Next Program

January 7, 2025

Deadline to apply

November 1, 2024

This program has been developed in response to the critical shortage of Nurses in Quebec.  The objective of the Nursing Intensive program is to prepare students for the challenging and exciting role of the graduate nurse in a 24-month time frame. In order to participate in the Nursing Intensive program, students are required to have completed the 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.  This program gives the student a college diploma in Nursing (DEC) and can lead to a 2-year Bachelor of Nursing program (BN) at McGill University should the student choose to apply.

This program follows the same curriculum as the 3-year Program. It is based on a ‘needs’ framework. Students learn how to identify clients’ basic health needs such as comfort, safety, sleep, nutrition, elimination, oxygenation and self-esteem. Students learn the knowledge, skills and tools nurses use to care for clients who cannot meet their own needs. Experience in the classroom, the teaching laboratory and the clinical environment helps students develop skills in communication, decision-making, caring, physical care and teaching. These and other concepts are studied and applied in increasing depth throughout the program of study.

Clinical experiences, chosen in various areas and with different age groups to reflect the concepts in each course, include psychiatry, maternal and child health, surgery, medicine, geriatrics and some community experiences. The hours spent in clinic increase throughout the program so that by the 6th semester, students spend most of their time in a clinical setting.

The hospitals used by John Abbott students include and are not limited to the Jewish General Hospital, Lakeshore General Hospital, Montreal University Health Centre Hospitals and St. Mary’s Hospital Centre.

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.

Graduates must successfully pass a national registration exam to practice nursing in Quebec and other provinces. The license is granted by the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers de Québec (OIIQ). In addition, the Quebec license is based on a working knowledge of the French language. Students who cannot show proof of three years secondary, or post-secondary, instruction in French must pass a language exam set by the Office de la langue française (OQLF)  in the last two years of the Nursing program.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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

OR a Secondary School Vocational Diploma which includes:

• Secondary 5 Language of Instruction
• Secondary 5 Second Language
• Secondary 4 Mathematics

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 is strongly recommended)

Additional Nursing Intensive Program Prerequisites:

Completion of a College DEC or the following General education courses or equivalent;

• 4 English
• 3 Humanities
• 3 Physical education
• 2 Complementaries
• 2 College French

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 December and the first 2 weeks of the winter semester before students begin their clinical rotation
• Registration with the provincial licensing organization, the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ)
• Immunization Form  – Vaccinations & tests required for Nursing students
  o Up to date Immunization according to Quebec protocol for Health Care Workers
  o 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.

Applicants should contact the Admissions Office if:

• Lacking pre-requisites or seeking additional information on entrance requirements
• Pre-requisites taken more than five (5) years ago including a college DEC
• Applicant from outside of the province or country

Language Requirements

Nursing Students are required to have adequate language skills to ensure student academic success and ensure patient safety. A working knowledge of English and French is required.

ADMISSIONS:

Phone: (514) 457-6610 ext: 5358
Email: admissions@johnabbott.qc.ca

If you have questions regarding the Nursing Intensive Program contact:

Nursing Department

Phone:  (514) 457-6610 ext:  5065 (2-yr intensive program)
Phone:  (514) 457-6610 ext:  5013 (general nursing information)
Email:  nursing@johnabbott.qc.ca

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.