Bridging programs are designed to assist individuals in filling application gaps when transferring to Alberta. You may have the option to use a bridging program toward your registered nurse application to meet the currency of practice or post-secondary requirements.

If you have an education credential assessment (ECA) that indicates your nursing education is equivalent to a 3- or 4-year degree in Canada with a focus on nursing, you can apply directly to bridging education programs and competence assessment testing in Alberta. You do not need to apply to the CRNA first.   

Outcomes

Successful Completion

You will meet the currency of practice and post-secondary requirements. You can then complete the next steps in your application process.

Did Not Complete

If you did not complete the course, the CRNA will determine your eligibility and outline next steps for you to complete.

Accepted Bridging Programs By Province

Bow Valley College

  • Bridge to Canadian nursing program

Keyano College

  • Bridge to Canadian nursing program

MacEwan University

  • Bridge to Canadian nursing program

Mount Royal University

  • Bridge to Canadian nursing program

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

  • Baccalaureate registered nurse program
  • Baccalaureate registered nurse program – Second degree
  • Registered nurse re-entry for internationally educated nurses
  • Professional studies health

Langara College

  • Nursing practice in Canada post degree re-entry diploma

Thompson Rivers University

  • Return to registered nurse practice certificate

Red River College Polytechnic

  • Bridging program for internationally educated nurses 

New Brunswick Community College

  • New Brunswick Canadian-educated nurses (CEN) re-entry/internationally educated nurses bridging program

Eastern Health

  • Internationally educated nurses bridging/Registered nurse re-entry program

Nova Scotia Health Learning Institute for Health Care Providers

  • Registered nurse bridging/Re-entry program

St. Francis Xavier University

  • Internationally educated nurses program

Conestoga College

  • Enhanced practice for internationally educated nurses  (For international students applying from overseas only)

Fanshawe College

  • Bridging for internationally educated nurses program and nursing in Ontario

Ontario Internationally Educated Nurses Course Consortium

York University

  • Post-registered nurse internationally educated nurses bachelor of science in nursing program 

Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing

  • Registered nursing bridging program for internationally educated nurses

Frequently Asked Questions

No. It is not a requirement to take a bridge to Canadian nursing program to apply for a permit in Alberta. You may need to complete a bridging program if you do not meet any of the other pathway options, you need to meet the currency requirement, or your education is not equivalent.

No. You can use any approved bridge to Canadian nursing program within Canada. Some programs may have restrictions on who can apply based on jurisdiction. You will need to check with the education institutions about program requirements.

The CRNA does not require you to take a credential assessment prior to taking a bridging program. Some education institutions that run the programs may require this.

No. You do not need to notify the CRNA prior to taking a bridging program. It is recommended that you book a consultation with a registrant navigator to ensure that this is the best pathway for you.

Request a Consultation

You should use the substantial equivalence application if you have completed a bridge to Canadian nursing program.

The cost for a bridging program depends on the education institution. You will need to check with the program of your choice about their costs.

You can register for a bridging program through one of the education institutions that offers the program.

If you need to use a bridging program to meet one or more requirements, you must have fully completed the bridging program to be eligible to apply for or renew your permit with the CRNA.