Study to become an RN

Are you considering a career in nursing?

If you are considering a career in nursing, you should know that there are three regulated nursing professions in Manitoba: registered nurses (RNs), registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs), and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). You can find more information on the available education programs leading to LPN registration from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba and programs leading to RPN registration from the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba.

What does it take to become an RN?

Skills and Abilities

Anyone seeking to become a registered nurse must possess certain basic skills and abilities that relate to the types of activities nursing students need to perform and the general demands of a nursing education program

Requisite skills and abilities

Education

Becoming a registered nurse means completing an approved nursing education program in Canada, or an equivalent nursing education program delivered outside Canada. This helps to provide you with the foundation needed to be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and judgment required for safe RN practice.

If you live in Manitoba and want to become a registered nurse (RN), you must complete a 4-year baccalaureate program.

Approved education programs

For internationally educated nurses (IENs)

Please visit our page for IEN applicants for more information on our processes and requirements.

What if I am already working as an LPN?

If you have already completed a diploma of practical nursing program, contact the post-secondary education institution you are interested in applying to about their processes and requirements.

What is the role of the College in approving education programs?

We approve nursing education programs in Manitoba that lead to registration as an RN or RN(Nurse Practitioner). These approvals are based on the Standards for Nursing Education Programs set out by the College, and each program is reviewed on a regular cycle.

This helps to assure the public and prospective students that graduates from Manitoba’s nursing education programs have achieved the competencies for practice in today’s health system and in the future.

NCLEX-RN Exam

Graduates of an approved nursing education program, or IENs who have completed the assessment process and any bridging requirements must write the NCLEX-RN, which is the national licensing exam for registered nurses. Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is one of the final steps in completing an application for registration with the College.

NCLEX Resources

Applicants may wish to make use of the preparatory resources NCSBN has made available for NCLEX-RN writers in both English and French.