RPN in Canada wants RN license from New York

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

note: These are steps for a Canadian registered nurse. For a Canadian registered practical nurse, follow Nurse Karen's advice below.

You must follow a specific process to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in New York State with your background as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) holding a two-year diploma from Canada.

General Steps

• Credential evaluation. You must have your Canadian nursing credentials evaluated to ensure they meet the standards set by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).  This evaluation is typically done by an organization like the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or another NYSED-approved credentials evaluation service.
• English proficiency. If your nursing education is not in English, you may need to demonstrate English proficiency through exams such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
• Apply for licensure. Submit an application for licensure as an RN to the NYSED. You must provide various documents, including proof of your nursing education, evidence of your practical nursing licensure, and the credential evaluation report.
• Pass the NCLEX-RN. You must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This is a standardized exam that all RN candidates in the United States must pass.
• Submit additional documentation. You may be required to submit additional documentation or fulfill other requirements, such as providing fingerprints for a background check.

Detailed Steps

Credential Evaluation

• Contact CGFNS or another NYSED-approved credential evaluation service.
• Request a Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report.
• Submit your nursing school transcripts and other required documents for evaluation.
• English Proficiency (if applicable)
• Register for and take an approved English proficiency exam.
• Ensure your scores meet the NYSED requirements.

Apply for Licensure

• Go to the New York State Education Department's Office of the Professions website.
• Complete the RN licensure application form (Form 1) and pay the required fee.
• Submit the credential evaluation report and other supporting documents as required.

Pass the NCLEX-RN

• After reviewing your application, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from the NYSED.
• Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and schedule your exam.
• Prepare thoroughly and pass the NCLEX-RN.

Submit Additional Documentation

• Provide fingerprints and complete any other background check requirements.
• Follow up with NYSED if any additional documents or verifications are requested.

Additional Considerations

• Temporary permit. In some cases, you might be eligible for a limited license to practice as an RN in New York while completing the licensure process.
• Continuing education. Be aware of any continuing education requirements to maintain your RN license in New York.

For the most current information and detailed instructions specific to your situation, it's advisable to visit the official NYSED Office of the Professions website and the CGFNS website.

Additionally, contacting the NYSED for guidance can help you meet all requirements.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

 As allnurses guide + prior RN manager, have read DE/PA/NJ/NY BON regs so can help guide nurses with license questions. We need more nurses across the board --especially as planning my 2027 retirement -50 yrs enough.

As an internet search junkie, just ran across NY's

LPN Pathway #4 For graduates of foreign nursing schools (outside the U.S. and U.S. territories).

Welcome to allnurses --New York state forum may have info of interest too.

🙂

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

NY BON regs 6905. Requirements for a license as a Registered Nurse

Quote

  Education requirement: have received an education, and a diploma or degree in professional nursing,...

Since your degree is in practical nursing, will not met NY RN regulations. You DO meet education requirements for LPN license and will need to take US NCLEX-LPN exam

NY Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) FAQ has more information.

If you do not have a US VISA, will need to submit request for VISA SCREEN if seeking a US occupational work visa. Visa screen certificate is good for 5 years + renewable.

Quote

VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment Service is a comprehensive screening service for healthcare professionals seeking an occupational visa to work in the United States. Applicants who successfully complete VisaScreen® receive an official ICHP Certificate that satisfies U.S. federal screening requirements.

National Council of States Board of Nursing (NCSBN) offers further advice:  U.S. Nursing Licensure for Internationally Educated Nurses

Wishing a smooth US journey.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

NRSKarenRN said:

NY BON regs 6905. Requirements for a license as a Registered Nurse

Since your degree is in practical nursing, will not met NY RN regulations. You DO meet education requirements for LPN license and will need to take US NCLEX-LPN exam

NY Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) FAQ has more information.

If you do not have a US VISA, will need to submit request for VISA SCREEN if seeking a US occupational work visa. Visa screen certificate is good for 5 years + renewable.

National Council of States Board of Nursing (NCSBN) offers further advice:  U.S. Nursing Licensure for Internationally Educated Nurses

Wishing a smooth US journey.

Thank you for the information, Nurse Karen. You are correct.