Podiatrist Licence

Podiatrists are regulated in Nova Scotia as of April 1, 2024. All podiatrists who practice in NS must be registered and licensed with the College.

Your application for licensure is reviewed by our Registration Department.

The College is committed to ensuring that only qualified, competent, and ethical podiatrists are registered and licensed to practice in Nova Scotia.

In order to be licensed as a podiatrist in Nova Scotia, you must have received training from one of our accepted schools and programs, which can be found here.

Before you apply

Ensure you meet all qualifications for licensure listed in the credentials checklist.
If you do not have a work permit, Canadian permanent residency, or Canadian citizenship, please consider the requirements to immigrate to Canada.
1. If you are seeking employment at an existing clinic, there may be a streamlined immigration pathway available to you.
2. If you are interested in setting up your own private practice, please consult with an immigration specialist before applying.
Consider the scope of practice for podiatrists in Nova Scotia, outlined in the following policy: Podiatrist Licence: Scope of Practice – Registration Policies College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia.

Credentials checklist

Recognized degree

Listed in Appendix A of the College’s University or School Approved by Council policy.
This will need to include an outline of pharmacology course(s) taken if you would like to have the ability to prescribe to patients.

Currency of practice

A minimum of 450 hours of clinical practice in the scope for which you intend to practice in Nova Scotia, in the 3 years preceding your start date in Nova Scotia.

English Language Proficiency

You will be exempt from language testing if you have one of the following:

Undergraduate or postgraduate training from one of the countries listed here.

Otherwise, the College will require one of the following:

IELTS – Academic taken within the 24 months prior to applying, with a minimum score of 7 on each component; or
OET – Medicine taken within the 24 months prior to applying, with a minimum score of B on each component; or
CELPIP – General taken within the 24 months prior to applying, with a minimum score of 9 on each component.

Application

Complete the application form found here.

Upon submission of the application form, your Registration Agent will set up your application in the system.

Once your application is set up you will receive notification and have access to a list of documents required to complete your application for licensure.

After licensure

Nova Scotia Podiatry Association has a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program for which you will need to enroll and remain current. You can read more about the College’s CPD requirements here. Each year, you will need to renew your license with the College. More information on annual renewal can be found here.