Support for Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals

Nova Scotia Health is actively working to hire internationally educated health care professionals based on the specific needs of our communities. To review all open job opportunities with Nova Scotia Health and relevant licensure requirements, please visit: jobs.nshealth.ca. 

For our specific International Registered Nurse posting, please visit: Registered International Nurses (nshealth.ca).

For detailed information on our immigration support, please visit: Immigration Information (nshealth.ca).

Job applications will be reviewed and only those candidates who meet our specific criteria will be contacted with details on next steps.

Thank you for your interest. We hope to welcome more internationally educated health care professionals to the workforce in Nova Scotia.

Licensure of Internationally Educated Nurses 

The Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) has implemented a new approach to registration and licensure that will establish a fast and predictable pathway to licensure in Nova Scotia.

Expedited Licensure Process for International Nurses from Seven Designated Countries

The expedited licensure process is enabling international nurses who demonstrate good standing and are registered and hold a current license that entitles them to practice as an RN in the Philippines, India, Nigeria, USA, UK, Australia or New Zealand to be eligible for registration and licensure in Nova Scotia with no additional requirements other than passing the entrance exam.

For more information about the expedited licensure process for seven designated countries and to apply, please visit the NSCN website here.

Expedited Pathway for Nurses Currently Licensed Elsewhere in Canada

NSCN has also implemented an expedited pathway for nurses currently licensed in good standing in other Canadian jurisdictions to obtain registration and licensure in Nova Scotia. Learn more about this process on the NSCN website here.

Recruitment of Internationally Educated Nurses

To be eligible for employment please follow steps outlined below:

• Once you obtain your license information, your eligibility for employment with Nova Scotia Health must be verified and match the screening criteria in our application process.
• To begin the application process with Nova Scotia Health, please apply to our Registered International Nurse posting.
• As part of the application process, you will complete a formal assessment related to your nursing competencies.
• You will also be asked to provide information related to your official English language test scores.
• Your application will be reviewed and only those candidates who meet our specific criteria will be contacted.
• Candidates must email internationalrecruitment@nshealth.ca with updates to licensure status with NSCN to be considered for employment with Nova Scotia Health. 

Note to international nurses: Nova Scotia Health is not working with any international nurse recruitment agency or person offering expedited licensing or employment pathway into Nova Scotia Health for an additional fee. Please know that you are working directly with us and there are no charges or fees to be paid to any external agencies or person.

Licensure for other Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals

When applying from outside of Canada for positions other than nursing that require licensing, such as physiotherapists, medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals and others, applicants are advised to secure a license to practice in Nova Scotia before applying for the position. The process for obtaining a license varies from one Canadian province to another, so we recommend starting the licensing process in Nova Scotia as soon as possible.

Before starting employment with Nova Scotia Health, you must have the necessary license to practice. If you are applying from outside of Canada, you will need a valid license to practice in Nova Scotia when applying for your work permit to work in Canada.

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are valued members of our health care teams in Canada, providing a wide range of care and service. Learn more about becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada here.

Becoming a Continuing Care Assistant in Canada

Continuing care assistants provide personal and compassionate care to people in long-term care and home care settings. Learn more about becoming a Continuing Care Assistant in Canada here.

Other Healthcare Professions

If you have questions concerning the licensing process for other healthcare professions, please contact the relevant college directly. 

• The Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists
• Nova Scotia College of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals (NSCMIRTP)
• Cardiology Technologists Association of Nova Scotia
• Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists
• Physician Assistants Regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Nova Scotia College of Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists
• College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia

Other Related information: · 

• Foreign Credentials Referral Office (canada.ca)
• Learn more about foreign credential recognition in Canada (canada.ca)

Application process for other Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals

To begin the application process with Nova Scotia Health, please apply online jobs.nsheath.ca where you will find all open job opportunities and relevant licensure requirements.

Your application will be reviewed and only those candidates who meet our specific criteria will be contacted.

If you need a work permit to start or continue working with Nova Scotia Health, once you have a job offer your hiring manager will work with our Immigration Support team for assistance. If you have questions concerning the application process, please reach out to internationalrecruitment@nshealth.ca.

Nova Scotia: a place to call home

Nova Scotia Health employs professionals in all corners of our beautiful province. We believe there's a place here for everyone to call home, from vibrant cities with exuberant nightlife to quaint towns with picturesque trails. 

Learn more about the beautiful province of Nova Scotia here.