PN Program

PN ProgramHigh-quality nursing education is critical to the retention of new graduates in an increasingly complex health care system. To produce high-quality graduates, a

practical nursing1 (PN) program needs to attract best-in-class students, adequate public support for seats, programs, and educators, and to be prepared to deliver cutting edge education that meets the highest achievable standards.

1Practical nursing programs refer to the entry-to-practice programs for licensed practical nurses and registered practical nurses.

Want best-in-class? Join the best in the country

Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) Accreditation helps PN programs achieve a new level of quality and status that drives both enrollment from high-quality applicants and increased public confidence and support. Join CASN’s nationally accredited programs. Joining this exclusive class elevates PN program quality to meet national nursing education standards.

More than approval

While the approval process administered by regulatory bodies focuses on patient safety and provincial competencies, CASN Accreditation offers a multi-stage process that involves rigorous assessment against national standards of academic excellence. CASN accredited schools benefit from an evolving national program, based on over 30 years of experience, that ensures nursing education programs are thoughtfully designed, relevant to the current needs of Canadians, innovative, and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in health care.

Eminence through excellence

As a voluntary but challenging process that reveals strengths in your program and more importantly, areas to focus on, CASN’s Accreditation seal means your program meets high academic standards and your school is engaged in a process of continuous quality improvement.

Accreditation tells nursing students and the public that a program has undergone a rigorous self-evaluation and an independent, objective peer appraisal of the overall educational quality.

Accreditation lets the world know that an institution meets or exceeds quality standards and is accredited by a recognized national agency like the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN).


Benefits of CASN PN Program Accreditation

  1. ON INF.AUX.Program quality enhancement to national standards
    • Approval from an advisory committee of PN program experts.
    • More than regulatory approval. Meets national benchmarks.
    • Updates based on evolving health/cultural landscape.
  2. Evaluation, affirmation, and constructive feedback from experts
    • What is done well. Why it is important. What can be improved.
    • Quality enhancing processes, approaches, and resources.
    • Evidence-based requests for greater support.
  3. Membership in an elite national accreditation program
    • Benefits, recognition, status, access to a national network.
    • National and international interprofessional collaboration.
    • Continuous monitoring and improvement.
  4. Optimized program outcomes
    • Increased enrollment of high-quality students.
    • Public confidence, support, and funding.
    • Graduates who are more competent, confident, safe, and retainable.
    • Better nurses. Better health care.

Do you have a Program?Do you have a PN Program?

CASN defines a “Practical Nursing Program” as a diploma educational program that prepares students for the role as licensed practical nurses or registered practical nurses, as both terms exist in Canada.

We would be delighted to help you determine if CASN PN Program Accreditation is right for you.


How does the program work?

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

Is it time to get accredited?

Let’s talk about your school, your students, and how we can work together to help your PN program stand out from the crowd! Call 613-235-3150 x 124 or email Joni Boyd <jboyd@casn.ca> today! Joni is CASN’s very knowledgeable and helpful Managing Director of Accreditation.


Accreditation says excellenceAccreditation says excellence!

  • Enhances program quality
  • Promotes national standards
  • Attracts top students
  • Leverages requests for greater support
  • Strengthens curricular decisions

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

  • Contact us today and take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your PN program!

Looking for more Information?PN Program Brochure

Download your copy of the PN Program Brochure