Licensing and Registration

To work as a physician in Nova Scotia you need to be able to obtain a license to practice in Canada through our provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons

There are many organizations that govern medical practice in Canada to ensure the highest quality of medical standards and patient safety. To practice family medicine in Nova Scotia, you are required to be eligible to complete, have completed, or be eligible to challenge examinations from the Medical Council of Canada (MCC). If you are a specialist, you will need to have completed exams or meet exam eligibility requirements for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons

Family physicians trained United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Australia, or United States may be exempt from exams. With the appropriate practice experience, you may be eligible for licensing immediately. 

Insurance

In addition to licensing and exam eligibility, you will also be required to obtain insurance from the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) to practice in Canada. These fees are calculated based on a fee schedule and can range from ($900-28,000) based on specialty.

If you are a general practitioner trained in Canada, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Australia, or the United States the first step would be to create a profile on Physicians Apply. Those who are unsure about the licensing eligibility should contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

CANADIAN REGULATIONS

Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC)
FMRAC sets the standards for Canadian Regulation of Medical Profession. They provide recommendations for provincial bodies to regulate licensing. You can read their recommendations here
Nova Scotia College of Physicians and Surgeons
Canadian Medical Association (CMA)
Doctors Nova Scotia

PHYSICIANS APPLY

This web portal provides a wide range of features and services to help medical students and graduates through the process of becoming practicing physicians in Canada. This includes applying for exams and medical registration, sharing credentials with medical regulatory authorities and other organizations, and providing an orientation to the communication and cultural challenges facing physicians new to Canada.

This system is hosted by the Medical Council of Canada and can be accessed by the Nova Scotia College of Physicians and Surgeons to assess your eligibility to work in Nova Scotia. The fee to set up an account on physicians apply is $290, to apply for medical registration with the MCC is $205. In Nova Scotia, it is an additional $450 to apply for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons and an additional $350 to assess your license eligibility if you are an international graduate with no medical training in Canada. These costs range from ~$950-$1300.

SPECIALIST LICENSING

You must be exam eligible for the Royal College specialty exams. If you are not trained in Canada you can review the 29 jurisdictions to see if your country / specialty is there or you may be required to participate in a Practice Ready Assessment Program to practice in Canada. In rare cases of high needs specialties (psychiatry, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology, pediatrics, internal medicine), Nova Scotia will work with you to arrange extra support to help you qualify to work in Canada. 

PRACTICE READY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

International medical graduates (IMGs) may apply to the Nova Scotia Practice Ready Assessment Program (NSPRAP) if they are unable to find another pathway to practice or licensure. Applicants must be eligible for a defined license with the Nova Scotia College of Physicians and Surgeons. A defined license would not be granted until successful completion of the NSPRAP. 
 

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