Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) Competency Upgrade Pathway

Program Overview

This program provides a pathway for Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) to qualify as Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) in Ontario. The courses are designed to offer flexible study options for working IENs. 

These courses are for IENs who have had their education assessed by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and have been informed in writing of the need for additional education. The letter provided by the CNO will outline the specific competencies that need to be addressed. Students are only expected to complete those courses identified in their assessment letter by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

You can find more information on the assessment process by the College of Nurses of Ontario on their website.

Admission Requirements

These courses are for students who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN)
• Proof of one of the following:
  • Canadian citizenship status; or
  • Canadian permanent resident status; or
  • Appropriate authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) that permits you to engage in the practice of nursing in Ontario.
• Letter from CNO containing the results of your education assessment and the additional education you need.

Enrolment Process

To enrol in this program, please complete these steps:

• Step 1:
  Complete and submit the IEN Application Form. You can upload your CNO documentation on the form. No upload of citizenship necessary.
• Step 2:
  If emailing photos, please ensure that all content in the photos is legible.
• Step 3:
  Your form and documentation will be assessed by our Continuing Education Customer Service Advisors. Those who meet the above criteria will be contacted by Customer Service with an acceptance e-mail.
• Step 4:
  Step 4: Using the Internationally Educated Nurses Competency Upgrade Pathway map the competency gaps identified in your CNO letter to the available courses.
• Step 5:
  To register, student can connect directly with the CSAs.

Courses in Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) Competency Upgrade Pathway

• IEN: Research in Nursing (NRSG263)
• IEN: Health Assessment (NRSG264)
• IEN: Nursing in Ontario (NRSG265)
• IEN: Pharmacology (NRSG266)
• IEN: Relational Practice (NRSG267)
• IEN: Nursing Informatics (NRSG268)
• IEN: Health and Transition (NRSG269)
• IEN: Healing and Episodic Health Challenges (NRSG270)