Advance your career in primary health care
There has never been a more exciting time to launch your career with Nova Scotia Health.
Join Nova Scotia Health in Primary Health Care
Nova Scotia is on an exciting journey to connect every Nova Scotian with a primary healthcare provider, and we want you to be part of it. As a member of the primary health care team in Nova Scotia, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering comprehensive, preventative care to patients of all ages and backgrounds, from birth to end of life. You’ll work in a collaborative and innovative practice environment with team members that value your skills. We foster a team-based approach to delivering exceptional primary care and will give you the training and support to help you succeed.
As the leading healthcare provider in Atlantic Canada—and as part of a thriving research and innovation ecosystem, a learning institute, and academic partner—we invite you to join us in shaping the future of care for generations to come. Bring your expertise where it's truly valued.
Enjoy the benefits of a coastal lifestyle in Nova Scotia and seize endless career growth, academic and research opportunities.
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"I feel like I am part of a team where my time and energy are truly appreciated. People here are very laid back, very respectful, loving and open to change."
Dr. Ife Fayanjuola, Family Physician, Elmsdale Medical Centre, Elmsdale Nova Scotia
Why Nova Scotia Health?
Nova Scotia is a province where innovation thrives, research flourishes, and academic leadership takes root. We are proud of our dynamic healthcare system, which is supported by world-class universities, cutting-edge research centres, and a commitment to patient-centered care. With Nova Scotia Health at the forefront, we are shaping the future of care in Atlantic Canada—and beyond.
Other benefits include:
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Competitive compensation |
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Signing bonuses and relocation expenses available |
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Immigration support |
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Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, parental leave and more |
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Enrollment in the Provincial Pension Plan |
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Continuous clinical education and support |
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Opportunity for advancement within the organization |
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"I feel very supported here. We have amazing physicians, family practice nurses, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, and everybody really works well together."
Jessica Sharpe, Nurse Practitioner, Westville Clinic, New Glasgow
Practice sites available province-wide
Opportunities to practice in primary health care exist across Nova Scotia. There are a variety of practice settings available, such as Primary Care Clinics, Virtual Care, Community Health Centres and Mobile Primary Care Clinics. Primary health care professionals coordinate patient care across various specialties, referring patients to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed. As part of your application, please identify your preferred practice site(s), and a Recruiter will work with you to match the right opportunity with your interests.
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"The most rewarding aspect of this role is having the privilege to build long-term therapeutic relationships with people and support them across their lifespan. Every day I am inspired by every client I meet and look forward to being a part of their journey."
Alyssa Gillam, Occupational Therapist, Wolfville Collaborative Practice, Harvest tides Family Practice, Mud Creek Medical
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"What I find most rewarding is guiding people through the often challenging process of behavior change. There are so many misconceptions around nutrition and diabetes, and I love helping people navigate those, set realistic goals, and find strategies that truly work for their lifestyle. Watching individuals grow in confidence and take charge of their health is why I do what I do."
Marsha Arnburg LeBlanc, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Digby Diabetes Center
Family physician opportunities
Physicians in Nova Scotia provide fulfilling patient care which embraces family life, professional development and community involvement. That's what makes practicing medicine in Nova Scotia unique. Physicians are increasingly attracted to practices that offer team-based care to their patients and allow them to consult with their peers. The size and scale of Nova Scotia allows for better connections across the health care system.
Experience life in Nova Scotia and explore practice opportunities with our Physician Recruitment Site Visit Program. This program reimburses you (and one guest) for a one-time visit to beautiful Nova Scotia. You must be eligible for a license in Nova Scotia, and work with a recruiter to obtain approval from Nova Scotia Health prior to your visit.
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Nurse practitioner opportunities
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Nurse practitioners in primary health care will care for patients across all ages and stages of life, focusing on whole-person health and building strong patient relationships. They can be the patients primary health care provider, diagnose and treat health issues, prescribe medication, perform exams and minor surgical procedures, make referrals and coordinate care with specialists and other healthcare providers, and so much more!
Ready to take your next step in exploring nurse practitioner opportunities in primary health care? We encourage you to come and get a feel for what it's like to live and practice in Nova Scotia. Our Site Visit Program will reimburse you for the costs of visiting a potential practice site up to $5,000 CAD. You must be eligible for a license in Nova Scotia, and work with a recruiter to obtain approval from Nova Scotia Health prior to your visit.
Nursing opportunities
In primary health care facilities, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and family practice nurses work together to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. Registered nurses can prescribe medications, devices and other relevant tests within their specific area of practice. They also work in collaboration with a physician and nurse practitioners for discharge care plans. Licensed practical nurses provide direct nursing care, help manage chronic conditions and work with other health professionals to support patient health and access to care. A family practice nurse is an RN who has specialized training in primary health care that increases their scope of practice.
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Allied health opportunities
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At Nova Scotia Health, we believe in the power of collaboration. Primary health care is a team-based, collaborative approach to supporting patients’ overall well-being. It encourages healthcare teams to reflect on how they work together, recognize what’s going well, and set shared goals for improvement. Primary health care providers offer a variety of roles such as:
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Dietitians
- Pharmacists
- Social workers
- Clinical therapists
- Psychologists
- Physician assistants
- Care team assistants
Administrative opportunities
Nova Scotia offers a range of administrative opportunities within the primary health care, providing vital support to health services across the province. These roles are integral to the efficient operation of health centres and community-based programs. The administrative roles functions as primary point of contact for the clinic, handling patient bookings and recalls, organizing translation services, billings, and other office-related duties.
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"Working and living in Nova Scotia has been the highlight of my Physician Assistant career! It’s the people that make it so special."
Jennifer Tracz, Physician Assistant, Westville Medical Clinic, Westville NS
Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program
The Government of Canada offers Canada Student Loan forgiveness to eligible family doctors, residents in family medicine, nurse practitioners, and nurses who work in under-served rural or remote communities that lack the primary health care they need.
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"We really get to make a big difference in not only people's health but in all aspects of their lives. Primary Health Care allows us to provide support in a range of ways that can improve our patients' physical health, mental health, day-to-day activities, community involvement, and much more."
Aly Gillis, Physiotherapist, Antigonish
Contact a Recruiter to learn more
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"My favourite part about working in Primary Health Care is the relationships that I have been able to foster, not only with patients and their families, but with the other providers I get to work collaboratively with every single day."
Chelsea Brownell, Primary Health Care Pharmacist, Cumberland Network Primary Health Care