The short answer: a Registered Nurse (RN) completes a four-year bachelor’s degree and works with a broad, largely independent scope of practice. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) completes a two-year diploma and delivers hands-on nursing care within a defined scope, often alongside RNs. In Alberta, RNs register with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) and LPNs register with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA). LPNs enter the workforce in about half the study time and, per Alberta’s 2023 wage survey, earn an average of $31.91 an hour.
Updated July 2026.
Both roles are central to patient care in Alberta. They differ in the length of training, the range of tasks each is authorized to perform, and the level of independent decision-making involved. Here is how the two compare, and how to choose.
Education requirements
Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or Bachelor of Nursing (BN) from an accredited university. Graduates write a national licensing exam and register with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) before they can practise.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs complete an approved two-year Practical Nursing diploma. At ABES College the Practical Nursing Diploma runs 80 weeks and includes 765 hours of supervised clinical practicum. Graduates pass the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) and register with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA). Our guide to preparing for the CPNRE walks through what to expect on exam day.
Scope of practice
RNs assess complex and unstable patients, build and revise care plans, administer higher-risk medications, and often coordinate a care team. LPNs provide direct patient care within a defined scope: they administer medications, manage wound care, monitor patients, and assist with treatments. In many Alberta workplaces the two collaborate closely, and experienced LPNs take on added responsibilities over time.
Daily responsibilities
RN daily tasks
- Conduct in-depth patient assessments
- Develop and revise care plans
- Administer complex medications and IV therapy
- Educate patients and families on managing conditions
- Coordinate care decisions with the health team
LPN daily tasks
- Provide hands-on bedside care
- Administer medications within scope
- Monitor patient conditions and report changes
- Assist with procedures and wound care
- Support patients with daily activities
Salary in Alberta
According to Alberta’s 2023 Wage and Salary Survey published on ALIS, registered nurses earn an average of $47.38 an hour, about $73,823 a year. Licensed practical nurses earn an average of $31.91 an hour, about $51,571 a year, with most between $26.25 and $34.46 an hour. Alberta Health Services positions add shift differentials and union benefits on top of base pay. RNs earn more, which reflects their longer education and wider scope.
Which path is right for you?
Choose the RN route if you want the widest scope, more independent decision-making, and are ready for a four-year degree. Choose the LPN route if you want to start hands-on patient care sooner, prefer a shorter and lower-cost diploma, and want to focus on direct care rather than team management. Many LPNs later bridge to an RN designation once they are working, so the diploma can also be a first step rather than a final one.
Start your practical nursing career at ABES College
ABES College offers a Practical Nursing Diploma in Calgary built around clinical practicum, small cohorts, and CPNRE preparation. If you are weighing your options, our advisors can walk you through admission requirements, funding, and start dates. You can also read how to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alberta for a step-by-step breakdown.
