Jan. 10, 2023
In early 2023, the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA), in partnership with regulators will pilot a new registration process for internationally educated nurses (IENs) aimed at eliminating months – or even years – from the application journey. In Alberta, the streamlined process will reduce barriers and delays through the following.
If a nurse is educated outside of Canada, their education needs to be authenticated through a credential evaluation as part of the registration process. In 2023, IENs can seek a credential evaluation from a growing list of agencies. National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) advisory reports will continue to be accepted but will not be required. Approved agencies will include:
Credential reviews already completed for immigration purposes will be accepted once upgraded by the credentialing agency. More information on upgrading a credentialling report will be available in 2023.
An updated, evidence-based approach to English language assessment will include the use of updated language testing benchmarks and will allow applicants to provide alternate forms of evidence to demonstrate language proficiency.
Right now, the CRNA needs to make assessments at different points in the application process involving different organizations, forms and fees. It’s complicated and can cause delays. In the future, the Nursing Community Assessment Service (NCAS) will assess education, English language proficiency and nursing competency all before the CRNA assesses an application. Having the assessments completed at one time, by one organization, will simplify the process for applicants.
In Alberta, internationally educated applicants will be able to have their nursing skills measured against the competencies required for three professions – registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and health care aide – so they can enter the health-care workforce in the role that matches their current nursing competence sooner.
The new registration process will be available in mid 2023. In the meantime, we encourage you to: