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Nurse, Practical Nurse
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Licensed practical nurses work in a range of health care roles (such as acute care, long-term care, community and primary health clinics, education, occupational health, public health and leadership). Depending on the setting, they may perform many different tasks. They may work with other health care professionals (such as registered nurses, psychiatric nurses, doctors and physiotherapists). Licensed practical nurses carry out many nursing duties independently. Their work depends on the nature and complexity of the care clients need. In many cases, licensed practical nurses are in leadership roles. They assign tasks to health care aides and manage client and family concerns.
In general, licensed practical nurses:
Nursing can be physically, emotionally and intellectually demanding. Licensed practical nurses are often exposed to contagious diseases and may work with hazardous materials. They may work shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. They may need to transfer patients with decreased mobility, or lift items weighing up to 20 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in compiling information by monitoring patients' progress and monitoring established respiratory and intravenous therapy; in evaluating effectiveness of nursing interventions; and in administering medication and observing and documenting therapeutic effects
Interest in instructing patients and their families by providing safety and health education; in providing pre-operative and post-operative personal and comfort care; and in consulting with members of the healthcare team
Interest in operating medical equipment to perform nursing interventions such as taking vital signs, applying aseptic techniques including sterile dressing, ensuring infection control, monitoring nutritional intake and conducting specimen collection
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Licensed practical nurses need to have:
They should enjoy working with people and using medical and computer equipment.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 06, 2023 and Apr 26, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Provide nursing services, within defined scope of practice, to patients based on patient assessment and care planning procedures | 67 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 65 |
| Tasks: Monitor patients' progress, evaluate effectiveness of nursing interventions and consult with appropriate members of healthcare team | 63 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 62 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 62 |
| Tasks: Administer medication and observe and document therapeutic effects | 62 |
| Tasks: Take vital signs, apply aseptic techniques including sterile dressing, ensure infection control, monitore nutritional intake and conduct specimen collection | 61 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : First Aid Certificate | 59 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : CPR Certificate | 59 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 57 |
In Alberta, licensed practical nurses must graduate from an approved practical nursing education program, or complete other education considered equal by the Registrar of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA). Practical nursing programs combine classroom learning, lab instruction, and clinical experience in different health care settings.
Legislation requires licensed practical nurses who specialize to complete an approved program or advanced certification. The CLPNA must authorize them to perform in that capacity. Specialties may include perioperative nursing / operating room, advanced orthopaedics, dialysis, immunization or advanced foot care.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
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.
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.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Nurse - Licensed Practical.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Licensed practical nurses work for:
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 3233: Licensed practical nurses occupational group, 97.7% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 3233: Licensed practical nurses occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 485 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries vary considerably depending on the employer and on the employee’s responsibilities, experience and training.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Government of Alberta website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $24.00 | $27.73 | $26.29 | $26.45 |
| Overall | $24.00 | $32.88 | $30.17 | $31.23 |
| Top | $25.00 | $35.88 | $33.58 | $34.63 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $48,364 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $48,297 |
| Public Administration | $65,276 |
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) website: www.clpna.com
Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) website: www.aupe.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 19, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
