Associate degree

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2009

I've heard that in Canada you have to be a BSN in order to work as a RN. From what I was told by my Canadian friends that in Canada the RPN is a two year program, which is an associates degree. I'm unsure if they call it an associates degree in Canada. We have lots of wonderful Canadian nurses here, hopefully one will get back to you as soon as they can.

Fiona59 · Jul 20, 2009

I need help, I did my nursing in the States ( Associate Degree or The two year diploma RN) before moving to Canada late last year.I have applied for licensure in Alberta But I don't know if I will be Approved to take the boards. Is there anyone who was approved with an Associate degree only from the States ? What are my chances and how long does it take before they reply or complete the assessment ? I am worried that my education will be worthless here.Will they give me a chance to work as an LPN ?
Thanks

I work in Alberta.

We do not have nor do you take "boards". You will apply to the appropriate College of Registered Nurses (in your case CARNA).

From what has been said here and at work CARNA is swamped with applications from around the world. Each application is individually reviewed. Currently a new grad must have a BScN. Having said this, I have worked with diploma nurses from the US.

The national exam is written three times a year and is paper and pencil. Three attempts are permitted only.

No, you cannot work as an LPN. LPNs are governed by their own provicial Colleges. They might consider it, but it's very doubtful.

Currently healthcare in Alberta is under extreme pressure from the provincial government. There is a de facto hiring freeze on both grades of nurses and other healthcare employees. The government denies this but trust me unless you are a "current employee of AHS" you don't have much of a chance. "Current employee of AHS" is listed on the vacancies as a condition of being able to get an interview.

New grads of both levels of nursing in the province are finding out that completion on a nursing education is not a guarantee of employment.

So, it may take up to six months (what the grapevine is saying) for your application to be processed. Finding a job in Alberta is another matter.