Disclaimer: To work or accept employment in Alberta, Licensed Practical Nurses must have registration and a valid Practice Permit from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA), as per the Health Professions Act (HPA) of Alberta.

These instructions are for applicants who graduated from a health care program that is NOT a CANADIAN PRACTICAL NURSE or an AMERICAN PRACTICAL/VOCATION NURSE. These applicants are considered Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs).

Steps for IENs to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alberta

Step 1: Complete the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Applicants must have their nursing education and experience reviewed by the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) through NorQuest College (Edmonton) or Bow Valley College (Calgary). Click on the links for program details.

The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) assesses your education and compares it with the Alberta Practical Nurse Program requirements. Applicants must meet the college's entrance requirements and provide original documentation for the PLAR. A current criminal record check will be required. 

Step 2: Complete practical nurse education 

After PLAR, applicants must successfully complete the required courses, exams, and a supervised clinical placement. This process may take 8-12 months or more to complete. 

Step 3: Pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE)

Upon successful completion of the PLAR, you may apply to CLPNA to write the national exam, the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).  

CONTACT ONE THE BELOW COLLEGES to begin your Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).
Explain you have completed health related studies and want a PLAR in order to obtain a Practical Nurse credential. 

NorQuest College
Practical Nurse Program
Contact: Jean Wilson, Assessment Coordinator
10232 106 Street 
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 1L6
Phone 780-644-6349     Fax 780-644-6529
Intake: Continuous
Website: Practical Nurse Refresher Program for Internationally Educated Nurses  

Bow Valley College
Prospective Student Centre
332-6 Avenue SE
Calgary, Alberta  T2G 4S6
recruiting@bowvalleycollege.ca
Phone: 403-410-1402
Intake:  January, April, August
Website: Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses

Questions? Contact CLPNA at info@clpna.com, 780-484-8886, or 1-800-661-5877 (toll free in Alberta).