Important Dates
Next Program
Starting January 5, 2026
Next Virtual Information Session
*Attendance is only required for one information session.
Next French Test
John Abbott is working in collaboration with the Consortium to host French testing on campus. Candidates must register through the Consortium interest form.
Click here to register for an information session
Program Overview
Full-time Program - Attestation d’Études Collégiales (AEC) CWA.00
Since 2005, the AEC Integration into the Nursing Profession in Quebec is intended for individuals who have been trained in nursing outside of Canada or Quebec and who have practiced their profession in a recognized capacity. This attestation allows candidates to update their training, meet the requirements set by the OIIQ, and prepare to pass the examination prescribed by the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) which is a prerequisite for obtaining a nursing license to practice in Quebec’s health care system.
Funded by the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES), the program:
- Prepares you for the OIIQ licensing exam
- Teaches Quebec’s nursing practices, health-care systems, and culture
- Combines classroom learning, lab practice, and hands-on clinical training in Montreal-area hospitals
Cégeps Édouard-Montpetit, John Abbott, Limoilou, Lionel-Groulx, Sherbrooke, and Vieux-Montréal have formed a consortium to jointly manage admission requests.
As a result, only one form is required to express your interest in any of these six cégeps (see application process below).
Program Structure
Duration:
915 hours (including 360 hours of clinical placement)
Schedule:
Monday–Friday, daytime lectures and labs; some evening clinical
Location:
John Abbott College (lectures/labs) + hospitals across Montreal
Start Dates:
August and January
Courses
Additional training (if required by OIIQ)
Due to differences in nursing education internationally, students may have the potential for certain course exemptions or require additional training (addition of theory, laboratory and stage training in the geriatric, psychiatric and/or the obstetric settings for up to an additional 390 hours). The requirement for additional training is determined by the OIIQ after evaluation of each potential student’s academic dossier.
Additional training may be determined by the OIIQ in order to complete the integration. This is based on the individuals dossier.
Up to 390 extra hours in theory, lab, and clinical practice:
- Soins infirmiers en santé mentale/ Adult Mental Health | 120 hrs
- Soins infirmiers auprès d’adultes en perte d’autonomie/ Dependent Adults and Elderly persons | 105 hrs
- Soins infirmiers auprès d’enfants et adolescents / Pediatric Nursing| 90 hrs
- Soins infirmiers en périnatalité / Perinatal Nursing | 75 hrs
**Please note that these courses may not be offered immediately following the completion of the core program.
Career Outlook
Job postings include job titles such as registered nurse (for acute care, ambulatory care and chronic care settings), private duty nurse, public health nurse and infection control nurse. Depending on the workplace setting, graduates will perform a diverse range of tasks, requiring a high level of knowledge and skill as well as meet the expectations according to the Quebec Nurses Act.
All graduates must pass the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers de Québec (OIIQ) licensing exam and meet the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) requirements to practice in Québec.
Quebec job prospects (2023–2025):
- Very favourable employment outlook
- ~80% full-time positions
- Opportunities in acute care, long-term care, ambulatory care, infection control, public health, and private duty nursing
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
You must have your:
- Nursing diploma from your native country
- Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident status
- Decision letter from the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) Equilavence Committee
- Comparative evaluation of studies done outside of Québec issued by le Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI)
- Mandatory attendance at an information session
- Language requirements :
- French:
- Completed LEVEL 6 of the Quebec Francisation Program OR,
- Completed OQLF nursing test OR,
- Completed consortium French test, level >6 oral; level >4 written
- English:
- ICELBAN (no other results of tests (IELTS or other) will be accepted).
- French:
Other Requirements upon admission:
- Immunization Attestation Form (allow time to complete)
- BLS and First Aid certification
- Criminal background verification
- OIIQ registration
- Submission of French proficiency documents according to Law 14
Application Process
Step 1
Complete the Consortium Intent Form
- include OIIQ equivalence decision letter
- Include francisation certificate and/or OQLF certificate if you have
Step 2
Complete the consortium French Test (if needed) – offered through the Consortium; retake available after 6 months
Step 3
Your selected CEGEP will reach out to you; John Abbott applicants may need to complete an English ICELBAN exam
Step 4
Application:
Once accepted, submit your official application via SRAM with required documents
- You must upload various documents necessary for your admission directly through SRAM.
– Decision letter rendered by the « Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec» (OIIQ) Equivalence Committee : Professional Integration into Nursing in Quebec Program
– Birth Certificate (English or French translation if written in a foreign language)
– Permanent Residency Card (both sides) OR Canadian Citizenship Card (both sides)
– Québec Medicare Card (RAMQ) OR Certificat de Sélection de Québec (CSQ)
– Proof of completion of nursing studies from home country (diploma & transcript)
– Comparative evaluation of studies done outside of Québec issued by le Ministère de l’Immigration, Francisation et Intégration (MIFI)
Step 5
Reception of the admission letter once your application has been reviewed.
Costs
| Fee | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Application (non-refundable) SRAM | $30 |
| Registration (per semester) | $117 |
| Books & Materials (an approximate cost and may be subject to change) | $1200 |
| Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) Registration | $224.20 |
| Funding may be available through Services Québec |
Preparation Resources
DOSAGE CALCULATIONS:
- Basic math calculations, multiplication, division, decimals
- Recommended sites:
BIOLOGY REVIEW
- Recommended sites:
FRENCH FOR NURSES
- Outils et ressources en français : Outils et ressources en français | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)
- Complete the Québec Francisation program: Apprendre le français | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)
- Take a specialized course in health/nursing
- Cégep du Vieux Montréal
www.cvm.qc.ca/francisation - La piqure du Français: http://piquredufrancais.ccdmd.qc.ca/exercices.php
Take the Next Step!
If you are an internationally educated nurse ready to continue your career in Quebec, this program will help you bridge your qualifications, strengthen your language skills, and prepare you for the OIIQ exam.
➡ Fill out the Consortium Intent Form now to begin your application.
Click here to complete the Interest Form
We hope to be part of your professional journey!
For any questions or information, please contact us directly at nursing@johnabbott.qc.ca
