Keyano College to Train Internationally Educated Nurses

Keyano College has received program expansion funding for the Canadian Nursing Bridge program and the Practical Nurse Diploma for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). These programs have been designed to bridge the gap between internationally trained nurses’ qualifications and the licensing requirements required in Alberta.

This new training aligns with Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education and Ministry of Health’s mission to alleviate the financial barriers IENs face while upgrading their credentials in Canada. It also addresses the recent crisis in Alberta’s nursing labour market and meets the demand for skilled professionals throughout the province.

The Canadian Nursing Bridge Program for RNs will consist of courses that IENs can complete based on any additional training that may be required to become eligible for writing the National Council Licensure Examination (NLCEX). Keyano plans to offer the introductory course this Fall as a continuing education NCLEX prep course. Additional courses will be scheduled for Winter 2024. Programming is provided through a collaborative effort with Northwestern Polytechnic, Portage College, and Bow Valley College.

The Practical Nurse Diploma (PND IEN) has been designed for IENs wishing to obtain a PN diploma. It will be a variation of the existing PND and be highly individualized, based on assessing the learners’ needs. It is anticipated to begin in the Winter of 2024.

 “I am pleased that we have received this substantial increase to our nursing programming,” says Arlene Starkes, Dean of the School of Health & Human Services at Keyano College. “This new training will help address the shortage of healthcare professionals in our region and assist IENs in launching their careers in Canada. They will also gain the necessary skills to address our community’s immediate concerns, and I am excited for training to begin this Fall.”

Program inquiries can be directed to the Office of the Registrar at Keyano College.

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Media Contact: 

Chantal Beaver, BAA MA 
AVP Strategy & Business Transformation  
chantal.beaver@keyano.ca