What's Happening to the BScn in Alberta?

World International

Published

I attended a nursing conference today where someone brought up that Alberta is returning to having potential nurses complete a diploma instead of the Bscn, in order to get people qualified quicker. The person mentioned that there is pressure on other provinces to follow suite. Has anyone heard anything about this?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What conference?

PNs are now granted diplomas and the Psych nurses are being nudged towards degree status. GMCC graduates its last diploma class this year.

So we'd love more details.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

I would be very surprised if that were true. There are still students doing diploma programs but they will graduate soon and the programs are slated to close. The College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) has set January 1, 2010 as the date all new nurses seeking registration in Alberta must have a BScN. I can't imagine that they'd back off on that now, even if there's a lot of pressure on them. I checked their press releases and nothing has been said about moving that date back.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It was the RPNAO Educator's conference here in Ontario. I wish I had more details on what I heard, but that is what I thought I understood. My mistake I guess.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I am a member of the RPNAO and I have not heard anything like that. The RPNAO has a lot of members that are certificate nurses and are unable to upgrade to RN unless they do four years of schooling (full time) and most are unable to do that, so they are likely attempting to advocate for their membership.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment