Education · 1 of 5

The path

A separate nursing degree focused on mental health, offered only in the West.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Grade 12 English, biology, chemistry and a math. Psychology helps too.

2. 2

   Psychiatric nursing degree

   3 to 4 years

   A 4-year Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing at MacEwan University in Alberta, Brandon University in Manitoba, or a BC school such as Douglas College. Saskatchewan Polytechnic also trains psychiatric nurses. Clinical placements start early.

3. 3

   Write the RPNCE (Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination)

   After graduation

   A 200-question, computer-based multiple-choice exam offered in January, May and October. You get 3 tries.

4. 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.