New Grad Educated in Nova Scotia

Welcome to the Nursing Profession!

As a Nova Scotia graduate, you can practise as an LPN, RN, or NP once you apply and meet all registration and licensing requirements.

This page is for graduates of practical nursing, baccalaureate, or NP program graduates in Nova Scotia.

Check out our Transition to Practice page for guidance as you start your career. 

As a new graduate, once your application has been assessed, you have 2 options for licensing.

  1. Want to start working right away while you prepare for your registration exam? You can obtain a conditional licence.
  2. Would you rather wait until you pass your exam before working? Obtain a practising licence once you pass the exam.

Please Note: 

To work as a nurse in Nova Scotia, you must have either a conditional or practising licence. This includes orientation, even if there is no clinical work.

Before you begin, it’s important to know:

  • All application documents must be in English. We accept translations by certified translators. If required, you are responsible for translation costs. 

Once submitted, your documents belong to NSCN. They will not be shared with another regulatory body without your written permission unless required by law.

Are you a new grad looking for more information on transitioning to professional practice in Nova Scotia? 

Check out our Transition to Practice page.

How to Apply for Registration and Licensing 

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Create an Account
  • If you don’t have an account, sign up to create one. If you already have an account, log in.
  • Important: If you are already licensed with us and are applying for another nursing designation, use your current portal login details. Do not create a new account.
  1. Submit Your Application

Note: Nurse Practitioner applicants require a current RN licence.

  1. Submit Required Documents

Photocopy of 2 proof of name documents. These can include:

  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Nexus Card
  • Canadian Military ID
  • Driver’s licence or learner permit
  • Canadian government-issued ID card (federal/provincial/ territorial)
  • Permanent resident (PR) card
  • Citizenship card (Canadian or international)
  • Immigration card (Canadian or international)

If your name has changed, we require proof of name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate). You can submit these documents to us by mail or email. Unclear and/or faxed copies are not accepted.

  1. Criminal Record Check
    Submit and original criminal record check(s) unless you are currently registered with NSCN in another designation.

Please Note: If youhold or have held a nursing licence anywhere outside Nova Scotia, include that in your application. If the information is available, we will complete an online Verification of Registration with the regulatory body.

What is “Registration Only”?

“Registration only” means you have met all the requirements under section 18(1) of the Nursing Act (2019) and have been added to the register for your designation (LPN, RN, or NP).

This status does not give you a licence to practise nursing. You can not provide nursing services or identify yourself as a nurse in Nova Scotia.

If you want a licence to work as a nurse, you need to apply, submit the required documents, and meet our currency of practice requirements.

Why would I apply for “Registration Only”?

Some nursing regulators in Canada require you to register in the province where you completed your education.

If you do not plan to work in Nova Scotia, you may want to apply for registration only.

What happens after I submit my documents?

Once all your application documents are received, processing takes up to 5 business days. You will be notified when your application is approved.

What else do I need to become licensed?

Pass the registration exam for your designation:

Can I work while completing the licensing process?

You need to be licensed by us before starting any employment. That includes orientation. While preparing for your registration exam, you may qualify for a conditional licence.

Jurisprudence Information 

Please review the jurisprudence information for your specific designation. You will find information on Nova Scotia nursing safety, ethics, and competency.

Expiry of your application

All documents expire after 6 months from their completion date, except for the English Language Proficiency Test, which expires 24 months from the test date.

Your application will expire and close if your documents are older than 12 months and you have not contacted us within that time.

If your file is closed and you want to apply again, you must reapply and meet the current regulatory requirements. This includes paying any required fees.

Have questions?

You can email us at registration@nscn.ca. There may be delays in responding due to a high number of inquiries. 

Registration requirements and fees may change. All registration and licensing fees are non-refundable.