Types of Licenses
There are several types of licenses for physicians. IMGs may qualify for several license types. CPSNS grants these licenses.
There are seven types of licenses for IMGs:
- An unrestricted, Most Responsible Physician (MRP) license. The temporary license is valid for a maximum of six months in a calendar year.
- A Most Responsible Physician (MRP) license requiring sponsorship and supervision while the physician works toward a full or restricted license.
- Enrolled in a Clinical Fellowship through Dalhousie University. Must be supervised and working within the fellowship.
- A Most Responsible Physician (MRP) license that must be sponsored by the Dean and recommended by the Department Head of an Academic Department at Dalhousie University. Supervision is undertaken by the clinical department.
- A Most Responsible Physician (MRP) license that may or may not require supervision. There are specific conditions and/or restrictions. After completing a Comprehensive Clinical Assessment of Practice, this license may be issued at the end of a defined license term.
- This is not a MRP license. The clinical assistant acts as a physician extender. They must always be under supervision and work within a Health Authority’s Clinical Assistant Program.
- This is not a Most Responsible Physician (MRP) license. This is required when a physician is accepted into a postgraduate training program (residency) with Dalhousie University.
*An independent license means that the physician is the Most Responsible Physician (MRP) but still may require supervision.
The key components of a full license include a recognized MD on the World Directory of Medical Schools, the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) or an acceptable alternative to the LMCC and Canadian Certification.
Conditions for Licensing
In addition to specific requirements for each license, the following five conditions are required to attain and continue the license:
- Medical liability insurance (e.g., provided by the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA))
- Continuing professional development through a recognized provider
- Legal permission to work in Nova Scotia ( i.e., be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work permit in Nova Scotia)
- English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements
- Capacity, character, and competence to practice medicine safely and ethically
Medical Degree
Your medical degree must be from a university or medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
Please refer to the English Language Proficiency requirements.
English Language Proficiency
Note that English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for immigration are different from ELP requirements for licensing.