Can a Canadian Educated NP become licensed in the US?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jan 15, 2011

Moved to the International forum as per the red banner

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jan 15, 2011

The ability to practice as an NP in the US is contingent upon being able to receive certification in the particular state you wish to practice in. Most states require the candidate to have passed a national certification examination for NP's offered by the various national NP boards depending on your specialty. I'm familiar with two national certifyng bodies namely, ANCC and AANP. ANCC requires candidates to have been educated at an NLNAC or CCNE accredited NP program. I'm not sure if Canadian programs are accredited by either so that may be a barrier with eligibility to take the exam with ANCC. AANP does not specify that the candidate's program is accredited by NLNAC or CCNE so that issue may be up in the air with them and it could be possible that you can certify by examination as a graduate of a Canadian program if the curriculum is the same as in the US. Best thing to do is ask them directy. Finally, there are states where the there are no requirements for national certification but you need to have graduated from a program approved by the particular state.

allnurses Guide · Jan 16, 2011

Finally, there are states where the there are no requirements for national certification but you need to have graduated from a program approved by the particular state.

I know this is true for PA - I had started my masters degree overseas and got credit for a couple subjects when I started my NP masters here in PA, but I had to repeat several subjects because you are required to complete them in a PA-approved program in order to be eligible for the certifying exam.