Thinking about a career in healthcare? Becoming a nursing assistant is a great way to help people. The good news is there are more options than ever to get started, especially with online nursing assistant courses. Whether you’re looking to jump in fast or build a solid foundation, finding the right program for 2026 is key. We’ve looked at some top places to get your training, making it easier for you to find your path.

Key Takeaways

• The University of Toronto is highly regarded in the medical field.
• McMaster University, Queen’s University, York University, and the University of Ottawa all offer nursing programs.
• Western University and Trent University are also options for nursing education.
• Conestoga College and Centennial College offer Practical Nursing programs, with some hybrid online and in-person options.
• The University of Calgary has a well-established Faculty of Nursing with various degree routes.

1. University of Toronto Nursing

The University of Toronto’s Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing is a well-regarded place to start a nursing career. Their full-time, two-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program is designed to give students the intensive training needed for patient care across many different situations. It’s a program that really focuses on theory and research, which is great if you’re thinking about a future in nursing studies or advanced practice.

Students begin with the basics, covering health assessment, how to talk with patients, and therapeutic skills. You’ll also get into pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and community health. The second year digs into more complex topics like infectious diseases and their relevance to nursing, plus policy, ethics, and leadership. The program culminates in an 11-week continuous clinical practicum, giving you a solid block of real-world experience before you graduate.

Placements are arranged with faculty input, considering your career goals and strengths. While some students feel there’s a strong emphasis on theory, the reputation and the quality of placements are consistently praised. It’s a challenging path, but one that sets you up for success in the nursing field.

• Introduction to nursing practice
• Pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics
• Community health and family care
• Infectious diseases and nursing practice
• Policy, ethics, and leadership

While the program is known for its academic rigor, the extensive clinical placements across various settings aim to bridge theory with practical application, preparing graduates for diverse roles within the healthcare system. The university’s strong ties mean a wide array of placement opportunities are available.

If you’re looking for a program with a strong research component and a respected name, the University of Toronto is definitely worth considering. It’s a place where you can build a strong foundation for a rewarding career in nursing. Many graduates find opportunities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, thanks to the university’s connections. You can find more information about nursing programs in Texas here.

2. McMaster University Nursing

McMaster University’s School of Nursing, established way back in 1946, is a well-regarded program for those looking to get into nursing. It became part of the Faculty of Health Sciences in 1974. They offer a few different paths, including a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) basic stream, which is great if you’re new to nursing education. This program is available at both the McMaster site in Hamilton and through Mohawk College.

If you’ve already got a university degree in science, you might be interested in their accelerated stream. This one is shorter, just five terms, and is also held at the McMaster campus. For those who are already Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), there’s a post-RPN stream offered at Mohawk College that takes three years. McMaster also has graduate programs if you want to continue your education after your initial degree.

Students often talk about how the program really shapes them into capable nurses. They mention the knowledgeable professors and the resources available. Clinical placements are a big part of the experience, giving you hands-on time in various healthcare settings around Hamilton and Halton. It’s a program that seems to focus on preparing you well for the real world of nursing. Many graduates feel well-prepared for their careers, and the university has a good reputation for research, which can be a plus if that’s something you’re interested in.

The program aims to equip students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for a nursing career. Clinical experience is gained through placements in local health care and community agencies.

McMaster’s nursing program is known for its strong academic foundation and its connection to research. If you’re thinking about a career in nursing, it’s definitely a program worth looking into, especially if you’re in the Ontario area. Aspiring nursing professionals in Virginia, for example, have different pathways to certification, often requiring around 75 hours of instruction at approved centers. Virginia nursing opportunities can vary in salary depending on location.

3. Queen’s University Nursing

Queen’s University has a nursing program that’s been around for over 75 years, and it’s got a solid reputation. Located in Kingston, Ontario, it’s a place where you can get a lot of different hands-on experience because there are so many spots for clinical placements, from hospitals to even correctional facilities. Being a research-focused school, Queen’s makes sure its nursing curriculum stays up-to-date with the latest practices.

As part of the Faculty of Health Sciences, you’ll find opportunities to learn alongside students from other health professions, which is pretty neat. The Bachelor of Nursing Science program is a four-year commitment, and it really aims to give you a well-rounded education.

Here’s a quick look at what you might encounter:

• Foundational nursing skills and knowledge
• Understanding how to prevent and manage infections
• Specialized care for older adults
• Promoting health in young families
• Basics of pharmacology
• Legal, ethical, and professional aspects of nursing practice

The program emphasizes learning through research, so your practical work is always backed by solid knowledge. You’ll be learning about health sciences, healing, global health issues, and nursing ethics, among other things. It’s all about building a strong base for your future career.

Queen’s offers a great environment to start your nursing journey, with a focus on both academic rigor and practical application. You can explore various aspects of patient care and develop your skills in diverse settings. This introductory practice course focuses on the care of adults experiencing chronic or acute health conditions [3dc0]. It’s a good place to start if you’re looking for a program with a long history of success.

4. York University Nursing

York University has a pretty interesting setup for their nursing program, especially if you’re looking at a four-year honours degree. You can actually start your first two years at either Seneca or Georgian College, which might be more convenient depending on where you live. Then, you transfer to York’s Keele campus for your final two years. This approach mixes college and university learning, giving you a broad base. They really focus on building critical thinking and research skills, which are super important in nursing. Plus, you get a ton of hands-on experience through practicums and clinical placements.

Speaking of hands-on, students in this collaborative program rack up about 1,400 hours of clinical experience. That’s a lot of real-world practice spread across each year of study. It’s designed to give you a solid foundation before you even graduate.

York also has options if you already have a degree in something else. Their second-entry BScN program can be completed in two years. And if you’re an internationally educated nurse, they have a program for you too, which can get you your degree in under two years. They’ve got a dedicated Nursing Resource Centre, which includes a simulation centre with skills and computer labs. It’s all about preparing you for the actual job.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:

• Theoretical Knowledge: Learn the science behind nursing care.
• Practical Application: Apply what you learn in clinical settings.
• Skill Development: Build critical thinking and research abilities.
• Extensive Practicums: Gain significant hands-on experience.

The program partners with major hospitals and public health agencies in the community. This means your clinical placements will be in well-known institutions, giving you exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare environments. It’s a great way to start building your professional network.

If you’re considering a nursing path in Ontario, York’s collaborative program is definitely worth looking into. It offers a structured way to gain the knowledge and experience needed for a nursing career. You can find more details about nursing programs in different regions, like the opportunities in South Dakota or Wyoming, to compare your options.

5. University of Ottawa Nursing

The University of Ottawa’s School of Nursing is a pretty big deal, especially since it’s the largest bilingual university globally. They really focus on getting students ready to provide top-notch care, step into leadership roles, and contribute to health research. You can get your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree there, and it’s offered in both English and French.

They have a few ways to complete the program. You can do the full four-year BScN program right through uOttawa. Or, if you’re looking for a collaborative route, they partner with Algonquin College in Ottawa and Pembroke for English-language studies, and La Cité College for French. This can be a great option if you’re in those areas.

Here’s a quick look at what you might study:

• Introduction to Nursing Science
• Health Assessment
• Nursing Professionalism and Ethics
• Mental Health Nursing
• Family-Centered Care

Clinical placements are a big part of the program, giving you hands-on experience in places like mental health facilities, community health settings, and complex care units. It’s worth noting that some students feel the program leans heavily on theory, especially in the first year, with clinical experiences starting later. However, the university’s connections to many hospitals in Ottawa are a definite plus for practical training.

The program aims to build strong critical thinking and communication skills. You’ll learn to work as part of a healthcare team to tackle health challenges. Graduates are well-prepared for jobs in hospitals, community agencies, and long-term care facilities, not just in Canada but internationally too.

If you’re considering a nursing path, looking into programs like this one is a good start. You can find more information about nursing programs across Canada on the CourseCompare Nursing page.

6. Western University Nursing

Western University’s Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing has a long history, going back a full century, of training nurses. They really focus on research and getting involved in the community, plus keeping up with the newest stuff in medical care. It’s a place that’s grown a lot from its public health roots to become a big name in health professional education and research.

What you’ll learn here is pretty broad. They cover the basics like anatomy and physiology, but also get into things like health promotion and understanding what makes people healthy in the first place. You’ll spend time in labs and get hands-on experience in different clinical spots. The program aims to build your critical thinking and communication skills so you can work well with others in healthcare.

Here’s a look at some of the key areas you’ll explore:

• Fundamental nursing skills and knowledge
• Infection prevention and control techniques
• Caring for older adults
• Supporting young families’ development
• Pharmacology basics
• Legal, ethical, and professional practice standards

Students often mention the supportive community they found at Western. It seems like people really help each other out, which is a big plus, especially when things get tough.

The program is designed to prepare you for a variety of roles. You’ll gain the skills needed to work in hospitals, community health centers, long-term care facilities, and even private practices. The demand for graduates is high, so you’ll have plenty of options when you’re done.

7. Trent University Nursing

Trent University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program that focuses on integrating theory with hands-on practice. It’s a four-year program designed to prepare students for a variety of nursing roles. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and a holistic approach to patient care, aiming to equip graduates with the skills needed for today’s healthcare environment.

The program is known for its strong community connections and opportunities for clinical placements.

Here’s a general idea of what you might encounter:

• Year 1: Foundational sciences, introduction to nursing concepts, and initial lab experiences.
• Year 2: Deeper dives into health assessment, nursing theory, and beginning clinical rotations.
• Year 3: Focus on specific areas like medical-surgical nursing, mental health, and community health.
• Year 4: Advanced practice, leadership, research, and comprehensive clinical experiences.

Trent’s approach often involves smaller class sizes, which can lead to more personalized attention from instructors. They also highlight the importance of interprofessional collaboration, meaning you’ll learn to work alongside other healthcare professionals.

The program encourages students to develop a strong sense of professional identity and ethical practice. You’ll be exposed to various patient populations and healthcare settings, building a well-rounded understanding of nursing.

While Trent University doesn’t have the same extensive list of affiliated hospitals as some larger urban institutions, they work to secure diverse placement opportunities. These placements are key to gaining practical experience and understanding the day-to-day realities of nursing. If you’re looking for a program that balances academic rigor with practical application in a supportive environment, Trent might be a good fit. You can find more details about their specific curriculum and admission requirements on the Trent University website.

8. Conestoga College Practical Nursing

Conestoga College, located in Kitchener, Ontario, has been around since 1967 and offers a wide range of programs. For those looking into nursing, their Practical Nursing program is a popular choice, usually taking two years to complete. It’s designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to work as a registered practical nurse (RPN) in Ontario.

The program really focuses on hands-on learning. You’ll spend time in simulated labs that mimic hospital settings, complete with nursing stations and even operating room setups. They also have these big disaster simulation exercises that involve local health services, which sounds pretty intense but probably super useful for real-world practice. Plus, you’ll get clinical placements, which are a great way to meet people in the field and potentially line up a job after you graduate.

Here’s a look at what the Practical Nursing program covers:

• Assessing and planning care: Learning to figure out what patients need and how to create a nursing plan.
• Using clinical judgment: Making smart decisions when giving care, working with patients and their families.
• Promoting health: Helping people stay healthy, prevent sickness, and recover when they can.
• Therapeutic communication: Talking with patients in a way that’s helpful and caring.

The curriculum is built around the standards set by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), so you know you’re learning what’s expected. They cover things like ethics, health assessment, and how to care for people with both sudden and long-term health issues.

After finishing the program, you’ll need to pass the Regulatory Exam – Practical Nurse (REx-PN) to officially become an RPN in Ontario. It’s a big step, but it means you’re ready to start your career.

Conestoga also has other nursing-related programs, like a degree program and options for internationally educated nurses. They seem to have a good track record, with a high percentage of students finding work within six months of graduating, and employers generally being happy with the graduates. It sounds like a solid place to start if you’re thinking about a career in practical nursing.

9. Centennial College Practical Nursing

Centennial College has a long-standing reputation for getting students ready for the job market, and their Practical Nursing diploma program is no exception. Founded back in 1966, it’s the oldest public college in Ontario, and it really focuses on giving you hands-on experience. You’ll find campuses spread out east of Toronto in Scarborough.

The program itself is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), which is a big deal. It means you’re learning exactly what you need to know to be a safe and competent practical nurse. They base the whole curriculum on the idea of caring, so you’ll get good at figuring out what patients need, making a plan for their care, and then actually doing it. This applies to all age groups, too, which is pretty important.

What’s cool is the mix of learning. You’ll spend time in classrooms and simulated labs, but you’ll also get real-world experience in different settings. Think community health, long-term care facilities, and even areas like maternal/child health and mental health. This blend of theory and practice is what really sets Centennial apart.

After you finish, you’ll need to pass the Regulatory Exam – Practical Nurse (REx-PN) to officially become a registered practical nurse (RPN) in Ontario. It’s a solid path if you’re looking to jump into the nursing field quickly. The college also has a Bridging to University Nursing program if you decide you want to pursue a degree later on.

The program emphasizes communication skills, teaching you how to interact with patients in a way that’s both caring and effective. This is often overlooked but is so vital in nursing.

Centennial offers a Practical Nursing diploma, and they also have a one-year fast-track option for internationally educated nurses. For those aiming for a degree, they have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program, which is a four-year degree done in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University and George Brown College. You spend your first two years at Centennial and the last two at TMU. This degree program aims to shape you into a nursing leader, focusing on themes like health promotion, critical thinking, and professional development. You can check out their nursing programs for more details on admission requirements and course structures.

10. University of Calgary Nursing

The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Nursing has a long history, graduating nurses for over five decades. They offer a few paths to a Bachelor of Nursing degree. You can go straight from high school in a four-year program, or if you’ve already got some college or university credits, there are 28-month and 24-month options available.

In your first year, you’ll tackle core subjects like anatomy, physiology, and statistics, which really set the stage for your nursing journey. By the third term, the focus shifts to practical skills, like how to talk to patients and understand their needs from a broader perspective. Later on, you’ll get hands-on experience in actual practice settings, blending what you’ve learned in class with real-world scenarios. The final semester is all about putting that knowledge to work through on and off-campus experiences.

Beyond just patient care and health promotion, the program also looks at nursing as a field of study. This means digging into analysis, critical thinking, and research. You’ll get over 1,600 hours of practice learning, and the instructors are really connected to current healthcare practices, so you’re getting the most up-to-date information.

One cool thing is how they structure the practice settings. You’ll often learn in small groups of about eight students. This creates a built-in support system and helps you build friendships with classmates who will likely be your colleagues throughout your career. It’s a great way to build a professional network right from the start. If you’re looking to get into nursing in Alberta, this is definitely a program worth checking out. Many students find that programs like this provide a solid foundation for a career in healthcare, and it’s important to research the requirements for becoming a nursing assistant in your specific region, like in Utah for example Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Utah.

• Focus on scholarly activity alongside practical skills.
• Small group clinical settings for peer support.
• Multiple entry points for different academic backgrounds.
• Extensive practice hours integrated into the curriculum.

The program emphasizes not just the ‘how-to’ of nursing but also the ‘why,’ encouraging students to think critically and engage with research. This approach prepares graduates for a dynamic healthcare environment.

Ready to Start Your Nursing Journey?

So, you’ve looked through some of the top online nursing assistant courses for 2026. It’s a big step, for sure, but it’s also a really rewarding one. Remember, picking the right program is just the start. The real work comes with putting in the effort, learning the skills, and getting ready to help people. There are tons of options out there, and finding the one that fits your life and your goals is totally doable. Don’t overthink it too much – just pick a program that feels right and jump in. Your future in healthcare is waiting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nursing assistant, and what do they do?

A nursing assistant, often called a CNA or nursing aide, helps patients with daily tasks like bathing, eating, and moving. They work under the guidance of nurses, providing basic care and keeping patients comfortable. It’s a hands-on job where you make a real difference in people’s lives.

Do I need a specific degree to become a nursing assistant?

Usually, you don’t need a college degree to start. Most nursing assistant programs are certificates or short courses. You’ll learn the essential skills you need to get certified and begin your career.

How long does it take to complete an online nursing assistant course?

The time it takes can vary. Some programs are quite short, maybe a few weeks or months. Others might take a bit longer, depending on how many classes you take at once and the specific program’s structure.

Are online nursing assistant courses as good as in-person ones?

Many online courses are excellent and teach you everything you need to know. They often include videos, interactive lessons, and online discussions. You’ll still need to complete hands-on training or clinical practice, which might be done in person at a local healthcare facility.

What kind of jobs can I get after completing a nursing assistant course?

After finishing your training and getting certified, you can work in many places! This includes hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, doctor’s offices, and even in people’s homes providing care.

Will I need to take a certification exam?

Yes, in most places, you’ll need to pass a certification exam after your course to become a licensed or certified nursing assistant. This exam usually tests both your knowledge and your practical skills.

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