Five internationally-educated Registered Nurses recently completed the inaugural Transition to Practice course at Portage College.

The initiative is aimed to expediate the process for domestic internationally educated nurses (DIEN) to gain the skills necessary to become practicing nurses in Canada. The course saw the RNs complete two weeks of online theory with eight days of face-to-face labs at Portage College’s St. Paul campus.

The DIEN Transition to Practice course is developed in close partnership with three other post-secondary institutions and Alberta Health Services (AHS).

Dr. Shun Li, the Dean of Health and Wellness at Portage College, says the course is a “bootcamp” for trained and qualified Registered Nurses to refresh their clinical knowledge.

“I am very pleased to announce that the first Transition to Practice course at Portage College has been completed with resounding success,” said Li, congratulating the participants and Portage College staff for their work with the unique program. “I would like to extend my appreciation to our nursing faculty for their exceptional instructions. This offering demonstrated Portage College's commitment to meeting the need of our local rural communities of attracting international professionals and more importantly attracting qualified RNs”.

Instructor Kelsie Laracy sees the program helping to tackle Alberta’s nursing shortage.

“By supporting and integrating these highly skilled professionals, we can build a stronger healthcare workforce and ensure the delivery of exceptional patient care,” she said.

International nurses can bring valuable experience to their new settings, says Andrea Salzl, the coordinator of the Practical Nurse Program.

"Domestic, internationally educated nurses make a profound impact on the nursing profession in Alberta by bringing diverse perspectives, enriching cultural competence, and strengthening the healthcare system with their unique skills and dedication," said Salzl .

Aurn George, is a Registered Nurse with credentials from outside Canada. Now living in Edmonton, he is one of the nurses who attended the St. Paul Portage College campus for training.

“The Domestic International Nurse Program at Portage College is beneficial for internationally educated nurses who want to step into the Canadian nursing practice,” said George. “The trainer, Kelsie, is superb in her role. Thank you.”

This Domestic International Nurse Program will continue in Spring and in Winter 2025.
Visit the Continuing Education page on the Portage College website for the detailed dates.

For further information, please contact:

Portage College Continuing Education at 780-623-5631 or toll free 1-888-745-0719.

Media Inquiries:

Portage College Corporate Communications Department
780-623-6671 or email: pr@portagecollege.ca

Carol Jenkins
Marketing Specialist
780-614-6322