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Initial nurse practitioner applicants

How to apply

  1. Ensure you are currently registered as an RN in Alberta. If you are registered in another Canadian province or territory, and have completed a recognized NP program, see the registration requirements for initial RN registration with CARNA.
  2. Complete and forward the confirmation of program completion form to the educational institution where you completed your program.
  3. After we have received and reviewed your program completion form, we will set up the graduate nurse practitioner (GNP) application in MyCARNA as well as the appropriate exam application and email you detailed instructions.
  4. While waiting to complete eligibility requirements, NP graduates may submit an application for a GNP permit so that they may practice as a GNP.
  5. Pass the NP exam for the stream of practice you are applying for (view available exams).
  6. Complete and forward the nurse practitioner transcript request form to the educational institution where you completed your program.
  7. If you have practised as a GNP and it has been more than six months since your program completion date, arrange to have a physician or NP colleague who has observed your practice forward the practice reference request form and employer reference form to CARNA.
  8. Complete your practice reflection in MyCCP. You must sign in to your MyCARNA account to do this. The Practice Reflection requirement of CARNA's Continuing Competence Program (CCP) includes four steps that help you identify and address your specific learning needs to grow and continuously improve your practice.
  9. Sign in to MyCARNA, complete the NP permit application, and submit the registration fee.

More information

What to expect after you've applied

We will email you when:

  • Your application has been received.
  • If your application is incomplete.
  • Once your registration and permit is approved. Note you may only practise in Alberta once you've received this notification.

How to monitor the status of your application

Your status will be updated once we start reviewing your application. However, although a document may have been received, it may not be reviewed.

We try our best to process applications in a timely manner as we know it's important to you. We ask for your patience as we receive thousands of applications.