How to become a Registered Nurse in Canada

In Canada, nursing is usually categorized into two groups – Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) and Registered Nurse (RN). There are six classes of registration for nurses – Extended, General, Special Assignment, Emergency Assignment, Temporary, and Non-Practicing. One can become a Registered Nurse only if one qualifies for post-secondary education in Nursing in addition to fulfilling other requirements.

Since every province in Canada has a regulatory body for nursing practice, thus rules may differ for becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada depending on the province. The regulations have powers to set requirements to enter the profession, ensure the quality of practice, and establish standards of nursing practice. Also, nursing is a popular job sector in Canada; hence, those holding a nursing degree from India will have to apply for a license to practice in Canada. This article thus aims to illuminate how to become a registered nurse in Canada.

Registered Nurse in Canada Requirements 

To practice nursing as a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse in Canada, internationally educated nurses must hold a General Certificate of Registration. To become eligible for Registration, international applicants will need to meet the following registration requirements –

• Evidence of nursing education in Canada. If the international student is equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing or a practical nursing diploma in Canada.
• Proof of authorization to work in Canada
• Successfully qualifying for the NCLEX-RNfor those applying for Registered Nurse, a registration examination.
• Also, qualify for the RN Jurisprudence Exam.
• Nursing practice is the category for which the international student applies within three years before issuing the Certificate of Registration.
• Submit if any offers for jobs were made previously and if they agreed to work or not with relevant reasons.
• Proof of language proficiency in English (or French).
• Applicants must also disclose if they are suffering from any health ailments while they apply to become a Registered Nurse in Canada.

How to apply for a Registered Nurse license in Canada?

IENs must apply via the NNAS website only to obtain a license to become an RN in Canada. Applicants can follow the given steps to apply for a Registered Nurse license in Canada:

• Go to nnas.ca and click on the Apply/Login link.
• Create a new account by providing the email address, answering three security questions, and creating a new password.
• Submit identity proofs that are notarised directly to NNAS. Acceptable proofs include – a passport/driver’s license / any other government-issued photo id.
• Nursing education form, with part A signed, redirected to third parties for confirmation.
• Apply and pay the requisite fee.
• Finally, download the Nursing Registration Form, which includes Part B (“Nursing Examination and Registration Information”) and Part C (“Identification of Official”) from the online

This nursing registration form must be sent to each nursing authority and Canadian authorities. They must be requested to complete the form and send it back via mail or courier directly to NNAS. Nursing Registration must be completed by the respective officials authorized to provide registration or license-related information.