Attracting Foreign-Trained Pharmacists to Nova Scotia

It has been one year since the launch of a streamlined licensing program in Nova Scotia aimed at attracting foreign-trained pharmacists to the province. The program has already seen great success, with over 100 applicants showing interest in practicing in Nova Scotia.

The Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists introduced the program in December last year, reaching out to pharmacists in countries such as the United States, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. This initiative was made possible through the provincial Patient Access to Care Act, which waives the national licensing exam and internship period typically required for internationally trained pharmacists looking to practice in Canada.

Under the new program, applicants are only required to complete an open-book jurisprudence exam, provide a letter of good standing, and undergo a criminal background check. This streamlined process has proven to be highly efficient, with 32 pharmacists already receiving their licenses and 70 applications currently in the processing stage.

Bev Zwicker, the CEO and registrar of the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists, highlighted that the selected countries were chosen based on their similar education models, scope of practice, and regulatory oversight compared to Canada. She emphasized that the program significantly reduces the approval wait time from years to just weeks, making it a more attractive option for pharmacists considering Nova Scotia.

According to Allison Bodnar, CEO of the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia, pharmacists from eligible countries are drawn to the program due to the province’s broad scope of practice. Nova Scotia allows pharmacists to treat minor ailments and administer vaccines, making it one of the most desirable destinations for international pharmacists.

Aside from the pharmacist recruitment program, Nova Scotia has also launched initiatives to attract health-care professionals from abroad. In October, the province announced the establishment of a Halifax clinic where the skills of international medical graduates will be assessed. This program aims to expedite the assessment process, reducing the time from 18 weeks to just 12.

Bodnar mentioned that the recruitment campaign for pharmacists will continue for another year, showcasing Nova Scotia’s commitment to diversifying its healthcare workforce and providing opportunities for skilled professionals from around the world.