How to become a psychiatric nurse in Canada

Mental health care is one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare in Canada. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental health issue in any given year, and the demand for psychiatric services continues to rise. Psychiatric nurses play a critical role in supporting individuals, families, and communities through assessment, counselling, and medication management.

Canada is facing a nationwide nursing shortage. Statistics Canada projects that by 2031, nearly one in four Canadians will be aged 65 or older, which means more demand for mental health and long-term care services. This growing need creates opportunities for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs), including those trained as psychiatric or mental health nurses.

By becoming licensed in Canada, internationally educated psychiatric nurses can fill urgent labour gaps, strengthen community mental health supports, and contribute to the Canadian economy while continuing their professional careers.

Steps to become a psychiatric nurse in Canada

The licensing process for psychiatric nurses varies slightly depending on the province. Psychiatric nursing is a separate regulated profession in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, while in other provinces psychiatric nursing is practiced under the umbrella of registered nursing (RN).

Here is a step-by-step outline of the process:

1. Apply through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS)

All internationally educated nurses begin by applying to the NNAS. This process involves submitting your nursing education, professional experience, identity documents, and language test results. NNAS verifies and assesses your file before forwarding it to the provincial regulator.

2. Choose your provincial nursing regulator

• In BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, psychiatric nursing is licensed by a College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses.
  
• In Ontario and other provinces, psychiatric nursing falls under the College of Nurses (as RNs).
  

Your licensing path depends on where you plan to live and work in Canada.

3. Complete bridging education (if required)

Many IENs, including psychiatric nurses, are asked to complete a bridging program to address differences in training. These programs focus on Canadian standards of practice, communication skills, mental health legislation, and interprofessional collaboration. Bridging programs can last from 6 months to 2 years depending on your background.

4. Write the required licensing exam

• If you are applying as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba, you must pass the RPNCE (Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination).
  
• If you are applying as an RN in other provinces, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

5. Register with your provincial college

After passing the exam, completing any bridging education, and demonstrating language proficiency, you can apply for registration and licensure with your provincial college. You will need to submit proof of identity, a criminal record check, and pay registration fees.

6. Begin practicing as a psychiatric nurse

Once licensed, you can work in hospitals, mental health facilities, long-term care, or community mental health centres. Psychiatric nurses often work as part of a healthcare team that includes physicians, psychologists, and social workers.

Timeline and cost of becoming a psychiatric nurse in Canada

For most internationally educated psychiatric nurses, the licensing process takes 18 to 36 months. The exact timeline depends on how quickly your documents are verified, whether you need a bridging program, and exam availability.

• In BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, candidates typically complete the NNAS assessment, bridging, and the RPNCE exam. This often takes around 2 years.
  
• In provinces where psychiatric nursing is licensed under RN practice, the process involves NNAS plus the NCLEX-RN, which may take 2–3 years if bridging is required.
  

The cost of licensing is also significant:

• NNAS application: about CAD 650–900 depending on services requested.
  
• Exam fees: The RPNCE costs about CAD 500, while the NCLEX-RN costs about CAD 360 plus international scheduling fees if applicable.
  
• Bridging program tuition: Ranges from CAD 8,000 to 16,000, depending on program length and university.
  
• Registration fees: Annual provincial licensing fees range from CAD 400 to 650, with renewal each year.
  
• Other expenses: Liability insurance (CAD 500–800 annually), language testing (~CAD 300), and document verification fees.
  

Altogether, most internationally educated psychiatric nurses spend CAD 15,000 to 20,000 or more to become licensed in Canada.

Demand and salary for psychiatric nurses in Canada

The demand for psychiatric nurses is strong across Canada. Mental health services are expanding due to population growth, increased awareness of mental health issues, and government funding for community-based care.

In Western Canada, where psychiatric nursing is a separate regulated profession, job opportunities are particularly strong. For example, Alberta Health Services and BC’s Provincial Health Services Authority actively recruit psychiatric nurses for hospitals and community programs. In provinces where psychiatric nurses practice under the RN category, demand is equally high in mental health units and long-term care.

In terms of salary, psychiatric nurses earn competitive incomes. According to Job Bank Canada, the median wage for psychiatric nurses is CAD 40 per hour, with salaries ranging from CAD 33 to 53 per hour depending on the province and level of experience. On an annual basis, this equals about CAD 70,000 to 110,000 per year. Senior psychiatric nurses and those in leadership positions may earn even more.

Start your psychiatric nursing career in Canada with Windmill Microlending

At Windmill Microlending, we understand how costly and complex the licensing journey can be for internationally educated psychiatric nurses. From NNAS fees and bridging programs to exam costs and registration, the process can create financial barriers for newcomers.

That’s where we can help. Windmill provides low-interest loans for skilled immigrants and refugees so you can cover the cost of exams, programs, and licensing fees. With our support, you can restart your nursing career in Canada, fill critical healthcare gaps, and build a secure future for yourself and your family.

If you are ready to begin your journey, learn how Windmill Microlending can help you become a psychiatric nurse in Canada.