Moving to Canada with an ADN from the US

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Hi all,

I got my RN (ADN) degree from a community college in AZ and Still looking for RN jobs. Now my husband and I are thinking of moving to Canada as we have Canadian permanent residency. I want to look for jobs in BC and I'm in the initial steps of applying for NNAS to get my education evaluated by them.

But, since I have a 2 year degree ( as far as I know all Canadian nursing schools are BSN schools) will I be able to find a job there? Will they (board) ask me to go back to school and get my BSN?

How is the RN jobs / recruiting situation in Canada ? Specially for someone with and ADN?

Anyone here had done the NNAS evaluation?

Please any advice/ information would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

NNAS is a new thing and we haven't seen many post of their experiences. You may have issues as ADN but really only decision will come from the provincial college of RN's.

Moved to the International Nursing forum

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Education requirements for entry to practice in Canada is a 4 year BScN degree for RNs and two year practical nurse diploma for PNs.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I really don't mean to nitpick a PP, haha, but you can have a 4yr BScN or a BN ... Basically just a difference in classes. I'm only clarifying because you may not know there are two types of four year nursing programs depending on the school.

I really have no idea how you'd go about working as an RN without a degree ... Certain provinces have LPN to RN bridging programs but you're not an LPN. You might be able to transfer some credits from your program toward a degree and perhaps shorten the 4yr process. I think you'd have to inquire at whatever university you'd be looking at as you won't be able to work as an RN in Canada with your current education.

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Jobs? Luck will be required. BC is a tough market. Rural is hiring from what we hear but you don't have a degree or experience.

CRNBC will evaluate your education. The only ADNs that I know of who have managed to work in Canada graduated before 2009 (our date for an all degree graduation path) and they all had a lot of experience.

A two year education/diploma is the entry point for a PN.

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