RN with diploma in Alberta

suzanne4, RN · Nov 9, 2006

I was wondering if the current RNs with 2-year diploma can transfer their licenses to other provinces?
what will happen to them when Alberta started requiring BScN for eligibility to write the CRNE in 2010? Will they be forced to re-take the exam?

If the province now requires the BSN, then you will need the same to endorse. Ontario requires that you complete the other two years, as the LPN there is a two year degree.

For Alberta, they will not be forced to retake the exam, those that have a license there already, but for those wishing to get a license there will need to have the BSN.

Fiona59 · Nov 9, 2006

Alberta is still graduating diploma nurses and will continue to do so until 2009.

Check with the RN association. I'm sure Jan can direct you to the right body and not the union (I get the two mixed up).

AB Dipolma RN's have moved to BC and had no problem getting to work there.

winterfire · Nov 9, 2006

you mean, BC still allows diploma nurses to write RN exam?

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Nov 10, 2006

I don't think Fiona meant that BC was still allowing diploma nurses to write the CRNE. If BC has gone to BSN as entry to practice, then those who write in BC must have their BSN to write. Anyone who has an active license on January 1, 2010, without regard to diploma or BSN status will be grandfathered in. The powers that be would find it rough going if they decided that diploma nurses who have been practicing for 20 years now had to rewrite the CRNE.

For information specific to Alberta's registration go to http://www.nurses.ab.ca/ and select the area of concern from their pulll-down menu.

Fiona59 · Nov 10, 2006

Thanks Jan. That's what I meant. Experienced, working diploma RN's.

m_chatelaine · Nov 18, 2006

Sounds like a diploma is fine in BC. If you already have the diploma and are practicing then you need to just apply to the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia.