Licensed practical nurses assess and treat health conditions. They promote health, prevent illness and assist individuals, families and groups achieve optimal health.

These services are provided in settings including acute and community hospitals, clinics, private homes, community health centres, personal-care homes and long-term care facilities.

Licensing process in Manitoba

This profession is regulated in Manitoba by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba.

Note: The college conducts the licensing process in English only. Thus, all requested documents must be translated into English.

To practise licensed practical nursing in Manitoba you must:

• have completed a practical nursing education program in Manitoba OR you must have completed a program of nursing education outside Manitoba that is equivalent to the LPN program offered in Manitoba
• hold active practising registration, which requires you to practise nursing for a minimum of 1,000 hours in the past four years and have met the continuing competence requirements in your home jurisdiction OR you must complete the practical nursing refresher program
• be registered with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba

You must complete the following steps:

STEP 1: Contact the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba and tell them you are an internationally educated LPN and would like information on how to become licensed to practise in Manitoba.

College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba
Pat MacDonald, executive director
463 St. Anne's Road
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2M 3C9
Phone: 204-663-1212
Fax: 204-663-1207
E-mail: info@clpnm.ca or pmacdonald@clpnm.ca
Website: clpnm.ca

STEP 2: Complete the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba application form to have your education and credentials assessed.

You must submit the following:

• birth certificate*
• two photos of identification (2x3 inches)
• name change documents of all name changes that have occurred since birth*
• completed criminal record check
• verification of registration from your initial jurisdiction and all other jurisdictions where you have been registered in the past seven years*
• employer verification of nursing practice hours from all nursing employers in the past four years*
• educational information, transcript, diploma and syllabus*
• proof of language proficiency**
• credential assessment fee: C$250

* If documents are not in English, notarized translations are required.

STEP 3: Wait for assessment correspondence outlining requirements to become eligible to complete the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).

STEP 4: Apply for graduate practical nurse registration (GPN) after meeting credential assessment requirements.

STEP 5: Write the CPNRE.

STEP 6: After successfully passing the CPNRE and paying the appropriate registration fees the college will issue you registration as a licensed practical nurse in Manitoba.

Additional information

Language: As part of your work, you are required to have intermediate or advanced English language skills in the four basic language areas - listening, speaking and reading and writing comprehension. Therefore, you should be able to:

• participate in discussions of a complex nature
• share your thoughts clearly
• understand technical documents
• write reports in English with confidence

If your first language is not English you must provide evidence of competence in English by completing one of the following within the two-year period immediately preceding the date of application for registration:

• Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses with a minimum score of eight in all sections
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 79 for the Internet-based exam and a minimum score of 26/30 in the speaking portion. For the computer-based exam, a score of 213 combined with a minimum of 50 in the test for spoken English. For the paper-based examination the minimum score is 550 with no less than 50 in each section and a minimum score of 50 in the test for spoken English.
• Test of English for International Communication with a minimum score of 730 combined with the test for spoken English with a minimum score of 50

Annual registration fee is C$315. Registration must be renewed each year before November 30. To avoid paying a late filing fee you must pay your registration before November 1 of each year.

The practical nursing refresher program may be taken either full-time or part-time and is offered by Assiniboine Community College through distance education. The program combines theoretical study, lab and clinical practice.

The Canadian practical nurse registration examination is held in January, May and September in Winnipeg and other cities in Manitoba. The fee is C$448.35.

Registration as a graduate practical nurse allows you to work under direct supervision of a nurse or other medical practitioner for up to four months with an option to renew. The cost for initial GPN registration is C$131.25.

Revised October 2011

Assistance for newcomers in Manitoba

• Communication and bridging programs for professionals
• Financial help to pursue professional licence
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