This information is for graduates of any entry-level nursing education program in Alberta approved by the Nursing Education Program Approval Board (NEPAB). Requirements for registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) for Alberta graduates are established in the Registered Nurses Profession Regulation, which falls under the Health Professions Act. They include:

• graduation within the last five years from a nursing education program in Alberta approved by NEPAB
• passing the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE)
• meeting CARNA Continuing Competence Program requirements
• satisfactory employer reference if more than six months have passed since graduation

Your educational institution will provide you with information on how to apply to write the CRNE and how to apply for a temporary practice permit from CARNA to allow you to practise as a graduate nurse (GN) until you have met the registration requirements. You will be required to provide official photo identification in order to apply.

Once you have met the requirements and are eligible for RN registration in Alberta, CARNA will contact you. Initial RN registration is completed online for Alberta graduates.

If you completed your nursing program in Alberta, you are required to complete your initial registration as an RN in Alberta as well. This ensures you will be able to provide the proper verification of registration to any other jurisdiction, should you decide to practise nursing elsewhere. CARNA offers an initial non-practising registration option for Alberta graduates who have never practised in Alberta and do not intend to practise here.

For more information, please contact CARNA.