History of the ADN in Canada

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Sep 6, 2007

This isn't an easy question to answer, because each province has taken a different approach. Nursing licensure in Canada has always been a provincial responsibility and each province has legislated the regulation of health care professions at different times.

In 1982, the Canadian Nurses Association in conjunction with the regulatory bodies from each province and territory decided that entry to practice for registered nurses should be a baccalaureate degree. Each province set its own goal for implementation of this. The province of Manitoba, where I was educated, decided that by 2000 the BSN degree would be required for entry to practice and to achieve this goal they began dismantling the diploma schools based in hospitals and community colleges across the province. The final diploma classes graduated in 1997. By mid-1999 it was becoming quite obvious that the degree programs could not graduate enough nurses to even replace the retiring nurses, much less fill newly created vacancies, and the province was desperate. So the diploma program was resurrected at Red River College in the form of a 21 month accelerated course of study with classes to begin in August 2000. (Ironic, isn't it?) Within days of registration for the program opening, there were several hundred names on the waiting list. (Now, in 2007, this is still the case although the program has evolved and is now a collaborative effort with the University of Manitoba.) In April of that year I wrote a comparison of the two programs in order to diffuse the fear-mongering that certain factions were creating about the inferiority of the education nurses graduating from the program would receive. My article was published by the Manitoba Nurses' Union and I was alternately praised and lambasted for my endeavor. I have a copy on my computer I could share with you if you so desire. (PM me.) By 2005, the number of nursing graduates in Manitoba had tripled over 1999; there is still a shortage, but it isn't as deep as it would have been.

As for the history of this change in other provinces, I'm not able to help, but hopefully someone else out there can!

Fiona59 · Sep 7, 2007

The degree programme was introduced in BC back in either 1976 or 77. A girl I went to school with applied for the first class (don't know what happened to her).

It ran along side the two year diploma programme.

I don't know when the degree became the only way to enter nursing in BC but the start of it was postponed many times.

And yes, I've seen the difference in the nurses the education system has produced. Most of the degree holders don't want to bedside nurse, they want public health or management jobs. Many look "down" on the hospital and community college trained RNs.

It's a status thing for many of them.

Alberta is graduating the last diploma RNs in 2009.

leosrain, BSN, RN · Sep 8, 2007

I don't think there is such a thing as associate's degrees in Canada. And to be honest, I don't think there ever has. The debate in this country has always been between diploma (from a college or hospital) vs. a bachelor's degree.

Fiona59 · Sep 8, 2007

Our community college diploma is equal to an Associates Degree. Had it all explained to me once by an American co-worker.

RNGrad2006 · Sep 13, 2007

Our community college diploma is equal to an Associates Degree. Had it all explained to me once by an American co-worker.

This is pretty accurate. I am Canadian but was educated in the US and after I finished my ADN I was accepted into the UBC RN to BSN program which is what diploma nurses in BC would do as well if they wanted to achieve a bachelors degree.

Snowstorm · Oct 10, 2007

I just wonder if there is any way the US nurse with ADN can work in any of the Canadian provinces without going back to school for BSN?

RNGrad2006 · Oct 10, 2007

I just wonder if there is any way the US nurse with ADN can work in any of the Canadian provinces without going back to school for BSN?

It is possible. PM me if you want more detail but I applied to BC after I graduated with my ADN and it was a long detailed tedious process but my education was accepted. But in BC you have to apply to have your education assessed. In April of 2006 when I applied it took about 6 months for that step and considerable costs associated with it but it order to get full registration you have to take the exam which is an 8 hour written exam and before full registration is granted you have to do a 250 hour supervised practice experience (which can be paid) as they want a Canadian employer reference before you get your licence (which is called registration). But this is only my experience and each province has their own rules as to registration requirements kind of like the state board of nursing in the US. Most of the provinces have a site where you can information. For BC it is:

http://www.crnbc.ca/

If you are searching for other provinces most are called the college of registered nurses of province name. The only province where I know you absolutely HAVE to have a BSN is Ontario. Most provinces no longer hold ADN type programs (called Diploma in Canada). Alberta and Manitoba still do but I know Alberta is talking about changing that in a few years also. Hope this helps.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Oct 10, 2007

The diploma program in Alberta is defunct now. They are not accepting any more admissions to them and all new students will do a four year baccalaureate degree. They still have the option of entering a community college for the first two years, but the program is collaborative with a university. As I said on another thread, standards for nursing education have become what they are in response to changes in society, acuity of the hospitalized patient and health care in general. They are what they are, and because they are standard, they must apply to all comers, not just local candidates. The only way to know if your education will hold up to the College's scrutiny is to apply for an assessment and pay your money... then wait, wait and wait some more. So saith the denizens of the ivory towers of academia.

Snowstorm · Oct 11, 2007

It is possible.

As I read your answers I have more questions

How difficult was a written exam? How difficult to find a job for a new grad? What is the pay rate?