Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) is the regulatory body for Licensed Practical Nurses in the province of Alberta, Canada.

Registration Requirements for Nurses Educated Outside of Canada

All nurses who are educated outside Canada need to be licensed with CLPNA and obtain a practice permit to be eligible to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alberta.

Language Requirement

  • Evidence of competence in, and comprehension of, the English language

  • Nursing program taught in English

Nursing Education Requirement

  • Licensed Practical Nurses must be graduates of approved practical nursing education programs or have equivalent training.

  • Practical nursing diploma programs consist of a combination of classroom and laboratory instruction and clinical experience in various health care settings

  • Immunizations, health assessments, CPR and Standard First Aid training and/or security checks also may be required

Previous/Current Registration Requirements

  • LPN/LVN status in the country where you obtained your nursing education

  • Registration in good standing from jurisdictions where you have practiced nursing

Practice Requirements

  • Have completed nursing practice hours within the last four years

Fitness to Practice

  • No health problems that impair your ability to practice

Good Character

  • No outstanding relevant criminal charges or convictions

Exam Requirement

  • You will not be required to write the Canadian Licensed Practical Nurse Exam. The NCLEX - PN is considered substantively equivalent

To view current job postings in Alberta's health care field, visit:

  • Jobs in Alberta
    Use the search function to browse health care related job postings designed to link foreign workers directly with Alberta employers.

    Alberta employers advertising on our website are aware of the process to hire foreign workers and may already have a Labour Market Opinion (LMO), as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Related Information

  • Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
    Learn about the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), an employer driven immigration program administered by Alberta Employment and Immigration.

    Through the AINP, Alberta employers can nominate skilled and some semi-skilled workers for permanent resident visa application.

Other Sources

Date Updated: May 13, 2008
RDP-742