Alberta (CRNA) Requirements for Internationally Educated Nurses
Hello IEN’s!
Previous posts have been providing more information for the province of BC. The reason for this is because that is where I went through the licensure process, making it easier for me to discuss.
But, I wanted to research other provinces so you’re informed about what the process would look like there.
First up is ALBERTA!
Below will out line the significant changes in the licensing process in Alberta — from the NCLEX-RN, lengthy and costly barriers, implementing navigation assistance, millions of dollars of investment. Plus, a summary of the current registration requirements.
On April 4, 2023, the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) announced simplifying the process for internationally educated nurses (IENs) seeking to practice in Alberta.
The major changes in the province of Alberta are summarized below.
NCLEX-RN
A significant change is the acceptance of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) as an entrance exam for IENs. IEN applicants now have more options and no longer require a lengthy and costly credential assessment before taking the NCLEX-RN.
They can demonstrate competence through:
Registration in any global jurisdiction with a previous NCLEX-RN pass.
Registration in one of nine international jurisdictions, including the Philippines, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Nigeria, Jamaica, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Verification of equivalent education from any jurisdiction.
Quicker Provisional License - Practice Requirement Barriers REMOVED!
CRNA has also removed barriers for meeting the currency of practice requirement.
Applicants who have been in Canada for a period can combine equivalent education verification with the Alberta Registered Nurses Assessment Program (ARNAP) to meet the requirement, enabling them to apply for a provisional permit until they pass the NCLEX-RN.
Streamlines Process and Help Navigating the System!
The assessment process for all international applicants has been revised and standardized, reducing assessment timelines. Applicants will have access to a registrant navigator to guide them through the requirements and the most suitable pathway.
Investment of $11 MILLION!
In October 2023, the province of Alberta announced they will be investing 11 Million Dollars in to bridging programs for international nurses.
The aim of this is to provide 1,200 additional post-secondary education spaces for internationally educated nurses to bridge their home countries licensing over the next 3 years.
Newscast on this can be found on the following link: https://edmonton.citynews.ca/video/2023/10/17/alberta-to-invest-11-million-in-nurse-bridging-programs-for-international-nurses/
The Requirements for Registration
As of April 5, 2023 — Information condensed from the CRNA website.
Registration Requirements:
Demographic information must be provided via the CRNA's online portal (College Connect).
The registration exam is mandatory (with different submission processes based on NCLEX-RN completion):
Applicants who passed the NCLEX-RN must submit NCSBN candidate reports.
Those wishing to write the exam need to confirm eligibility with evidence.
Option One: Applicants from specific jurisdictions provide verification of registration.
Option Two: Applicants from any country can submit an educational credential assessment.
Post-secondary education requirements can be met through exam completion or verification, depending on the circumstances.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) must be met, with various pathways for qualification.
Currency of practice requirements include assessment, nursing hours, supervised practice, or bridging education.
Criminal record checks - either completed online in Canada or in the applicant's current location.
Good character, fitness to practice, jurisprudence, and liability insurance are also compulsory through the online portal. Validation and audit apply to the information provided.
Resources
CRNAs’ Requirements to join the register: https://www.nurses.ab.ca/strengthening-the-system/the-requirements-to-join-the-register-in-alberta-internationally-educated-nurses/
CRNA’s Website: https://www.nurses.ab.ca/
