Those looking to get into the nursing field in Quebec could soon have to spend a few more years in school.
The Quebec Order of Nurses is pushing for an increase to the education requirements of future nurses.
The professional order voted Monday to increase education requirements for incoming student nurses from the current college certificate to a university degree.
Gyslaine Desrosiers, president of the order, said Monday there is a gap between the education required in Quebec the rest of Canada and the United States.
Desrosiers said training has remained at the same level since the 1970s and requires an upgrade. She said the ultimate decision will rest with the Quebec government.
"We can only give advice," she said in an interview.
Nurses meeting at the Palais de Congres Monday supported the move.
"It gives credibility to our profession," said one nurse.
"We're way behind everybody else in the world," said another. "We have to get there, because everybody else is."
