Recognition of Nurses
You may be eligible for registration as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) with the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA) in Ontario if you are:
- an internationally educated nurse (IEN),
- a current nurse registered with a regulatory body in Canada,
- a former nurse who was previously registered with a regulatory body in Canada, OR
- a recent graduate of a nursing program in Canada.
This includes:
- IENs who have completed their nursing education and worked as a nurse in another country,
- IENs who have completed their nursing education but have not yet worked as a nurse in another country,
- Nurses who have completed their nursing education in Canada and currently or previously worked as a nurse and were registered with a nursing regulatory body in Canada, AND
- Nurses who have completed their nursing education in Canada but have not yet worked as a nurse or registered with a nursing regulatory body in Canada.
For more information, refer to HSCPOA’s Recognition of Nurses Policy
How to Apply
IENs and Canadian nurses recognized under the Recognition of Nurses Policy will apply to HSCPOA through Path 4: Competency Assessment. Nurses recognized under this policy will be exempt from undergoing a substantial equivalence process as outlined in HSCPOA’s Competency Assessment Process Policy.
Documentation Requirements:
Nursing education documentation as required in the Recognition of Nurses Policy;
Proof of language proficiency, if required in the Language Proficiency Policy;
Government-issued Photo ID – a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo identification;
Name change documentation, if applicable;
Headshot photo – for confirmation of identification;
Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check;
Letter of Standing – If you are currently or were previously registered with another profession or occupation inside or outside of Canada (excludes membership in a professional association).
View Instructional Video: HSCPOA’s Recognition of Nurses – How To Apply
For more details, please refer to HSCPOA’s Application Guide for PSWs.
