Job requirements Registered Nurse (R.N.) in Canada
National Occupational Classification update
We have updated this page to reflect the transition to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This means that the occupation "registered nurse (R.N.)" was moved from the group Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012) to the group Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301).
Find out what you typically need to work as a registered nurse (R.N.) in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301).
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- Registered nurses
- Completion of a university, college or other approved registered nursing program is required.
- Additional academic training or experience is required to specialize in a specific area of nursing.
- A master's or doctoral degree in nursing is usually required for clinical nurse specialists, clinical nurses, nursing consultants and nursing researchers.
Source National Occupational Classification
Professional certification and licensing
You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated in your province or territory.
Do you want to work in another province or territory?
If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.
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