New graduate applicants

This section is for recent graduates from approved entry-level nursing education programs in Canada, including Alberta, who have not yet registered as an RN and who would like to apply to register with CARNA.

If you graduated from an approved nursing program in Alberta but intend to practise outside of Alberta, you may also be eligible to write the exam outside of Alberta. Please contact the regulatory body in the province or territory where you wish to practise to ask about their specific requirements.

How to apply

Please fully complete each of these steps so your application can be processed

  1. Create a MyCARNA account to submit the new graduate application and to pay the non-refundable assessment fee. The fee includes assessment of your eligibility to take the NCLEX exam and apply for a graduate nurse permit.

  2. Email registration@nurses.ab.ca or mail us clear scans or photocopies of:

    • One piece of government-issued photo identification, one other piece of government-issued identification
    • If applicable, any name change documents such as a government-issued marriage certificate.

    Keep in mind:

    • We do not accept faxed documents. They are often unclear and cause delays in processing your application.
    • Your complete legal name and date of birth must show on your identification and must be consistent on all identification provided.
    • Marriage certificates and SIN cards are not counted as pieces of identification.
  3. Contact your local police to obtain a Police Information Check, and submit it to us as soon as possible. This must be received by us before your first permit to practice can be issued. Please note: we do not accept online criminal record checks, and the Police Information Check you provide must be less than six months old. You can submit this in person, or by email or Canada Post. *In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, some local police departments in Alberta have temporarily changed their process surrounding all criminal record checks.  CARNA is offering new applicants an alternative interim solution to complete this requirement of your application. You must email crc@nurses.ab.ca if you are interested in taking advantage of this service. This service, MyBackCheck.com is online and the results are sent directly to CARNA.*
  4. Complete this set of steps only if you are a graduate of a program outside of Alberta:
    1. Complete this form and send it to your school. They will send it to CARNA. We may also require a transcript.
    2. Make sure you meet the English language proficiency requirement. If needed, complete an approved English language test and provide us with the results.
  5. Prepare for the RN registration exam.
  6. Once you have successfully completed the NCLEX exam, we will notify you when you are eligible for an RN permit. Sign in to MyCARNA, then complete the jurisprudence module and the Protecting Patients from Sexual Abuse and Misconduct module. Then submit the initial RN permit application and pay the registration fee if applicable.

Please note that the Nursing Regulation of the Health Professions Act stipulates that once you have met all requirements to become an RN, you cannot remain on the Provisional Register. For this reason, it is recommended that you apply for your RN permit as soon as possible after passing the NCLEX-RN exam if you hold a provisional permit.

Information

Complex applications

It may take us longer to give you a decision on your application if you:

  • Are an internationally educated nurse (IEN).
  • Are involved in a disciplinary matter with another regulatory body.
  • Have inaccurate or missing information.
  • Are returning to practice and completed a nursing refresher program in another jurisdiction.
  • Do not meet all registration requirements.
  • Were previously deemed ineligible by CARNA or another jurisdiction.