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Build your career in rural Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Health is hiring healthcare professionals in all corners of our province. Explore exciting career opportunities in rural Nova Scotia and experience diverse responsibilities that will enhance your skills and foster your growth in a collaborative environment.

In rural Nova Scotia, you are a valued member of a collaborative, tight-knit team with strong connections to both colleagues and the community. 

Enjoy Nova Scotia's most beautiful scenery and be welcomed by our warmest communities by working in a rural area with Nova Scotia Health. 

Additionally, career opportunities in rural areas frequently come with more attractive incentives and additional relocation support. Our Recruitment Team is dedicated to supporting your transition and ensuring your success. To learn more, register your interest and connect with a Recruiter today.

Connect with a recruiter

Compensation, incentives and more

With many career opportunities available across healthcare, administration, trades and more, Nova Scotia Health offers a competitive compensation and benefits package to all team members.

Successful candidates in specific roles may be eligible for a signing bonus up to $10,000 and relocation assistance up to $10,000. Amounts may vary. Connect with our team to learn more.

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competitive compensation
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parental
comprehensive benefits including health, dental, parental leave
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defined benefit pension plan
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career
opportunities for career advancement
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education
continuous clinical education and support
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variety of available shifts

Connect with a recruiter

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Melanie - physio

"My favourite part of working in a rural community is the connections created with the staff. The staff numbers are smaller in a rural area therefore you can get to know everyone better. I have a feeling of being an important member of the team here. I know I can easily reach out to any other member of the healthcare team if needed as well."

Melanie Vosman, Physiotherapist, Guysborough & Canso, NS

Jumpstart your career as a volunteer or student

Volunteering with Nova Scotia Health in a rural setting offers a unique and meaningful opportunity to contribute to your community while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic healthcare environment. 

Nova Scotia Health also has a range or opportunities for students to launch their career in healthcare through our co-op program, student summer jobs, clinical placements and more.

As a volunteer or student with Nova Scotia Health, you'll build your resume, develop new skills and forge connections that will set you up for success and give back to your community.

Volunteer opportunities  

Student opportunities

Learn more about rural Nova Scotia

"Rural" Nova Scotia is defined as areas outside of large urban centers such as Halifax, and emphasize communities that are often underserved by healthcare infrastructure. Nova Scotia Health is focused on recruiting healthcare professionals to these regions to improve access to care and stablize care teams working in these areas. 

Career opportunities in rural areas often offer higher incentives and extra support with relocation. Connect with our Recruitment Team to learn more. 

Explore Nova Scotia communities

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Reji - DI

"It's a great experience living in the rural community, the people are very welcoming. There are many community activities in Liverpool which one can explore and take part in."

Reji Thankachan, Diagnostic Imaging Technical Assistant, Queens General Hospital, Liverpool, NS

Opportunities available province-wide

Opportunities to work with Nova Scotia Health exist across the province. 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.

Explore current opportunities

Join us as an Internationally Educated Healthcare Professional

Nova Scotia Health is actively working to hire internationally educated health care professionals based on the specific needs of our communities. The province offer expedited licensure pathways for a variety of healthcare specialites. 

Learn more

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nick snith

"In a rural community, you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets year round and swim after work at beaches within walking distance of hospital. There are lots of hiking and biking trails to close by as well. It's a quiet and safe place to enjoy the outdoors and raise a family."

Nick Smith, Team Leader and Radiological Technologist, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, Inverness, NS

Education supports and career pathways

Nova Scotia Health offers a number of bursaries and scholarship programs to support those interested in building a career in healthcare.

You can also learn more about healthcare sector career paths through our partners in Government, the Office of Healthcare Professional Recruitment.

Bursaries and scholarships

Career pathways

Affordable Housing for Healthcare Workers in Rural Nova Scotia

If you're a healthcare worker considering a move to rural Nova Scotia, the Housing Trust, in partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia, offers a unique opportunity to help with your housing needs. 

New affordable housing units are in development with rent reductions available based on household income. Currently, developments are underway in Lunenburg, Guysborough, Bridgewater, and Canso, with more locations to come. Additionally, there are four three-bedroom units in Port Hawkesbury reserved for healthcare workers. This initiative is designed to support your long-term integration into these communities while addressing the housing shortage and workforce retention.

Learn more


Connect with a Recruiter to learn more about launching your career in rural Nova Scotia