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Quick Reference Guide 7: Reciprocity from Canadian RN to US RN Practise

The transition of Canada to NCLEX-RN in 2014 widen opportunities of Canadian RNs all throughout North America. Canada is the third country behind India and the Philippines of which American hospitals hire RNs to address the RN shortage in the States (Hall, 2009). It has been noted that US recruiters prefer RNs who hold a baccalaureate degree, the minimum education requirement to practise as RN in Canada (except Québec). 

Read the full article conducted by the University of Toronto Lawrence Bloomber School of Nursing here.

Unlicensed Internationally-Educated RNs living in Canada may have to submit a licensure by examination application in the States. This QRG applies to Canadian-licensed RNs/Canadian RNs.

So how will those Canadian-licensed RNs reciprocate their licenses in the States?

Here are useful steps to file for reciprocity in the States:

Pre-requisites:
  • Must have passed the NCLEX-RN
  • Must hold an active Canadian RN license within Canada
  • Québec RNs must submit directly a licensure by examination application in the States
(1) Determine which State you wish to hold an RN license
If you are hired by a US recruiter, you should know which State(s) you will be working at. Like Canada, each State/US Territory has their own nursing jurisdiction and own set of reciprocity requirements.

(2) Determine the need of doing a foreign credential evaluation prior to licensure
Like Canada, most States require foreign credential evaluation to assess your education credentials. The minimum education requirement to practise as RN in the States is the Associate's Degree or better known as Diploma Nursing. Foreign credential evulation services are provided by firms like CGFNS, Josef Silny and Associates etc. Refer to these firms for their service fees in USD.

(3) Determine the need to submit a proof of English language proficiency
The IELTS Academic and the TOEFL are generally accepted all throughout the States. Take note that each State has their own set of required band scores to meet this requirement.

(4) Submit verifications of ALL RN licenses held
There are forms to be completed by either US or Canadian RN Regulatory Boards or by both.

(5) Submit to criminal record checks
Fingerprint cards and criminal record checks are conducted by third-party organizations affiliated with the FBI and State Boards of Nursing

(6) Complete a Licensure by Reciprocity Application with a State Board of Nursing
Complete a licensure by reciprocity application form found on the State Board of Nursing website and pay the appropriate fees in USD.

Click here to contact a State Board of Nursing.

Image source: http://www.canada-usblog.com/files/2016/09/Canada-US-Flags.jpg

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