To practise as a regulated health professional in Ontario, you must be a member of your profession’s regulatory college and hold a certificate of registration. Regulated health professionals are required by law to deliver competent, ethical and professional services, and are accountable to the public through their respective colleges.
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) is the regulatory body for nursing practice in Ontario.
The CNO regulates nursing to protect the public interest and sets requirements to enter the profession, establishes and enforces standards of nursing practice, and assures the quality of practice of the profession and the continuing competence of nurses.
In Ontario, nursing is categorized in two groups: Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Practical Nurse (RPN).
There are six classes of registration: General, Extended, Temporary, Special Assignment, Emergency Assignment, and Non-Practicing.
To practise nursing as an RN or RPN in Ontario, internationally educated nurses (IENs) must hold a current General Certificate of Registration with the CNO. To become eligible for General Class Registration, IENs will need to meet the following eight registration requirements:
To learn more about the registration requirements, please visit the College of Nurses of Ontario website.
Visit Services for Internationally Educated Health Professionals for information about Access Centre services and how to participate.