The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) has the legislative authority and responsibility, through the Health Professions Act (2000) and Licensed Practical Nurses Profession Regulation, to regulate the practice of practical nursing in Alberta in a manner that protects and serves the public interest. The CLPNA is responsible to provide direction to and regulate the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) profession by establishing, maintaining, and enforcing standards for education, entry to practice requirements, registration, conduct, and continuing competence expectations of its members.

The Competency Profile outlines the knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, and judgment required of the LPN profession in Alberta. The document also guides practical nurse curriculum development and supports employers to understand full scope of practice for determining LPN practice in their care settings.

Individual LPNs are not expected to possess all competencies outlined within this document and the degree of proficiency in each competency area may vary. Individual LPN competence can be specific to the area of practice, nursing experience, continuing professional development, and role and responsibility within the practice setting.

Upon graduation from an approved practical nurse program, successful completion of the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE), and registration with CLPNA, new graduates are considered entry-level practitioners. LPNs further their expertise in practice over the span of their careers.

The competencies outlined in this document reflect the current legislated scope of practice for LPNs in Alberta and may be attained through: entry-level practical nurse education, post entry-level informal and formal education, experience, employer training, and certification; or Advanced authorization, CLPNA approved education and training.

LPNs have the responsibility to manage their professional practice and are accountable to the public, their employer, colleagues, the LPN profession, CLPNA, and themselves. The Competency Profile is meant to be a dynamic document that is revised to reflect changes within LPN practice as they occur.

This 5th Edition reflects LPN education and current scope of practice occurring in Alberta. Competency sections are not intended to be standalone, they are cumulative.

Last Revision

Updated April 2024 – Sections U & V updated to include initiation and removal of intraosseous devices. Section X updated to reflect the removal of supervision requirements for LPNs practicing aesthetic nursing.

Updated June 2022 – Removal of CCPNR Perioperative Standards of Practice references (sections C, K, & Z)