What the job actually involves
The NOC 31301 (Registered Nurse) and NOC 32101 (Licensed Practical Nurse) covers the following day-to-day work:
- Assess patient health, vital signs, and pain levels.
- Administer medications, IVs, and prescribed treatments.
- Document patient progress and collaborate with the care team.
- Educate patients and families on home care, recovery, and medication.
- Operate and monitor medical equipment (RNs supervise more complex care; LPNs focus on stable patients).
Education paths in Saskatchewan
There is more than one way in. Pick the path that matches your timeline and how you want to learn.
University degree (4 years)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), USask
University of Saskatchewan, College of Nursing
4 years
USask runs sites in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Yorkton and several northern communities. Graduates write the NCLEX-RN and apply to CRNS for licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Credential: BSN, eligible to write NCLEX-RN
See program details
University degree (4 years)
SCBScN, Sask Polytech + U of R
Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing
4 years
Joint program between Sask Polytech and the University of Regina, delivered in Regina and Saskatoon. Same RN licensure outcome as the USask BSN.
Credential: BScN, eligible to write NCLEX-RN
See program details
Diploma (2 years)
Practical Nursing Diploma
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
18 months full-time
Offered at the Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert campuses. Graduates write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) and apply to SALPN for licensure as an LPN.
Credential: Practical Nursing Diploma, eligible to write CPNRE
See program details
Assessment + bridging
Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN)
National Nursing Assessment Service + CRNS
Varies (6 to 24 months)
IENs apply through the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), demonstrate English proficiency (CELBAN/IELTS/OET/PTE) and may need bridging courses before sitting the NCLEX-RN.
Credential: IEN pathway to RN licensure
See program details
Also studying in Alberta?
The equivalent Alberta pathways. If you train in Alberta, your credential is portable to Saskatchewan and most other provinces.
University degree (4 years)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), University of Alberta
University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing
4 years (Collaborative); 2 years (After Degree)
U of A offers a 4-year Collaborative BScN for high school grads and a 2-year After Degree BScN for those who already hold a different bachelor degree. Both lead to NCLEX-RN eligibility and registration with CRNA.
Credential: BScN (eligible to write NCLEX-RN)
See program details
Diploma (2 years)
Practical Nurse Diploma (LPN)
NAIT and Bow Valley College
2 years full-time
NAIT (Edmonton) and Bow Valley College (Calgary) deliver the Alberta Practical Nurse Diploma. Graduates write the CPNRE and register with the College of LPNs and Health Care Aides of Alberta (CLHA).
Credential: Practical Nurse Diploma (eligible to write CPNRE)
See program details
Licensing and regulation (Saskatchewan)
CRNS (College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan), formerly SRNA, and SALPN (Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses)
CRNS registers all RNs and Nurse Practitioners in Saskatchewan and administers the NCLEX-RN requirement. SALPN registers all LPNs and administers the CPNRE requirement. Both regulators require ongoing continuing-competence hours to renew.
Visit the regulator's site →
Licensing and regulation (Alberta)
CRNA (College of Registered Nurses of Alberta) and CLHA (College of LPNs and Health Care Aides of Alberta)
CRNA (the body formerly known as CARNA) registers all RNs and Nurse Practitioners in Alberta and administers the NCLEX-RN requirement. CLHA (formerly CLPNA) registers all LPNs (CPNRE required) and all Health Care Aides. Both require continuing competence hours to renew.
Visit the regulator's site →
What you can earn in Saskatchewan
RN wages in Saskatchewan run $37.06 to $51.07 per hour. LPN wages run $33.00 to $42.00 per hour. Below is what is currently being offered on JobAds.ca.
Live median (this site)
$38.58/hr
across 808 active postings
808 open jobs right now (SK and AB)
Updated every hour from Nurse postings on JobAds.ca.
Nurse Practitioner Clinical Lead
Health & Social Services - CPC - Integrated Health Services - The Walk-in Clinic WHITEHORSE
$127,628–$148,293
Nurse in Charge (Lutselke) - One (1) Year Term
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority ŁUTSELK’E
$121,641–$145,295
Territorial Nurse Practitioner - Mental Health and Substance Use
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority YELLOWKNIFE
$133,185–$159,101
Community Health Nurse
Tłı̨chǫ CSA - Health and Social Services GAMÈTI
$116,259–$138,879
Community Health Nurse
Tłı̨chǫ CSA - Health and Social Services TŁĮCHǪ REGION
$116,259–$138,879
Nurse Practitioner
Tłı̨chǫ CSA - Health and Social Services TŁĮCHǪ REGION
$133,185–$159,101
Nurse Case Mgr, Primary Care
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority YELLOWKNIFE
$106,158–$126,809
Community Health Nurse
Tłı̨chǫ CSA - Health and Social Services WHATÌ
$116,259–$138,879
Obstetrics Registered Nurse - Acute Care
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority INUVIK
$106,158–$126,809
Registered Nurse - Intensive Care
Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority YELLOWKNIFE
$106,158–$126,809
See all 808 nurse jobs on JobAds.ca →
Frequently asked questions
RN or LPN, what is the real difference?
RNs hold a four-year degree, can manage more complex and unstable patients, and often supervise teams. LPNs hold a two-year diploma and focus on stable patients. Pay overlaps at the high end of LPN and the low end of RN, but the RN ceiling is higher and so is the scope of practice.
Can I bridge from LPN to RN?
Yes. There are LPN-to-BSN bridging seats at both USask and the SCBScN program. You bring in transfer credit and finish in less time than the full four-year BSN, usually around 2 to 2.5 years depending on prior credits.
Which exam do I write?
RN graduates write the NCLEX-RN (a computer-adaptive exam from NCSBN). LPN graduates write the CPNRE (Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination). You apply to write the exam through your regulator (CRNS for RN, SALPN for LPN) after your school confirms completion.
Is the Graduate Nurse license real?
Yes, CRNS issues a 120-day Graduate Nurse license that lets you work while you finish exam scheduling. It can be renewed up to two times. It is widely used because it lets new grads start earning immediately after convocation.
Ready to take the next step?
Browse current nurse jobs in Saskatchewan with salaries shown up front.
See 808 open nurse jobs
