Please note that requirements for CARNA registration as a nurse practitioner are are under review and subject to changes related to the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA), which comes into effect April 1, 2009.

Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses with advanced knowledge, skills and competencies.  They integrate elements such as diagnosing, ordering and interpreting investigative tests, treating health problems and prescribing drugs into their practice.

To practice and use the protected title of nurse practitioner (NP) in Alberta, a person must be registered with CARNA as a nurse practitioner. CARNA registers nurse practitioners in one of three streams of practice (family/all ages, adult and child).

Applicants for CARNA registration as a nurse practitioner must have completed 4500 hours of registered nursing experience satisfactory to the Registration Committee and hold CARNA registration as a registered nurse.

The application process for nurse practitioner registration consists of up to seven steps. Please note that not all steps are required of all applicants.

Application Process for Applicants without Previous Experience and/or Registration 

Application Process for Applicants with Previous Nurse Practitioner Experience

Application Process for Applicants with Previous Registration Outside Alberta

A preliminary review of your eligibility for nurse practitioner registration by CARNA can only occur once all documents have been received in the necessary format from you or other required sources.

Possible Outcomes of the Preliminary Review  

1. eligible for a nurse practitioner practice permit
2. eligible for a nurse practitioner practice permit conditional to CARNA receiving positive reference(s) based on 300 – 600 hours of nurse practitioner practice in Alberta
3. decision regarding eligibility is deferred pending further assessment/remediation
4. eligibility denied

Click here to view detailed explainations of each possible outcome.