i'm canadian but have an american degree

coola · Apr 24, 2009

Accelerated BSN- with any nursing experience? If you are just graduating, of course you will write the NCLEX in order to get registered state-side, right?

The next step is to search the websites of the various provincial nursing regulatory boards. When you choose your preferred province, look at the requirements for "internationally educated nurse" cause you are now in a unique minority of Canadian nurses wanting to bring their U.S. educations home. I was recently in the same boat. It takes a while and can be frustrating; but if that's really what you want it's just a matter of time and $$$. :coollook:

Your education will be assessed and if found "substantially equivalent" to the nursing education required in that province, you will be given permission to write the CRNE which is offered 3-4? times annually. You might be eligible for temporary license at that point and can go out job hunting to see if anyone wants to vouch for you. Meanwhile, you will the study Canadian content, write your exam, feel like you have failed, and become a nervous wreck during the 5++ weeks it takes to get the results :bugeyes:

I was in the same boat recently. With a 4-year BA, plus 2 years pre-med science plus my 2 year associate degree in nursing from an outstanding program I also had over a year and a half acute care experience from a leading U.S. hospital. In Ontario the program that helps IENs segue is for immigrant nurses who often have to go back to school for an extended period....depends. When you contact the regulatory body, ask to speak with an adviser right away. Don't get overly discouraged because your situation leaves you falling throught the cracks...

Want more of my experience? Let me know. Meanwhile search this site for contributions on this and CRNE subjects. A lot has already been written that might help.Hope this does that too.

firstyearRN · Apr 25, 2009

Thank you so much for such useful information! I have no experience yet. I so appreciate your help.

sandraann · Jul 2, 2009

Dear coola, i would apprreciate all the info i can get .i was american educated as well. Im just going though the hoops now. Only thing with me is my school is a pain in the .....waiting for school to send my info....alberta wants the hours of theory and class room that was seven years ago. That has to be sent out from my director of nursing.anything you can tell me to help . I am very determined..

thanks sandra ann

accelerated bsn- with any nursing experience? If you are just graduating, of course you will write the nclex in order to get registered state-side, right?
The next step is to search the websites of the various provincial nursing regulatory boards. When you choose your preferred province, look at the requirements for "internationally educated nurse" cause you are now in a unique minority of canadian nurses wanting to bring their u.s. Educations home. I was recently in the same boat. It takes a while and can be frustrating; but if that's really what you want it's just a matter of time and $$$.
Your education will be assessed and if found "substantially equivalent" to the nursing education required in that province, you will be given permission to write the crne which is offered 3-4? Times annually. You might be eligible for temporary license at that point and can go out job hunting to see if anyone wants to vouch for you. Meanwhile, you will the study canadian content, write your exam, feel like you have failed, and become a nervous wreck during the 5++ weeks it takes to get the results
I was in the same boat recently. With a 4-year ba, plus 2 years pre-med science plus my 2 year associate degree in nursing from an outstanding program i also had over a year and a half acute care experience from a leading u.s. Hospital. In ontario the program that helps iens segue is for immigrant nurses who often have to go back to school for an extended period....depends. When you contact the regulatory body, ask to speak with an adviser right away. Don't get overly discouraged because your situation leaves you falling throught the cracks...
Want more of my experience? Let me know. Meanwhile search this site for contributions on this and crne subjects. A lot has already been written that might help.hope this does that too.

canadiangradschoolrn · Aug 22, 2009

There is no problem working in Canada, Once you can pass the NCLEX, and Pass the CRNE. You should also know that the process of becoming a RN in Canada may take like 6months. Having no experience does not affect your application so far you completed your nursing education less than 5 years ago.

BahoRN · Aug 24, 2009

Pardon my ignorance, but what about license by endorsement? Does that not apply in Canadian-American location transfers??? Does going to an accredited school help?

canadiangradschoolrn · Aug 24, 2009

Thats ok. Im not sure what you mean by licence by endorsement. Even if you have a PhD in Nursing from Harvard (I know Harvard has no nursing program), or the highest school of nursing in the US or anywhere in the world, you will still have to go through the process as other individuals from other countries. There is no agreement between Canada and American that allows easy transfer of credentials.

RNGrad2006 · Aug 25, 2009

Thats ok. Im not sure what you mean by licence by endorsement. Even if you have a PhD in Nursing from Harvard (I know Harvard has no nursing program), or the highest school of nursing in the US or anywhere in the world, you will still have to go through the process as other individuals from other countries. There is no agreement between Canada and American that allows easy transfer of credentials.

States like Conneticut USED to recognize the Canadian RN and not require NCLEX but that is NO LONGER the case. And getting licensure or registration as it is called in Canada is a LONG process. You have to get your education assessed as has been discussed. I was also educated in the US but a Canadian citizen. I don't plan on working in Canada at this time but want to be prepared if that ever changes. It took nearly 6 months just to get an offer to take the exam, and then you can only write the exam 3 times a year and have to apply a few months before the next writing. Of course you don't get your results quickly, and then some provinces still require further conditions met before granting registration. It is a long process and most state to prepare for a year. You can get a temporary registration while waiting for full registration. But that will be after you are granted authorization to take the CRNE. And of course as has been mentioned you have to take NCLEX first before you can even do anything else. I applied a few years ago but plan on taking the exam FINALLY this coming October 2009. Hoping for the best...it has been a while since I have been in testing mode.

canadiangradschoolrn · Aug 25, 2009

Yes, it takes a really long time but unfortunately in Canada we have a long way to go in credential assessment. Hear this, its even tough going from one province to another talkless of coming from another country. Changes need to be made in the system but it takes time.