Are you an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) looking to practice in Canada and obtain a nursing license? If so, this blog is for you! As an IEN, the first step you need to take is to apply to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS). In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the NNAS application process and the subsequent steps to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Canada.
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NNAS Application Process
The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) is a non-profit organization representing 18 Nursing Regulatory Bodies across Canada (except for Quebec, Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories). The NNAS conducts verifications and assessments for IENs, and its Advisory Report is accepted by all provincial regulatory bodies.
The NNAS is responsible for various functions, including verifying candidates’ identity and nursing credentials, comparing their credentials to Canadian entry-to-practice competencies, and collecting employment history and nursing licenses.
To begin the NNAS application process, follow these steps:
a. Create a candidate online account on the nnas.ca website.
b. Submit proof of identity documents (notarized copies of government-issued identification).
c. Complete and submit the Nursing Education Form to each nursing post-secondary school attended outside Canada.
d. Submit the Nursing Registration Form to all nursing licensing authorities where you were previously licensed or registered outside Canada.
e. Submit the Nursing Practice/Employment Form to all past employers from the past five years.
f. Prove language proficiency in English or French by submitting language testing results from approved agencies like IELTS, CELBAN, or TEF.
NNAS Advisory Report
Once you complete the NNAS application and submit all required documents, the NNAS issues an Advisory Report within 12 weeks. The report will categorize your qualifications as Comparable, Somewhat Comparable, or Not Comparable. The Advisory Report serves as the basis for further steps in the registration process.
Provincial Regulatory Body Registration
Based on the NNAS Advisory Report, you will need to register with a specific provincial regulatory body, such as the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) in Ontario. Each province may have slightly different registration requirements.
The registration requirements generally include:
– Nursing education that meets Ontario’s standards.
– Proof of recent nursing practice experience.
– Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN (or NCLEX-PN for practical nursing).
– Jurisprudence examination.
– Proficiency in English or French.
– Authorization to work in Canada.
NCLEX-RN Score Transfer
If you have passed the NCLEX-RN in Australia or the US, you can request a score transfer to the Canadian nursing regulatory body. The new rule change in 2021 allows for easier transfer of NCLEX-RN pass scores, covering both registration exams and educational requirements.
Conclusion
Becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada as an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) involves several steps, starting with the NNAS application process. The NNAS Advisory Report will determine your eligibility for registration with a specific provincial regulatory body. By fulfilling the registration requirements, passing the NCLEX-RN, and demonstrating language proficiency, you can achieve your goal of becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada.
For more detailed information and expert guidance on the process, visit our website www.edulogix.com.au. We wish you a successful nursing career in Canada!
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