Introduction
Did you know?
CPSNS is the only licensing authority for physicians in Nova Scotia.
No one can practice medicine without holding a valid license from CPSNS.
Healthcare is a regulated profession in Nova Scotia. This means that the government, through various organizations, ensures that a physician meets and maintains certain levels of education, training, and behaviour to practice medicine. This is achieved through a CPSNS-issued license.
An IMG can be a licensed physician in one of four positions or roles. Each position requires a license from CPSNS. A person cannot practice medicine without holding a valid license. Certain prerequisites must be met to acquire a position and a license. An IMG can follow several pathways to reach this goal. While most of the prerequisites are related to medical education, not all of them are. For example, English Language Proficiency and Residency Status are part of all pathways but not directly related to medical education.
Progressing through a pathway can require verification of credentials, passing examinations, and/or completing training or supervision. In certain situations, following a pathway and getting licensed is directly related to a job, such as a Clinical Assistant. However, getting licensed does not immediately mean a job in most pathways. For example, an IMG who becomes licensed as a family physician needs to find a job as a family physician.
Saving time going through various pathways
To save time going through the various pathways, you should verify your credentials during the immigration process. Physician Apply is the organization responsible for that. Be sure to start early because it can take months to get your credentials verified.