Education · 1 of 5
The path
A separate nursing degree focused on mental health, offered only in the West.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Grade 12 English, biology, chemistry and a math. Psychology helps too.
- 2
Psychiatric nursing degree or diploma
2.5 to 4 years
A 4-year degree at MacEwan University in Alberta (or its diploma after 2.5 years), Brandon University in Manitoba or Douglas College in BC (British Columbia), or the 2.5-year advanced diploma at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Clinical placements start early.
- 3
Write the RPNCE (Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination)
After graduation
A 200-question computer exam offered in January, May and October. You get 3 tries within 4 years of graduating.
- 4
Register with your provincial college
A few weeks
BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba each have a regulator. Registration lets you legally use the title.