Nursing Categories in Canada

Before you start any application, choose the nursing category that matches your education and experience. Your category affects your regulator, pathway, and exam.

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 may be required to complete a competency assessment or additional nursing education. In Ontario, current options may include the Registered Nurses Canadian Competency Assessment Program (RNCCAP) or a CNO-approved IEN Education Pathway, when directed by CNO.

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:
Most Canadian provinces and territories use the NCLEX-RN as the RN entry-to-practice examination. Québec currently requires the OIIQ professional examination instead. Applicants must confirm the required examination with their regulator.

Licensing Requirements:
After passing the NCLEX-RN, Canadian-educated nurses must register with their provincial regulatory body. Internationally educated nurses must meet the education, evidence-of-practice, language, examination, suitability, and other requirements established by their provincial or territorial regulator. Additional assessment or education is required only when directed by the regulator.

To maintain licensure, RNs must:

  • Registration renewal and continuing-competence requirements are established by each provincial or territorial regulator.
  • 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 and RPNs are regulated nursing professionals who provide nursing care within their authorized scope of practice. Their level of autonomy and need for consultation or collaboration depend on their competence, the client’s condition, the practice setting, and provincial or territorial requirements.

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

Examination:
The practical-nurse examination depends on the jurisdiction. Ontario and British Columbia use the REx-PN. Many other participating jurisdictions use the CPNRE. Québec nursing assistants follow the separate OIIAQ admission and examination process. Confirm the required examination with the applicable regulator.

Licensing Requirements:
LPNs/RPNs must:

  • Meet the registration-renewal and continuing-competence requirements established by their provincial or territorial regulator.
  • Adhere to provincial Practice Standards (e.g., the CNO Practice Standards for RPNs in Ontario).

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-practitioner examinations are changing across Canada. The Canadian Nurse Practitioner Licensure Examination (CNPLE) launched in 2026, with its first administration in May 2026. Implementation dates differ by jurisdiction, and the CNPE remains available in some jurisdictions during the transition. Applicants must check their regulator’s current examination requirements.

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