Important Dates
Next Program
Starting August 4, 2025
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.
Join our mailing list
Program Overview
Full-time Program - Attestation d’Études Collégiales (AEC) CWA.00
John Abbott’s Attestation d’études collégiales (AEC) Integration into the nursing profession in Quebec was implemented by the Ministère de Santé et des Services Sociaux (MSSS) in 2005. The program aims to help the Quebec nursing shortage by training foreign nurses to study, live and work in Quebec. The AEC structure includes a combination of on-site labs, theoretical classes, and hands-on training in various Montreal region hospitals. Upon program completion, students are prepared to take the professional provincial nursing exam offered by the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) and start their careers in the Quebec healthcare system. In addition, the program offers an introduction to Québec’s culture, nursing and health care practices in a context that can be significantly different from their country of origin.
This is a FULL-TIME TUITION-FREE program funded by the Ministère de l’Éducation de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES) providing you have established your Canadian & Québec residency status.
As of fall 2022, John Abbott College along with Cégeps Édouard-Montpetit, Limoilou, Lionel-Groulx, Sherbrooke and Vieux-Montréal have formed a consortium to ensure a centralized process of admission. All candidates must follow the steps as per the application procedure below.
Application Procedure
Application Procedure
If you are interested in registering for the Attestation of Collegial Studies “Integration into the Québec Nursing Profession prescribed by the OIIQ (CWA.00), you must read the information below.
Registration for this AEC is only for candidates who have not started the program in another Cégep.
Only one form is required for your interest in the program offered by one of the six CEGEPs.
To complete this form, we ask that you have in your possession the decision letter of the committee for “admission par equivalence” issued by the OIIQ. You must indicate the date of the letter on this form at question 10. Without this letter, you will not be eligible for the program.
The information requested in the form will allow you to begin the application process for the program. You will be prompted to select three educational institutions of your choice on the “Interest Form” from the consortium. Select your first, second and third choice according to your preference.
Members of the consortium
| CEGEP | Language | Location |
| Edouard-Montpetit | French | St-Hubert |
| John Abbott | English | Ste-Anne-De-Bellevue |
| Lionel-Groulx | French | Ste-Thérèse |
| Limoilou | French | Québec |
| Sherbrooke | French | Sherbrooke |
| Vieux-Montréal | French | Montréal |
You will be contacted at each step to properly assess your file before confirming your application to one of the CEGEPs.
Step 1
Complete the interest form below
Select your first, second and third choice of school.
Step 2
French test
Take the French test specifically required for this program.
- If you pass, wait for the CEGEP to contact you.
- If you fail, you may retake it in 6 months.
Step 3
Application
- Wait for one of the CEGEPs to contact you to begin your application process.
- If selected to do the program at John Abbott College, you will be contacted to attend an English Proficiency Interview with the Program Coordinator.
- After completing the interview, a link to register through SRAM will be sent to you by email.
- You will have to prepare and 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 et des Communautés culturelles » (MICC)
Step 4
Final step
Once you have completed and submitted your application, you will receive a letter of admission from the CEGEP of your choice.
Job Outlook
The Integration into the Nursing Profession in Quebec program falls under National Occupation (NOC) code 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. According to provincial-level labor market information, the 2023-2025 employment outlook in Quebec is very good. Most employment is on a full-time basis (80%).
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.
Courses & Schedule
Programs
Fall and Winter
Duration of program
915 hours (includes 360 hours of stage)
Classes and Labs take place Monday through Friday mostly during the day: In-Person
Students will participate in stages in clinical settings throughout the Montreal region (days and evenings)
Credit Courses
Consists of 7 credit courses
Additional training "Formation Complémentaire"
Starting in the winter semester of 2025, eligible students will be admitted into the revised CWA.00 program. 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 obstetrical settings for up to an additional 390 hours). The requirement of additional training is determined by the OIIQ after evaluation of each potential student’s academic dossier.
- Soins infirmiers en santé mentale/ Mental Health Adult | 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
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Hold a nursing diploma from your native country
- Have a Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident status
- Hold a valid decision letter rendered by the “Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec” (OIIQ) Equilavence Committee
- Hold a comparative evaluation of studies done outside of Québec issued by le Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI)
- Must have completed at least the Level 7 Québec Francisation Program and must have passed the French test specifically designed for this program (as per application procedure Step 3)
- Admission Interview to evaluate English language proficiency. The candidate must demonstrate a sufficient level to study and work in English
- Required: Good working knowledge of computer use, Word, PowerPoint, Web search, E-mail, ability to search academic databases. Students will have access to the Outlook suite as part of their admission package.
Program Requirements
(These documents are NOT required for the application – they will be required if you are accepted to the program)
The Ministère de la Santé des Services Sociaux (MSSS) has stated that all students registered in Career Programs requiring field work in hospitals must be properly immunized for certain communicable diseases. Student must show proof of proper immunization.
- Immunization Attestation Form
- Contact your CLSC immediately to make an appointment to complete your immunization record, as it is mandatory for the clinical part of the program and the process may take more than one visit before being completed.
- 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.
- Registration with the provincial licensing organization, the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers de Québec (OIIQ).
- BLS/CPR and First Aid certification for Health Care Providers (HCP). The Continuing Education Nursing Department will offer this course either prior to the start of the program or at the beginning of the program.
- A criminal background verification will be done by the individual hospitals to ensure that the student does not have a criminal record.
- In order to be granted the AEC diploma after successful completion of the courses, candidates must provide:
Proof of successful OQLF French exam – Portail de l’examen de français de l’office | Accueil (gouv.qc.ca)
or
Proof of successful completion of a TEFaQ, TEF or TEF Canada test, level 7 in oral French, level 4 in written French.
Fees
| Title | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application (non-refundable) | $30 |
| Registration (per semester – based on full-time/QC residency status) | $117 |
| Books & Materials (an approximate cost and may be subject to change) Candidates admitted to this program will be able to apply for loans and bursaries but may also be able to have their training financed by Services Québec (conditions apply, consult your local employment center directly). | $1100 |
| Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) Registration | $224.20 |
Program 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
514 982-3437, poste 2560
Horaire : Lundi et mercredi ou mardi et jeudi, de 18 h à 21 h - La piqure du Français: http://piquredufrancais.ccdmd.qc.ca/exercices.php
