Nov. 4, 2024
College (noun)
Source: Oxford Learner's Dictionary online
: a place where you can study for higher or more specialist qualifications after you finish high school
: an organized group of professional people with special interests, duties or powers
The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) is the regulator for the nursing profession in Alberta. The CRNA is not an educational institution, nor does it provide training for those looking to become nurses.
The CRNA issues practice permits to registrants and ensures they are qualified to provide ethical, safe and competent care to patients. The CRNA's registrants include registered nurses, nurse practitioners, certified graduate nurses, graduate nurses and graduate nurse practitioners.
For more on the work and responsibilities of the CRNA, visit How We Operate.
The CRNA is one of 29 self-governing regulatory colleges named in Alberta’s Health Professions Act (HPA).
On its website, the Government of Alberta states, “Regulatory colleges are not post-secondary institutions, they are legal entities responsible for serving the public interest by regulating health professions in Alberta." The HPA requires that regulatory colleges carry out governance and regulatory responsibilities in a way that protects and serves the public interest. Regulatory colleges do this by developing, maintaining and enforcing professional regulations, standards of practice and codes of ethics.” It also distinguishes between regulatory colleges, such as the CRNA, and professional associations, such as the Alberta Association of Nurses, whose primary role is to advance the interests of their dedicated health professions.
For more on the role of regulatory colleges in Alberta health care, visit the Government of Alberta website.