MyCLPNA
LPN Roles Within the Healthcare Team
As trusted and respected professional nurses, LPNs serve individuals, families, and groups, assessing their needs and providing care and treatments as appropriate.
LPNs practice autonomously and are accountable for their own nursing practice. They work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team. LPNs contribute to Alberta’s healthcare system through a wide range of practice areas including acute care, seniors’ health and wellness, long term care, community, primary care clinics, education, occupational health and safety, public health, and leadership.
LPNs advocate for clients related to all areas of practice in order to provide safe, quality nursing care. LPNs work collaboratively with to ensure continuity and quality of healthcare delivery.
LPNs in Alberta graduate from a two-year diploma in practical nursing offered at the college level. Practical nurse diploma programs are approved by the CLPNA.
LPNs study foundational, evidence-informed nursing with a focused approach in critical thinking and clinical judgment. LPNs have the knowledge, skill, judgment, and abilities to contribute in all phases of the continuum of care, from prevention to acute treatment and management, to long term and palliative care.
There are numerous post-entry level learning opportunities for LPNs. Advanced practice authorization is available in the areas of perioperative, orthopedics, and foot care. Additionally, LPNs can enhance their clinical practice by completing certificate programs in areas including mental health, chronic disease management, leadership, gerontology, wound care, and palliative care.
As a self-regulating profession, LPNs must meet registration requirements set out by the CLPNA under the Licensed Practical Nurses Profession Regulation, Alta Reg 81/2003. This includes initial registration upon completion of an approved practical nurse program or equivalent. It also includes annual renewal of registration, participation in continuing competence activities, and being actively engaged in the practice of the profession.
Learn more about how LPNs apply with the CLPNA
Learn more about continuing competence
The Health Professions Act (HPA) is the legislation that all regulated health professions must adhere to in the province of Alberta.
Under the HPA, the mandate of a regulatory College is to protect the public from unsafe practice and hold regulated members accountable for the care they provide to patients. The CLPNA is responsible for managing complaints against LPNs.
Anyone can file a complaint with the CLPNA’s Complaints Department if they have concerns about an LPN’s conduct.