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Apply to be a Nurse in Nova Scotia

This section is for you if this is your first time registering and licensing in Nova Scotia. There are different steps you need to complete depending on where you went to school or worked previously. Click on the profile below that best fits your situation:  

Renew Your Licence

This section is for you if you want to renew your licence and continue to work as a nurse in Nova Scotia. There is also additional information if you want to renew your licence after working outside the province or after returning from leave. Click on the profile below that best fits your situation: 

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Fees and Payments 

Your fees help us to protect the public by regulating the nursing profession in Nova Scotia. This section is for you if you want to learn more about NSCN fees, payment options and receipts. There is also information on our Pre-authorized Debit Program (PAD), which is an easy way to pay your annual renewal fees. All fees are to be paid in Canadian dollars and are non-refundable.

Licensure Requirements

There are many different requirements that you must fulfill in order to register and license in Nova Scotia. This section includes information on these requirements as well as fees, payment options and nursing practice hours. This section also includes registration and licensure statistics:

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students in classroom

Licensing Exams

This section is for you if you need to register for one or more licensing exams. The first page gives an overview of the license exam requirements for each designation and the remaining pages provide additional information on each exam:  

Re-entering Nursing Practice

This section includes information on nursing re-entry and competence assessment. Competency assessments and bridging education are regulatory options for nurses who require additional training, supports and assessments before they are licensed and able to enter or re-enter the workforce in Nova Scotia. 

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Registrant and Applicant Portal

This section includes a link to access our registrant and applicant portal. You can complete different tasks within the portal, including renewing your license, requesting documents and other regulatory needs.

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