New nurses to be practicing in Alberta

On April 4, 2023, the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) added new pathways that enable internationally educated nurses (IENs) to seek fair, fast, standardized, and transparent licensure in Alberta. “In the three months since launch, the CRNA has increased the number of nurses registered in Alberta," said Joy Peacock, CRNA CEO and Registrar. "Many applicants have been working in Alberta in other health-care roles; and now their competencies and skills are being assessed for licensure as a registered nurse."

3,101 applicants have received permits since April 4, 2023, from all application types.

1,579 of the 3,101 permits issued were IENs that applied via new substantial equivalence pathways.

In previous permit years (October 2018 to September 2022), the CRNA received 582 applications from IENs using the substantial equivalence pathway. Today, in partnership with Alberta Health

Services (AHS), the CRNA is launching a Supervised Practice Program (SPP) that allows registered nurse applicants, who meet the eligibility requirements, to gain necessary hours of practice required to maintain a permit.