Help!! How to get the LPN License IN Alberta?

kdc_RN · Sep 27, 2010

hello.. i just came to canada as a foreign worker under low skilled program. i am a nurse in the philippines and i am wondering if i can use my BSN course to apply in alberta sa LPN. if so, do i need to take a course before i take the licensure exam? because that's what makes it complicated when i apply as RN. i was thinking to be an LPN for the meantime then upgrade to RN once i have my application for PR approved. thanks a lot...

Jamby · Sep 27, 2010

hello.. i just came to canada as a foreign worker under low skilled program. i am a nurse in the philippines and i am wondering if i can use my BSN course to apply in alberta sa LPN. if so, do i need to take a course before i take the licensure exam? because that's what makes it complicated when i apply as RN. i was thinking to be an LPN for the meantime then upgrade to RN once i have my application for PR approved. thanks a lot...

Hi, check this site: Internationally Educated Nurses

. More often than not, you will be required to take additional course before getting eligibility to write the exam. This is the norm specially on regulated jobs. But courses can be short depending on how you performed during the assessment. BTW, where in Canada are you? Good luck.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Sep 27, 2010

Alberta is no longer allowing internationally educated RNs to work as LPNs. That was a one-time butt-covering measure to reduce the fallout from wholesale recruiting of IENs without proper screening. There is no shortcut to becoming a licensed health care professional in Canada.

kdc_RN · Sep 28, 2010

ok thanks a lot... i don't mind taking courses because i believe i can learn a lot from it, considering that our standards are way too different from here.

i was just wondering if the assessment for LPN is the same as the SEC for RN, where you take exams, do return demos, etc.... or will they just review your credentials and identify what courses to take?

jamby, im here in edmonton, alberta.. i know a lot of Phil RNs working here as LPNs and I would as well try...

Jamby · Sep 30, 2010

ok thanks a lot... i don't mind taking courses because i believe i can learn a lot from it, considering that our standards are way too different from here.
i was just wondering if the assessment for LPN is the same as the SEC for RN, where you take exams, do return demos, etc.... or will they just review your credentials and identify what courses to take?
jamby, im here in edmonton, alberta.. i know a lot of Phil RNs working here as LPNs and I would as well try...

Hi, have a good read here: Practical Nurse Refresher Program for Internationally Educated Nurses - Part-TimeNorQuest College. It's called Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), the purpose and method are a little similar to SEC for RN, e.g. to know what course/s you need to take before getting eligibility to write for the exam. Since you're willing to take additional courses if deemed necessary, I say go ahead don't waste too much time worrying as nobody's bound to fail in both PLAR and SEC assessment. I suggest that you take SEC for RN 'coz you're already in Alberta, unlike others who opt to go with PLAR for reason that they're having a hard time getting Visa for their SEC. Good luck.

Fiona59 · Sep 30, 2010

jamby, im here in edmonton, alberta.. i know a lot of Phil RNs working here as LPNs and I would as well try...

The nurses you mention were a one off for the system. Long story short Capital Health (which is now part of AHS) thought they were getting RNs. CARNA decided the credentials didn't meet Cdn. educational standards and CLPNA brokered a deal with Norquest to find a way to keep those nurses here after CH spent a boatload of cash bringing them over.

It wasn't a popular move with the nurses already working in CH and there were problems.

kdc_RN · Oct 1, 2010

that's what i heard about International RNs who came here and had a license the fast way. i am just confused with the delegations of work among RNs and LPNs here, considering that we don't have LPNs in the Phils. seems like RNs back home have the same job as LPNs here.

when i apply for LPN here, will they do the same assessment as SEC? i really hate the part when they ask you to demonstrate in front of a panel (if that's really how SEC is done)... and will they accept my academic ielts if it's already a year old? thanks so much....

Silverdragon102, BSN · Oct 1, 2010

that's what i heard about International RNs who came here and had a license the fast way. i am just confused with the delegations of work among RNs and LPNs here, considering that we don't have LPNs in the Phils. seems like RNs back home have the same job as LPNs here.
when i apply for LPN here, will they do the same assessment as SEC? i really hate the part when they ask you to demonstrate in front of a panel (if that's really how SEC is done)... and will they accept my academic ielts if it's already a year old? thanks so much....

More than likely they will have some form of assessment but will depend on the province and will state something on their website.There is a link included a couple of posts back that indicate the answer is yes to a assessment. You should also check with them re IELTS