CRNA Reports Nursing Registration on the Rise in Alberta

Oct. 31, 2023 (Edmonton, AB) — The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) is pleased to share record-breaking permit renewal numbers for the 2023-2024 practice year. 

Registrants, including registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are required to renew their permits annually to ensure that they meet the requirements to safely practise in Alberta.

• 40,349 registrants renewed their permits for the 2023-2024 practice year.
  
  • This includes 39,538 RNs (including graduate nurses and certified graduate nurses) and 807 NPs (including graduate nurse practitioners).
• This represents an increase of 10.6 per cent in the number of permits issued compared to the 2022-2023 renewal period, or a net gain of 3,896 nurses.
• 2,146 nurses chose to move to the non-practising register; many of those moving to non-practising indicated that it was related to retirement. 
  
  • An additional 872 registrants neither renewed their permits nor switched to non-practising, resulting in lapsed permits.

"The record-breaking permit renewal numbers for the 2023-2024 practice year demonstrate the dedication of our registrants and our unwavering commitment to ensuring the health care system in this province remains robust and responsive." — Joy Peacock, CEO and Registrar, College of Registered Nurses of Alberta

The renewal statistics and ongoing interest from first-time applicants to the CRNA indicate that Alberta is a destination of choice for health care professionals. Throughout the year nurses continue to join the register as new graduates, transfers from other Canadian or international jurisdictions, or by returning to practice after taking a leave. The increase in registrants for the 2023-2024 practice year will benefit the health care system in rural and urban centres across the province.

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MEDIA INQUIRES: contact the CRNA using the form below.

The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) governs and regulates registered nurses, nurse practitioners, certified graduate nurses, graduate nurses, and graduate nurse practitioners under the Health Professions Act in Alberta.