Career trends

Registered nurses with specialized training are in high demand everywhere. The Canadian Nurses' Association predicts a significant shortage of registered nurses across Canada. This is also seen in other countries. Within the profession as a whole, there is a pronounced lack of nurses able to work in critical care settings such as Intensive Care, Cardiac Care, Emergency, and Neuroscience.

The ACCN certificate gives you the opportunity to specialize in the type of caregiving that interests you most, increases your geographical mobility, and may also boost your earning power. Typically, registered nurses with advanced training in their specialty area are eligible for stipends or upward movement on clinical ladders. Content is based on core professional competencies in the specialty area, rather than limited to regional preferences.

We also offer credit for specialty certification in ICU, Emergency and Neuroscience within the program and there are opportunities for our students to also apply for national certification. Further information on specialty certification and organizations can be found under "related links".

Many opportunities exist for critical care, emergency and neuroscience nurses. It is recommended you look at the website for the health region in which you wish to work.

Examples in Alberta include:
Capital Health Authority (Edmonton)
Calgary Health Region (Calgary)