IEN Program

IEN ProgramOne of the greatest challenges for the internationally educated nurse (IEN) is choosing which college or university program to help them integrate into the Canadian health care system.

Not only are there many (20+) IEN Bridging Program (IEN-BP) options to choose from in Canada, but they also vary significantly in pre-requisites, enrollment costs, course offerings, durations, promised credentials, and quality standards.

How do IENs confidently choose a program?

Accreditation lets IENs know that an institution meets or exceeds minimum quality standards and is accredited by a recognized national agency like the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). It tells IEN students that a program has undergone a rigorous self-evaluation and an independent, objective peer appraisal of the overall educational quality. CASN Accreditation is how you can help your program stand out from the rest.

To add to the challenges for IENs, employers often require evidence that applicants have received a degree from an accredited school or program to determine the validity of the programs of study and whether a graduate is qualified. IEN graduates from accredited programs stand the best chance for a successful career in Canada.

CASN Accreditation helps IENs confidently choose a quality program.


Benefits of CASN IEN-Bridging Program Accreditation

  1. IEN IFEReceive evaluation and advice from expert peer reviewers
    • Thoughtful formal and informal, constructive feedback.
  2. Reflect on, analyze, and improve your program
    • What you do well. Why it is important. Where you can improve.
    • The process, resources, and strategies used to evaluate and promote student growth.
  3. Enhance your priority outcomes for students
    • How you work with the students to achieve those outcomes.
    • How you support struggling students.
  4. Take pride in your program. Get accredited!
    • Obtain recognition for your hard work and dedication.
    • Bring together your faculty. Solidify your team.
    • Grow your program using justified, evidence-based resource requests.
    • Advance your program to the forefront.
  5. Support IENs in establishing a dynamic career in Canada

Do you have a IEN Bridging Program?

Do you have a Program?

CASN defines an IEN Bridging Program (IEN-BP) as any program designed to address gaps and/or differences in education and competencies so that an IEN may become registered to practice in Canada and successfully integrate into the Canadian health care system. IENs include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered practical nurses (RPNs; this title is used in Ontario only and can be used for Registered Psychiatric Nurses in the west).

We would be delighted to help you determine if CASN IEN-BP Accreditation is right for your program.


How does the program work?

How it works

The CASN IEN-BP Accreditation Program take approximately two years to complete, and uses a rigorous, bilingual, peer-reviewed assessment process that follows these steps:

  1. Apply for your accreditation review: $500 CAD*
      • Application due 1 year prior to review
  2. CASN schedules a date and review team
  3. Prepare your self-study reports
      • duration: 6 months
  4. Pay your accreditation fee: $7,000 CAD*
  5. CASN holds a pre-review meeting
      • duration: 1.5 hours
  6. CASN conducts the on-site or virtual visit with you
      • duration: 3 days
  7. CASN prepares the review team reports and school responses
      • duration: 5 weeks
  8. Receive your accreditation decision from the CASN Accreditation Bureau
      • wait time: 3 months

* Pricing for member schools. All prices are in $CAD. Pricing is subject to change. Based on one education program conducted by one educational unit in a virtual format. Non-member schools pay an additional accreditation support fee. Discounts offered for concurrent accreditations of additional programs e.g., BScN, PN, NP. Contact us for more information.

Step 1: Contact us today

  • We can talk about your school, your students, and how we can work together to get your program accredited!

Accreditation says excellence!CASN Accreditation

  • Enhanced program quality
  • Achieve consistency with national standards
  • Increase student enrollment
  • Leverage with senior administration
  • Guides decision making

Don’t delay, call 613-235-3150 x 124 or email Joni Boyd <jboyd@casn.ca> today!

  • Joni Boyd is CASN’s very knowledgeable and helpful Managing Director of Accreditation.

Looking for more Information?IEN Program Brochure