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FAQs: Proposed regulation change
On May 15, 2024, CNO Council approved, for submission to government, proposed changes under the Nursing Act, 1991, to amend the education requirement for registration. . The proposed changes will positively impact applicants who are educated internationally. However, these changes will not impact Ontario graduates. Ontario graduates will continue to meet the education requirement and the new Transition to Practice requirement by completing a CNO-approved foundational nursing education program.
These changes are not in effect. The proposed regulations are with the Ministry of Health for their consideration. If the regulation changes are approved by government, information will be shared broadly and CNO will let applicants know about their next steps.
The following FAQs are intended to help clarify some of the common questions we are receiving about the proposed changes. We recognize there will be many specific questions about these changes related to individual applications. We will respond to these questions if the regulation receives government approval and once all the details and processes are in place. Please visit this page regularly and stay tuned for updates on cno.org and through our social media channels.
What are the proposed changes to meet the education requirement for registration?
If government approves the proposed changes, internationally educated applicants will be required to show they completed a nursing program that is recognized or approved in the jurisdiction where they studied. The program must also qualify them to practice in the same category of nurse (RN/RPN) they are applying to in Ontario.
RN applicants will meet the education requirement if they have a nursing baccalaureate degree. If an RN applicant’s education does not meet this requirement, their education will be assessed to determine if it meets the requirement for substantial equivalence. If it does not meet substantial equivalence, the applicant will be provided with options to fulfill the education requirement.
RPN applicants will meet the education requirement if they have a nursing diploma. If an RPN applicant does not meet this requirement, their education will also be assessed to determine if it meets the requirement for substantial equivalence If it does not meet substantial equivalence the applicant will be provided with options on how to meet the education requirement.
Who will these changes impact?
These changes will impact current and future internationally educated applicants to CNO. Practicing nurses who hold a certificate of registration with CNO are not impacted.
I am an applicant currently going through the registration process. How will these proposed changes impact me?
Currently, the regulation has not changed and the current registration requirements remain in place, including education. If the Ministry approves the regulations, CNO will reach out to you directly to let you know about your next steps.
Will these changes apply to RNs or RPNs renewing their registration?
No, these changes will not apply to current registrants renewing their registration.
I am a senior-level practicing RN in Ontario who graduated at a time when diplomas were the minimum requirement for registration as an RN with CNO. Do I have to go back to school to get a baccalaureate degree?
No. Currently registered nurses who hold a certificate of registration with CNO do not have to obtain additional education to meet the new requirements. These regulations will only impact current and future applicants.
What does a program approved or recognized in the jurisdiction mean?
This means that the nursing program is approved by a board of nursing, government, or other oversight body within the jurisdiction where the applicant studied and the date on which this occurred.
What happens if cno cannot confirm that a program is approved or recognized in the jurisdiction in which it was taken??
In jurisdictions where a program is not recognized or approved, CNO will not be able to accept the program as meeting the education registration requirement. This is consistent with the existing law in this province.
