Nova Scotia’s International Community of Healthcare Workers Engagement Program

Are you a licensed practical nurse (LPN), medical imaging and radiation therapy professional (MIRTP), medical laboratory technologist (MLT), respiratory therapist (RT), or pharmacist looking to settle in Nova Scotia? 

Are you living in Nova Scotia or planning your move here? Nova Scotia’s International Community of Healthcare Workers Engagement Program (NICHE 2) may be able to help. NICHE 2 focuses on internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) from five professions (LPN, MIRTP, MLT, RT, and Pharmacists) who want to practice their profession in Nova Scotia. 

We know that the international foreign credential system is hard to navigate. NICHE 2 aims to support IEHPS by reducing challenges and expanding opportunities and access to Nova Scotian health care employment. To help IEHPs and their families NICHE 2 provides comprehensive support, tailored guidance, and supports your path to licensure. We want to help you and your family settle into life and work in Nova Scotia.

NICHE 2 is committed to supporting the equity and inclusion of internationally educated healthcare professionals. Pathways and resources are designed to meet the unique needs of IEHPs, ensuring a more diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce for the province.

NICHE 2 is supported by funding from Employment and Social Development Canada. Limited financial supports may be available once you are in Nova Scotia. Supports may include: help with exam/licensure fees, preparation for employment, and becoming part of the community. 

NICHE 2 is not able to support relocation or immigration costs.

Licensure Pathways

Each profession has its own pathway to licensure and different supports may be available. Please refer to the appropriate College for more information.  

For Internationally Educated Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) 

To practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Nova Scotia, you must be registered and licensed with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN). There are two pathways: 

1. Expedited Licensure: [Currently paused] Available for international nurses with current licenses from countries such as the Philippines, India, Nigeria, Australia, USA, UK, or New Zealand.  
2. Traditional Licensure: For those not licensed in the countries mentioned above or for those registered as mental health nurses. 

For more details, visit:

• International Nurse Hub | Nova Scotia College of Nursing
• Nova Scotia College of Nursing Position Statement | August 2025

For Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs)

To become a licensed medical laboratory technologist in Nova Scotia, submit your application for credential assessment and certification to the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), along with the required documentation.

For more details, visit:

• Nova Scotia College of Medical Laboratory Technologists | Internationally Trained MLT

For Internationally Educated Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals (MIRTPs)

To practice as a licensed MIRTP in Nova Scotia, submit your application to the Nova Scotia College of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals (NSCMIRTP) with the required documents and proof of your current license. 

An expedited pathway is available for MRTs with current licenses from Australia, Ireland, Philippines, UK, USA, New Zealand, or Nigeria.

For more details, visit:

• Internationally Educated New Applicants | Nova Scotia College of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals
• Refresher Program | Nova Scotia College of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals

Internationally Educated Pharmacists

To become a licensed pharmacist in Nova Scotia, you must register with the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists (NSCP). 

• Streamlined Licensing Pathway: Available for those with active licenses from countries such as Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, or USA.
• Non-Streamlined Pathway: If you do not meet the criteria for the streamlined pathway, you may need to complete a national exam and structured practice experience.

For more details, visit:

• Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator

For Internationally Educated Respiratory Therapists (RTs)

To become a licensed respiratory therapist in Nova Scotia, submit your application to the Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists (NSCRT) along with the required documents and proof of your current license. 

For more details, visit:

• Internationally educated applicants | Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists