Vanier College nursing: the English-language DCS and the OIIQ exam
Vanier College is an English-language public college in Montréal. Its Nursing career program leads to a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS, the English name for the DEC), program code 180.A0. The Le Cégep directory lists it as English-language. If you plan to practise in Québec, the licensing route runs through the OIIQ.
What the school offers (nursing)
- Nursing (180.A0): a Diploma of Collegial Studies in nursing, listed as a three-year program with an extended four-year option. The college describes laboratory exercises and simulations as hands-on practice. ↗
- Admission requirements on the program page include science and chemistry prerequisites, a personal profile, a possible interview and a BLS CPR certification before the program starts. Check the page for the exact current list. ↗
- Options listed on the page: an integrated pathway with McGill University toward a bachelor’s degree in two additional years, a clinical internship in Malawi in third year, and working as a nursing extern after second year. ↗
Becoming licensed after graduating
In Québec, the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ) issues the practice permit, even for graduates of English-language colleges. The Québec program description for the nursing DEC says graduates must pass the exam required to obtain the OIIQ permit. The NCLEX-RN route used in other provinces does not apply to Québec registration. Check the OIIQ for language, exam and registration conditions.
How to apply
Vanier’s program page says to apply through SRAM (Service régional d’admission du Montréal métropolitain). SRAM’s site says regular admissions for the winter 2027 session opened on September 15, 2026. Confirm deadlines and prerequisites on the program page.
How Fiabita’s Study Lab can help students here
If your program is in English but your placements, patients and licensing exam are in Québec, you will meet terminology in both languages. Fiabita is available in English and French, and Study Lab can turn your own notes into practice questions and flashcards for revision.
Related guides
Sources
Fiabita is not affiliated with Vanier College. We summarized the pages below in October 2026 and link to them so you can check the current wording yourself.