Applicants returning to practice as RNs in Alberta

This information is for individuals who were formerly registered in Alberta but who are currently holding non-practicing (Former Member, Retired or Associate) status in Alberta.

All applicants must meet the currency of practice requirement of 1125 hours of RN practice in the last five years or successful completion of a nursing program satisfactory to the Registrar or successful completion of a Nursing Refresher Program satisfactory to CARNA Provincial Council.

CARNA's Continuing Competence Program requirements are mandatory for anyone applying for a practice permit in Alberta. Please see “Former Member Continuing Competence Requirements” under Related Pages.

Please note that on assessment of your application, you may be required to provide information or documentation in addition to that listed below, which may lengthen the time required to assess your file.

In most cases non-practicing members can complete the application to return to practicing status online. Please contact Registration Services at 780-451-0043 or toll free at 1-800-252-9392 at least ten business days before your planned return to work, so that the appropriate online record can be created for you. If you wish to download and print the application form and mail it to CARNA, please click on the link below.

>>Download Application form<<

If you are returning from a medical leave of absence, CARNA may require an assessment of fitness to practice form to be completed by your physician. Further information will be provided on assessment of your application. Click here for application information

If you are returning to practice in Alberta and have been practicing nursing in another jurisdiction, you will be required to provide the following, in addition to the application form or online registration:

Verification of your registration:

• Verification of registration from each jurisdiction in which you held registration in the past five years.
• If you have practiced in any U.S. jurisdictions during the past five years, please list these jurisdictions on page 3 of the verification form, indicating if the jurisdiction provides online verification which includes discipline information. Online verification will be obtained by CARNA if it includes discipline information; if it does not, you must request an official verification from the jurisdiction.

The application form for RN registration includes a Verification of Nurse Registration form. Please complete Part A and forward the form to your regulatory body. The verification must be sent to CARNA directly from the regulatory body.

Employer reference
Satisfactory reference from your current or most recent employer, if your practice was in Canada or the U.S. The reference must be on the form provided by CARNA, be based on a minimum of 225 hours of employment, and be signed by your immediate RN supervisor or manager. If you are unable to provide a reference from a Canadian or U.S. employer, based on a minimum of 225 hours, you may be issued a conditional practice permit.