Nursing Types In Canada

In Canada, the nursing profession is highly regulated by provincial and territorial nursing bodies to ensure public safety and uphold high standards of practice. Below is a detailed explanation of the types of nurses in Canada, their roles, and the regulations governing their practice.

Visit Types of Nursing Professions

Registered Nurses (RNs)

Education Requirements:
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), typically a 4-year program from an approved nursing education program in Canada. Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) may need to complete a bridging program, such as the Internationally Educated Nurses Competency Assessment Program (IENCAP) in Ontario.

Scope of Practice:
RNs provide comprehensive care, including patient assessments, medication administration, care planning, and collaboration with healthcare teams.

Regulatory Bodies: Each province has its own regulatory body for RNs. Some examples include:

Examination:
RNs must pass the New Generation NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) to be licensed in Canada.

Licensing Requirements:
After passing the NCLEX-RN, Canadian-educated nurses must register with their provincial regulatory body. Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) must meet additional requirements, including a regulatory exam, before registration.

To maintain licensure, RNs must:

  • Complete Continuing Competency Programs (CCP) annually, such as professional development hours or self-assessments.
  • Adhere to the Professional Standards of Practice set by their regulatory body, which includes ethical and safe patient care.
  • Renew registration annually (e.g., in Ontario, annual registration with the CNO is required).

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) in Ontario

Education Requirements:
A diploma in practical nursing, typically a 2-year program from an approved institution. In some provinces, bridging programs may be required for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs).

Scope of Practice:
LPNs/RPNs provide basic nursing care such as administering medications, wound care, and monitoring vital signs, often under the supervision of RNs or physicians.

Regulatory Bodies: LPNs and RPNs are regulated by provincial bodies. Some examples include:

Examination:
LPNs and RPNs must pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE), except in Ontario and British Columbia, where the REx-PN is the required exam.

Licensing Requirements:
LPNs/RPNs must:

  • Complete annual professional development activities and self-assessments to maintain their registration. 
  • Adhere to provincial Practice Standards (e.g., the CNO Practice Standards for RPNs in Ontario).
  • Renew their registration annually and report Continuing Competency activities (e.g., workshops or practice reviews).

Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

Education Requirements:
A Master’s degree in Nursing with a specialization (such as family practice, pediatrics, or adult care). Nurse Practitioners must first be registered as Registered Nurses (RNs) in their respective jurisdiction before applying for NP licensure.

Scope of Practice:
NPs provide independent care, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and ordering diagnostic tests. They can work autonomously in many provinces and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Regulatory Bodies:

NPs are regulated by provincial and territorial nursing bodies across Canada. Here’s the complete list for each province and territory:

Examination:
Nurse Practitioners must pass the Canadian Nurse Practitioner Examination (CNPE), which is required for Family/All Ages NPs in most provinces. Some provinces may also require an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), particularly for Adult and Pediatric NP streams.

  • The CNPE is administered by Meazure Learning and is typically offered twice per year​.

Licensing Requirements:
To maintain licensure, NPs must:

  • Register as both RNs and NPs with their provincial regulatory body.
  • Complete annual continuing education and professional development to stay up-to-date with clinical practice and competencies​.
Nurse Type Education Scope of Practice Career Progression Work Environment Patient Interaction
Registered Nurse (RN) 4-year BScN from an approved program Comprehensive care—patient assessments, care planning, medication administration, and leadership roles Progress to NP, leadership, or administrative roles Hospitals, clinics, home care, long-term care Direct patient care, high interaction
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) 2-year Diploma in Practical Nursing Basic nursing care—administering medications, monitoring vital signs, under RN supervision May advance to RN with further education Long-term care, home care, hospitals Moderate patient care under RN/physician supervision
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Master’s degree in Nursing Independent practice—diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic tests Progress into leadership, policy-making, teaching, or specialized NP roles Outpatient clinics, primary care, hospitals High patient interaction, especially in primary care