Alberta is seeing an increase of nurses who are choosing to call Alberta home.
The College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA), which regulates and governs nurse and nurse practitioners under the Health Professions Act, has seen a significant increase in the number of registered nurse permits issued in Alberta.
This is a result of improved and streamlined licensing processes, which allow for expedited licensing for qualified nurses from outside the province to help address staffing needs and strengthen the healthcare system.
Over the past nine months, a total of 4,519 permits have been processed by the CRNA out of 5,501 applications. This is more than double the permits issues in the previous year and expands the Alberta workforce with over 2,300 nurses.
Since April 4, 2023 alone, the CRNA reports that 2,962 applicants have received permits from all application types. This includes 1,462 permits issued for internationally-educated nurses that applied via new substantial equivalence pathways, and another 633 applicants from other provinces or territories.
Many applicants with previous healthcare experience in Alberta are having their skills evaluated for registered nurse licensure.
Alberta’s government is committed to making our province the most desirable place to live and work for health care professionals.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.