April 4, 2023 (Edmonton, AB) — The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) is transforming its application process to offer fast, affordable and predictable pathways for internationally educated nurses (IENs) seeking licensure in Alberta effective April 4, 2023.
“The CRNA recognizes the current system has many barriers prohibiting recognition of IEN competencies and skills,” said Joy Peacock, CRNA CEO and Registrar, “and we are changing that today. The new approach will increase the number of nurses by significantly decreasing the licensing time from over a year or more, to weeks."
“We have created new processes, using an equity lens, that will ensure fairness in the overall registration process.”
The new process offers applicants who have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), who can demonstrate good standing and good character, and who are currently registered in one of the nine countries listed below eligibility to apply directly to the CRNA for a nursing permit.
“Alberta’s government is committed to making sure Albertans can get the care they need, when and where they need it. The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta’s work to speed up the registration process for internationally educated nurses is great news and means qualified internationally educated nurses will be able to start working in Alberta sooner to ease some of the workforce pressures on our health care system.” - Jason Copping, Minister of Health, Government of Alberta
The jurisdictions accepted under this new pathway are the United States, the Philippines, India, the United Kingdom, Australia, Nigeria, Jamaica, New Zealand and Ireland. This represents 94 per cent of IENs who have applied for licensure in Alberta in the past five years.
IENs who have not passed the exam are now eligible to complete the exam with authorization from the CRNA.
Applicants must still meet all other registration requirements. The CRNA will use the new rules to assess all applications that are in progress.
Other applicants can provide a verification of equivalent education to request authorization for the NCLEX-RN. There are different types of education credential assessments, and the CRNA accepts verifications from five service providers.
The CRNA is committed to continuing to remove barriers for IENs and will make further announcements as changes are implemented.
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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.