Are you an internationally educated healthcare professional already in Nova Scotia or planning to move here soon? The Nova Scotia International Community of Healthcare Workers Engagement Program (NICHE 2) provides guidance and case-by-case supports to help you continue your career in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada.
Eligible Professions
NICHE 2 supports internationally educated professionals from the following licensed healthcare occupations:
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals (MIRTPs)
- Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs)
- Respiratory Therapists (RTs)
- Pharmacists
Accessing supports
To access supports, applicants must:
- Be internationally educated in one of the eligible professions noted above
- Be living in Canada or planning to settle in Nova Scotia
Check Your Eligibility
Complete our short NICHE 2 Intake Form to learn what supports may be available to you and your family.
Supports available
The process to transfer credentials can feel complex. NICHE 2 helps remove barriers by connecting you with supports such as:
- Guidance through credential recognition and licensure steps
- Employment preparation and job-readiness resources
- Community and settlement supports for you and your family
- Case-specific financial assistance once you are in Nova Scotia. Examples may include exam or licensure fee support, access to refresher courses and study resources. Supports vary based on individual needs and program eligibility.
- Additional resources, including immigration services, financial loans, language services, settlement support and more are available through partners of the NICHE 2 program.
Relocation or immigration costs are not funded through this program.
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.
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Internationally Educated Licensed Practical Nurses
To practice as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Nova Scotia, you must be registered and licensed with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN). There are two pathways:
- 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.
- 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
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Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists
To become a licensed medical laboratory technologist (MLT) 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:
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Internationally Educated Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals
To practice as a licensed medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals (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
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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:
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Internationally Educated Respiratory Therapists
To become a licensed respiratory therapist (RT) 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:
Additional resources
Immigration supports
At Nova Scotia Health, we understand that immigration can be a complex and challenging process, which is why we have an Immigration Team available to assist employees with any concerns regarding immigration to Canada.
For more details, visit:
Financial supports
The Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund is a micro-loan fund for internationally trained immigrants in Atlantic Canada. Providing micro-loans to newcomers allows them to overcome financial barriers to upgrade their skills and obtain their license or certification.
For more details, visit:
Partners
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) provides a comprehensive range of services includes language services, settlement support for families and children, employment programs, business development, community integration, and pre-arrival services, offered both in person and online. Our dedicated and caring team offers services in English, French, and more than 24 other languages, ensuring accessibility and support for all.