and third-year nursing students participate in a Health Caravan that travels to the Laurentians and Eastern Townships. Students have an opportunity to perform health care screening and activities for high school students and senior citizens in the Anglophone areas of these regions.This experience gives our nursing students valuable insight into community nursing and allows them to collaborate with students in other technology programs who are also part of this project including: Dental Hygiene, Paramedic Care, Criminology Intervention (formerly Youth, Adult and Correctional Intervention), and Police Technology programs.Under the guidance of their teachers, students build interactive kiosks that are adapted to the age of the community members, which address current physical and mental health care issues.
John Abbott College Nursing, in collaboration with Dialogue McGill offers clinical stages in the regions of Québec outside of the major urban or metropolitan areas. Regional internships are an exciting enrichment experience for students, as well as a way of opening employment possibilities for them, providing bilingual language services to patients throughout Québec and assisting regions where there may be a lack of Health and Social Service professionals.
French mentors are assigned to clinical areas with the goal of supporting students as they improve their communication skills and build their confidence in mastering the French language. Mentors will assist students as they interact with staff and French speaking clients in order to ease their integration into the Quebec workforce after graduation.
- Networking Event
An annual nursing event which takes place in the fall with representation from a variety of health care institutions both local and off-island. The purpose of this event is to offer all nursing students, especially soon to be graduates, an opportunity to network, meet recruiters face to face, and explore local career opportunities.
- ESPA – Montreal
ESPA – Montreal is a regional hub of expertise and innovation in high realism simulation. We are one of ten CEGEP Nursing programs that participate in this innovative learning environment. Students are exposed to diverse and complex health clinical situations that complement the hospital clinical experience.
Our faculty and staff:
All Nursing faculty members are university educated nurses who are registered members of the Québec Professional Nurses Association (Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers de Québec (OIIQ)). Our teachers have a variety of specializations and fields of expertise. Teachers with expert knowledge in their particular subjects will teach the other core courses.
John Abbott College interprofessional simulation video
This simulation video involves students from the Nursing, Paramedic Care, Police Technology and Theatre programs.
The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses
Honoring nurses internationally in memory of J. Patrick Barnes
John Abbott College Nursing Department will recognize an exceptional nursing teacher and a student in their final semester with the DAISY Award®.
About the DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from Nurses while he was ill inspired the creation of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an evidenced-based means of providing Nurse recognition and thanking Nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. The DAISY Award Foundation also expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally.
A nursing faculty and student at John Abbott College will be honored with The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty and Student. These awards are part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to express gratitude to nurses with programs that recognize the individuals for the extraordinary, compassionate, and skillful care they provide to patients and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the two and three year Nursing program?
The two-year Intensive Nursing program has been developed in response to the critical shortage of nurses in Québec. The objective of this intensive nursing course is to prepare students for the challenging and exciting role of the graduate nurse in a 20 to 24 month time frame. The intensive program is only for students that have completed all their general education courses normally included in a traditional 3-year Nursing program. The remaining nursing courses can then be compressed into a shorter, more intensive program. Both programs lead to a DEC in Nursing.
What is Nursing? What do nurses do?
Nursing is a profession that is distinct and self governed, focusing on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. Nurses are continuously assessing, monitoring, administering and evaluating patient care. Nurses are intelligent, adaptive, educated and skilled in critical thinking. Responsibilities of a nurse range from delivering direct patient care, coordinating with multiple professionals and providing counselling and healthcare education to patients.
What is the OIIQ?
The OIIQ, duly constituted under the provisions of the Nurses Act, is a professional order whose principal function is to ensure the protection of the public. In accordance with Québec Code of Professions, the order oversees the practice of the nursing profession by its members. In order to practice in Québec, all nurses must be members of the OIIQ .
What can I do if I am concerned about the expenses I must cover?
JAC Financial Assistance Services (FAS) provides all essential information on the different financial assistance programs to which John Abbott students may apply. For more information about financial aid/bursaries and scholarships refer to Financial Assistance Services (FAS).
What qualifications do I receive when I graduate from the Nursing program?
Students graduate with a DEC in Nursing on successful completion of the regular three-year or two-year intensive program. We encourage our students to continue their studies at the university level.
What hospitals are used for the clinical portion of the course?
Clinical experience and teaching are conducted in rehabilitation centres during the first semester: Catherine Booth Hospital, Richardson Hospital, Ste Anne's Hospital. Beginning with the second semester, students are at the following hospitals: MUHC (Montreal General Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal Children's Hospital), Jewish General Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, Ste. Anne’s Hospital, Lakeshore General Hospital, and LaSalle General Hospital. Generally, students will be assigned to different hospitals during their clinical rotations.
What should I do if I am missing prerequisites for the Nursing program?
Please consult with Admissions. Many of the prerequisites are offered at CEGEPs and continuing education centres.
What other criteria are you considering for admission eligibility
We consider the candidates' overall academic performance. Because our program is very competitive we will prioritize students with the higher math. Proficiency in English and French is a necessary requirement.
Admission Requirements
CEGEP Requirements
A Secondary School Diploma which includes:
- Secondary 5 Language of Instruction
- Secondary 5 Second Language
- Secondary 4 Mathematics
- Secondary 4 Science and Technology
OR Secondary 4 Applied Science and Technology - Secondary 4 History and Citizenship Education
Program Prerequisites
This program has specific prerequisites.
- Sec. IV Science and Technology AND Sec. IV Environmental Science and Technology OR Applied Science and Technology AND Science and the Environment
- Sec. V Chemistry
- Sec. IV Mathematics Technical & Scientific Option
OR Sec. IV Mathematics Science Option
(EITHER OF THESE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)
OR a Secondary School Vocational Diploma which includes:
- Secondary 5 Language of Instruction
- Secondary 5 Second Language
- Secondary 4 Mathematics
Please Note
Applicants who have not studied in Québec must have education deemed equivalent by the College.
Program Requirements
This program has specific requirements.
Prior to starting their clinical rotation in the first semester, nursing students MUST have completed:
- A BLS CPR and First Aid certification for Health Care Providers (HCP). The Nursing Department will offer this course in the summer semester and within the first 2 weeks of the fall semester before students begin their clinical rotation.
- Registration with the provincial licensing organization, the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ).
- Immunization Record – Vaccination & tests required for Nursing students
Effective November 9, 2022, mandatory COVID vaccination and screening of unprotected workers and students in the health and social services sector is no longer required. The Nursing department and hospitals highly recommend students be adequately vaccinated to provide protection against COVID, and ensure the safety of their colleagues, patients and vulnerable population. PCR screening is still in effect for individuals that present with COVID symptoms. - A criminal background verification will be done by the individual hospitals to ensure that the student does not have a criminal record.
Language Requirements
Nursing Students are required to have adequate language skills to ensure student academic success and promote patient safety. A working knowledge of English and French is required. Students accepted into the Nursing Program must write English /French placement test(s) if required to do so.
NOTE:
Should students’ placement test(s) result in a preparatory non-credit English and/or French (mise-à-niveau), they will be asked to switch into another program for one year. Readmission to the Nursing program after one year will be conditional upon successful completion of the English and/or French preparatory course and overall academics. If students are required to write the placement test, and fail to do so, their admission to the Nursing program will be cancelled for the fall semester.
If you have any questions concerning placement testing, please email admissions@johnabbott.qc.ca
All graduates must pass the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) licensing exam and meet the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) requirements to practice in Québec.
How To Apply
John Abbott College is affiliated with the Service régional d’admission du Montréal métropolitain (SRAM) and uses its online application service.
The application deadline is March 1 (Fall semester) – 3-year program
The application deadline is November 1 (Winter semester) – 2-year program
Warning: The documents and payment must be submitted by the deadline.
Program start:
Fall (4th week of August) for the 3-year program
Winter (1st week of January) for 2-year program
To apply:
- Complete the online SRAM application
- Select John Abbott and the program of your choice along with the corresponding SRAM program number: 180.A0
- Upload any necessary documents directly to your online SRAM application
Students whose prerequisites are more than five years old should contact the Admissions Office.
Admissions Office
514-457-6610 x5358, 5355 & 5361
admissions@johnabbott.qc.ca
Nursing Department
514-457-6610 x5376 (3-yr)
514-457-6610 x5633 (2-yr intensive)
514-457-6610 x5013 (general nursing information)
nursing@johnabbott.qc.ca
Student for a Day Program
You are interested in John Abbott College and would like spend a few hours on campus?
Please follow this link to fill out the form Student for a day, and someone will contact you to set up a time for you to come to JAC and discover our campus.
During the tour, you will visit our newly renovated library, our sports facilities, the campus store, the cafeteria, etc. You will also be shown all the services offered on “Main Street”. If you have questions about application and programs, you can speak to someone in Admissions.