Licensed practical nurses apply nursing knowledge, skills and judgment to assess patients' needs and provide nursing care for patients and families. They care for clients throughout the life span and follow a systematic approach to nursing care, through critical thinking and clinical judgement.
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta
13163 - 146 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5L 4S8
Phone number: 780-484-8886
Toll-free phone number (within Alberta): 1-800-661-5877
Fax number: 780-484-9069
Website: www.clpna.com
Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Licensed Practical Nurses Profession Regulation, registration with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) is mandatory if you meet identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public, teach the practice of the profession to members or students of the profession, or supervise registered members who provide services to the public. Registered members who are authorized by the College may perform restricted activities specified in the Regulation. Only registered members may call themselves licensed practical nurses.
Registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse requires successful completion of: (1) an approved practical nursing program and (2) an approved national examination. Applicants who have been out of practice for a period of time also may have to demonstrate that they are currently competent to practice. Registration for specialized practice requires completion of specialty education and demonstrated competence. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, visit the CLPNA website or contact the CLPNA.
Licensed practical nurses who are registered by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if licensed practical nurses in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
To learn about certification for internationally educated licensed practical nurses, see Licensed Practical Nurse Accreditation Process.
