Overview
Registered Nurses (RN) study in similar educational backgrounds as RPNs in Ontario, with a much longer and larger scope in knowledge. This additional education and training allows RNs to take on more responsibilities and roles within the healthcare industry.
Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) have an opportunity to take their skills to a wide range of settings, including both public and private hospitals. Other medical institutions include research colleges, home care, rehabilitation centers, doctors (general practitioner) offices and private one-on-one specialist care opportunities.
Regulatory Body
The College of Nurses Ontario (CNO) serve as the local governing body for all nurses working or looking to find employment in the province.
Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) have multiple pathway options. According to the CNO, IEPNs are encouraged to take the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRNE)
New Transition to Practice Course
Effective on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the CNO accepts any related nursing education background from the province, country-wide and internationally. Qualifying experience may vary depending on the courses and curriculum of origin.
In addition, the CNO launched its mandatory Transition to Practice (TTP) online course, which spans 7 to 14 weeks and looks at 31 safety conditions when working in Ontario. To learn more, you can read the CNO's dedicated FAQ page.
The CNO has also provided a list of approved schools providing the TTP courses. You can view the list here.
You can also view the Competency-based education programs listed by OntarioLearn here.
This Pathway
IENs will need to register and apply with the CNO to get started. This method to licensure will grant an IEN a Temporary Class - an opportunity for RN and RPN applicants with the College to practice nursing during the General Class process.
IEPNs will be given the opportunity to learn hands-on skills in Ontario's health settings and gain further knowledge into the CPNRE's theory, practice and Ontario's own set of regulations. The practice permit recognizes IENs as RNs or RPNs during its effective time.
Alternative Careers
Alternative Careers - much like Unregulated Roles, are pathways within the nursing field including health care aides, long term care aides, attendants and roles in patient services.
These roles range from entry-level to intermediate responsibilities and take place in relevant settings including hospitals, research facilities, medical care centers and long term care homes.
EPIC-HC can help you start an alternative career immediately with connecting you in some of these targeted roles:
Licensed Practical Nurses
Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals
Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors
Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses
View our interactive Road Map to help you learn how to be an RN or RPN in Ontario! Now updated for 2025.
Bridging Programs
Bridging for Internationally Educated Nurses - Practical Nurse Stream
The Bridge Program for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN) allows Practical Nurses fill in competency gaps along the licensing process with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) while learning about Canadian practices in its healthcare system.
It spans 18 months in length with clinical placements alongside community partners, mainly in London, Ontario.
Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Refresher - Certificate Program
The RPN Refresher gives both Registered Practical Nurses (RPN) and Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) a chance to complete their competency gaps set by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
The program spans 7 to 8 months (28 to 32 weeks) and is tailored for those out of practice for three or more years with a mix of hybrid learning courses.
Enhanced Practice for IENs - Registered Nurse
This program is designed for Internationally Educated Nurses following the Registered Nurse stream (RN) with a four year bachelor's degree and looking to meet the College of Nurses of Ontario's competencies.
The program spans two years and includes a one-time $1000 scholarship awarded for students with a B+ average in their previous degrees.
Nursing for IEN: Academic Pathway Options
George Brown College with the School of Continuing Education allows Internationally Trained Nurses (IEN) following the RPN or RN Pathway to fil competency gaps by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
The school offers individualized, flexible offerings of courses rather than a full program for completion.
Practical Nursing for Internationally Educated Nurses
The Practical Nursing program allows IENs to specifically learn the Ontario provincial health system while completing core competency directions by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
The program spans four semesters, while applicants are required to interview with the program coordinator and submit their transcript and resume.
How Achēv will help
The step-by-step incentives
2-week Employment & Essential Skills training
- Resume- Cover Letter- Interview preparation
- Networking Techniques
- Pathways to licensure planning & supports
- Relocation planning & supports
- Labour Market Information
- Training on Adaptability, Initiative and Teamwork
- Workplace Culture & Intercultural Communication
- Employment Rights in Ontario and Alberta
- Employer Connections in rural areas of Ontario and Alberta
Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals (IEHPs) can also use other Achēv in-house services, such as the Newcomer Information Centre, the Accelerated Career Advancement Program (ACA), and language services, such as the CLB Online Self-Assessment (CLB-OSA) at no cost.
The Newcomer Information Centre (NIC) is a great place to start if you have recently arrived in Canada. The NIC offers a wide range of immigrant services to help newcomers settle smoothly in Canada; they provide information and referrals on education and training, immigration, health, housing, legal, financial, social, and recreational needs of newcomers.
The Accelerating Career Advancement (ACA) program provides financial loans to internationally trained individuals looking to return to their chosen profession. Receive free ongoing one-on-one financial counseling.
Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals (IEHPs) can access its CLB Online Self-Assessment (CLB-OSA) at no additional cost to test their proficiency before taking the official CLB exam. The tool serves as a handy practice ahead of enhancing language skills with additional Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) home study training.
Financial Aid
Funded by the Government of Canada, Achēv’s Accelerating Career Advancement (ACA) program provides financial loans, accreditation support, and career counselling to Internationally Trained Individuals (ITIs) who are looking to return to their chosen profession.
You can learn more about their services here.
Language Proficiency Support
Clients with EPIC-HC connecting to various pathways will be required to meet CLB Level 7 to pass most language related requirements.
Clients can access its CLB Online Self-Assessment (CLB-OSA) at no additional cost to test their proficiency prior to taking the official CLB exam. The tool serves as a handy practice ahead of enhancing language skills with additional Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) home study training.
Settlement Info
The step-by-step incentives
Internationally Educated Nurses will have an opportunity to work across rural Ontario while exploring recreation, nature and community beyond the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The EPIC-HC program covers a variety of targeted communities in need of Lab technicians, pharmacists and nurses to address a growing concern for healthcare workers.
Achev's ACA program will also provide loan supports for IEHPs embarking on their professional journeys across the province with partnering employers in healthcare.
