An overview of the nursing professions in Canada 

The title “nurse” can only be used by professionals who are licensed or registered by the nursing regulatory body, college, or association in one of the Canadian provinces where they intend to work. This protects public health and safety. Regulators also ensure that nurses meet the required standards. Each province and territory has its own regulations—there is no national registration or licensure process.

Registered Nurse (RN) 

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Canada usually requires a four-year university program that leads to a nursing degree. The program includes theory and clinical instruction in medical and surgical nursing.

An RN is a generalist nurse with the skills to work with all types of patients and in all clinical settings. Some RNs specialize in a particular type of nursing.

RNs are trained to give direct care and to take on the role of coordinating care for individuals, families, groups, and communities in a variety of health care settings and with a variety of health care professionals. Clinical instruction prepares the RN to take on a leadership role when care requirements become more complex.

To earn a Master’s degree or a PhD in nursing, one first needs to be an RN.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 

(Registered Practical Nurse in Ontario) 

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada usually requires a 2–3 year college program leading to a nursing diploma. Training includes theory and clinical instruction in medical and surgical nursing.

An LPN is a generalist nurse with the skills to work with all types of patients and in a variety of clinical settings. Some LPNs specialize in a particular type of nursing, although their scope of practice is more limited than that of an RN.

LPNs provide and coordinate care for individuals, families, and groups in a variety of health care settings and with a variety of health professionals. They work with patients of varying complexity, consulting and collaborating with other health care professionals when required.

Like all nurses, LPNs often have opportunities to work in other health care roles, including administration and management.

Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) 

Registered Psychiatric Nursing is a regulated profession in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. In these provinces, becoming an RPN usually requires 2.5–4 years of nursing education at the college or university level. RPN programs include theoretical and clinical training in psychiatric and general nursing.

RPNs provide care for patients with complex psychosocial, mental health, and physical needs. They coordinate care for individuals, families, groups, and communities in a variety of health care settings, working with a variety of health care professionals.

Differences between the professions 

In Canada, the differences between the nursing professions are:

• the type of education and training required, and
• the scope of practice. 

For a regulated profession like nursing, a scope of practice refers to the type of work a person is authorized to do based on their training and competencies, according to the policies of regulatory bodies. The scope of practice for the nursing professions varies by province.

Education and experience in any of the nursing professions can open the doors in Canada to related work in healthcare, including administration and management.