Psychiatric Nursing Education

The Registered Psychiatric Nurse Association of Saskatchewan (RPNAS) reviews and approves psychiatric nursing education programs under the authority set out in the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Act, 1993.  

In Saskatchewan, a diploma in psychiatric nursing is the level of education required for entry to the profession. RPNAS Council reviews and provides an approval status to all Saskatchewan nursing education programs leading to initial entry to practice as a registered psychiatric nurse.

For more information about the RPNAS education program review process or any of the documents listed below, please contact .

RPNAS Program Approval Policies

Standards and Indicators for the Approval of Psychiatric Nursing Education in Saskatchewan

Registered Psychiatric Nurse Entry-level Competencies


Basic Psychiatric Nursing Education Program(s) approved in Saskatchewan

* Please note: RPNAS does not approve the Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (BPN) at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The BPN program is not an entry level or basic psychiatric nursing degree program. It is a degree completion program for graduates of a diploma program who wish to further their education in psychiatric nursing. 

Canadian Psychiatric Nursing Education Programs

Psychiatric nursing education programs are currently offered in four Canadian provinces: Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia.

  1. 1. Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan (RPNAS) – Psychiatric Nursing Diploma.
  2. 2. British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) – offers diploma and degree options.
  3. 3. College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) – Psychiatric Nursing Diploma.
  4. 4. College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba (CRPNM) – Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BScPN).