Each year, CASN surveys all baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs as part of its work to provide Registered Nurses Education in Canada Statistics, a comprehensive report of current statistics on student enrolments and graduations, faculty retention and recruitment, and other trends in Canadian nursing education. This annual report supports health human resources planning in both the nursing service and nursing education sectors. In partnership with the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association (CINA), CASN produces the Indigenous Nursing Student and Faculty Survey Report, which addresses the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Call to Action #23 calling for an increased number of Indigenous health professionals. 

CASN prioritizes professional development for its members by organizing various national meetings, council meeting, conferences, forums, and webinars throughout the year. These events help deans and directors to address emerging issues and promote the Association’s business. CASN also provides faculty and staff development opportunities through forums that cater to educators teaching in baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as those engaged in faculty practice. These forums create numerous opportunities for the exchange of nursing education and scholarship information. Additionally, the Research and Scholarship Committee hosts a free Lunch and Learn series that encourages scholarship and brings faculty members together to share their work and network.

Through the Canadian Nurse Educators Institute, CASN contributes to the strength and growth of Canadian nurse educators through high-calibre professional development opportunities. Certification programs, courses, retreats, and live and recorded webinars are available throughout the year for Canadian and international nurse educators who are looking to strengthen their academic teaching career, develop their teaching portfolio, and get professional recognition for their expertise. From advanced beginner to competent registered nurse (RN), CASN’s national Residency Program for RNs integrates nursing graduates into health care delivery, creating a more sustainable workforce.

CASN actively seeks grant funding to launch initiatives that are of special interest to nurse educators at member schools. Select projects are currently focused on solutions to the national nursing shortage, including the national Nurse Residency Program and the IEN Mentorship Program. Other electronic resource projects focus on Nursing and Climate Driven Vector-Borne Disease; Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder Education; and Prescribing Controlled Drugs and Substances. CASN’s international projects include nursing education and nursing practice in Guyana and implementing the accreditation of nursing programs in Bangladesh. Additionally, CASN updated the National Nursing Education Framework in 2021.

The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing is the national accrediting body for nursing education in Canada. CASN Accreditation promotes excellence and is recognized worldwide as an important, objective method to assess professional education programs. It identifies strengths and opportunities for improvement that can guide decision-making. The process provides administrators and faculty with information regarding areas that require development, modification, and/or resources. CASN Accreditation is the nation’s leading accrediting body for baccalaureate, practical nurse, nurse practitioner, and internationally educated nurse (IEN) bridging programs. CASN Accreditation also conducts several accreditation reviews of international nursing programs every year.

Through the Canadian Nurse Educators Institute, CASN offers continuing education programs, certificate programs, and a series of certification exams, each leading to a prestigious designation.