[]() Internationally Educated New Applicants | Nova Scotia College of MIRTP

Internationally Educated New Applicants

Below are Steps in the Registration Process for Internationally Educated Medical Imaging or Radiation Therapy Professionals. (IEMIRTP). Our guidebook is being updated and will be available shortly.

Assessment and Registration Process

An individual who has successfully completed an educational program in medical imaging or radiation therapy outside of Canada is considered an IEMIRTP. To work as a medical imaging or radiation therapy professional (MIRTP) in Nova Scotia, you must be registered with the Nova Scotia College of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Professionals (NSCMIRTP). The path to successful registration for IEMIRTPs differs from Canadian Educated applicants as assessment of education and skills must be done to ensure all registrants meet the entrance to practice standards set out in Canada.

IEMIRTPs seeking to become registered in Nova Scotia will follow one of the four pathways below:

If you are currently working as an MIRTP in a regulated Canadian province, you are eligible for registration under the labour mobility provisions of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. Please have your current MIRTP regulator send NSCMIRTP a completed CFTA form and follow this link to the application process for an MIRTP registered in a regulated Canadian jurisdiction.

If you are currently working as an MIRTP in an unregulated Canadian province or territory and meet the following criteria:

  • are able to demonstrate that you have been successfully assessed by either the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) or Sonography Canada (SC) and

  • have successfully written the National Certification Exam in your chosen area of practice,

then please follow the standard registration process.

For international MIRTPs who have not previously worked as a MRT or DMS in Canada and are seeking registration and licensure in Nova Scotia. 

Before you begin the application process, on behalf of our provincial partners, you are invited to participate in a survey to help match you to comprehensive immigration, settlement, and employment supports in Nova Scotia that are tailored to your specific needs.

The survey is managed by Nova Scotia’s International Community of Health Workers Engagement (NICHE) program at Nova Scotia Health and is intended to collect information about the type of support you may need. 

Your information will remain confidential and used by provincial partners to inform a personalized support plan for you.

NSCMIRTP is providing you with this information on behalf of NICHE. Please contact the NICHE team at niche@nshealth.ca with any questions or if you require any assistance with the survey.

Click this link to start the survey

There are two licensure pathways available for MIRTPs who have not previously worked as a MRT or DMS in Canada and are seeking registration and licensure in Nova Scotia.

  1. The non-expedited pathway: You are an international MIRTP who has not previously worked as a MIRTP in Canada and does not meet the criteria of the expediated pathway. Please follow pathway #4

  2. The expedited pathway: You are an international MIRTP who is registered and holds a current licence in one of the countries as outlined below.

Australia – licensed with the Medical Radiation Practice Board as a radiation therapist, nuclear medicine technologist, MRI technologist, or radiological technologist, or sonographer.

Australia – licensed with the Australian Sonography Accreditation Registry as a sonographer.

Ireland – licenses with the Radiographers Registration Board as a radiation therapist or radiological technologist. 

Philippines – licensed with the Philippine Regulatory Board as a radiation therapist, nuclear medicine technologist, MRI technologist, or radiological technologist.

UK- licensed with the Health and Care Professions Council as a radiation therapist, MRI technologist, or radiological technologist.

UK- licensed with the Register of Clinical Technologists as a nuclear medicine technologist, or sonographer.

USA- licensed with the American Register of Radiologic Technologists as a radiation therapist, nuclear medicine technologist, MRI technologist, radiological technologist, or sonographer.

New Zealand- licensed with the Medical Radiation Technologist Board as a radiation therapist, nuclear medicine technologist, MRI technologist, radiological technologist, or sonographer.

Nigeria- licensed with the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria as a radiation therapist, nuclear medicine technologist, MRI technologist, radiological technologist, or sonographer.

​​​​​​​Please note: NSCMIRTP is not affiliated with any international MIRTP recruitment agency or people offering expedited licensing for an additional fee. Nova Scotia Health (NSH) is also not working with any international MIRTP recruitment agency or people offering expedited licensing or employment pathway into NSH for an additional fee. Please know that you are working directly with NSCMIRTP or NSH and there are no charges or fees to be paid to any external agencies or person.

This pathway is for you if you’re an international MIRTP who is:

  • Registered and hold a current licence in good standing as outlined above

  • NOT registered or licensed in Canada

  • You are not eligible for this pathway if your licence has expired in one of these seven countries and you are unable to re-establish it.

​Applicant Portal

Applications are submitted through NSCMIRTP Registrant Portal. You can start by creating an account in the Registrant Portal if you have not already done so. Click the following link and select ‘Apply Now’ to create an account. You must use your current email address, then you will be given instructions on how to create a password that is unique to you.

What to Expect on the Application

  1. When the application process opens, you will log in to your profile on our portal and select the application type called: Out of country applicant.

  2. Submit two pieces of identification showing your legal name. If your name has changed, you may be required to submit a name change document such as a marriage certificate. Notarization of these documents is not required. Identification options include: a birth certificate, passport, nexus card, driver’s license, Canadian government-issued ID, citizenship card (Canadian or International), etc.

  3. We will need to determine that you hold a current licence that entitles you to practice as an MIRTP in one of the six identified countries and that your licence there is in good standing. There are two ways in which we can do this:

    a) By reviewing a  Verification of Registration form that was sent directly to us from your regulatory body. 

    b) We can check the online search tool available on the website for the regulatory body. Currently, of the six countries identified for this expedited pathway that also have all of the information to determine your licence is in good standing is the USA.

  4. Pay the application fee. You must pay the fee in order for NSCMIRTP to make a licensing decision.

You will also be required to submit an original copy of the required Vulnerable Sectors Check (VSC). You may use CSI or MyBackCheck for your VSC. You may also obtain the VSC through your local police or RCMP, however, you will be required to submit the original hard copy of the VSC to the NSCMIRTP via mail or drop off. For applicants currently residing outside the country, whose mail deliveries are likely to be delayed, you may upload a scanned copy of your VSC to your online application before mailing the original hard copy to NSCMIRTP.

Our registration team will review your application documents to make sure we have all the information we need. If something is missing, we will let you know so you can provide it. Incomplete applications will cause delays in processing. Your application will be processed, and our team will be in touch once all documents have been received.

Starting the Application

When you are ready to apply, click here.

NSCMIRTP is expecting a high volume of applications through the registrant portal. You may experience some delays in submitting your application during peak times. We have a plan to manage the increase in submissions, however, it may take us longer than usual to process applications. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Exam Information

Once your application has been processed, we will give you more information about these exams, if applicable.

Jurisprudence Information

Before you begin practice as a MIRTP in Nova Scotia, you will also be required to complete the NSCMIRTP jurisprudence module. A link will be provided to you once your application is submitted.

Expiry of your application

All Canadian documents (statement from employer, licensure verifications) expire six months from the date they are completed. All international documents expire 24 months after they were completed with the exception of the English Language Proficiency Test, which expires 24 months from the date of the test.

If your application documents are more than 24 months old and you have not been in contact with us for 12 months, your application will expire and be closed. If you change your mind and wish to re-apply after your file has been closed, you will be required to re-apply to us, and you may be required to re-pay the assessment fee. Note: your application will be measured against the regulatory requirements at that time.

More Information 

Read our frequently asked questions for more information on the application process, registration and licensure requirements, entrance exam information, and more.

Please be advised that registration requirements and fees are subject to change. All application as well as registration and licensure fees are non-refundable. 

IEMIRTPs who are seeking registration as an MIRTP in Canada for the first time and do not meet criteria for pathway #3 will need to have their initial eligibility assessed. This can be done by emailing NSCMIRTP at info@nscmirtp.ca. Once NSCMIRTP confirms the applicant has been informed on the required criteria for licensing, they will be directed to the process to complete a good character assessment, as well as have their academic and clinical credentials assessed for Canadian equivalency. A successful credentials assessment will be followed by the applicant gaining access to write the national competency exam in their chosen area of practice. These exams are currently offered three times a year in January, May and September. Once registered to write the national entry to practice exam the applicant can then return to the NSCMIRTP to complete an application for temporary conditional licensing as an MIRTP in Nova Scotia. This can be done by following the standard registration process.

IEMIRTP Assessment Process through CAMRT for MRTs

(Process for sonographers see next section)

Applicants are encouraged to review the assessment process and timelines in detail on the CAMRT website. CAMRT also has an extensive collection of resources for assessment of credentials and to help prepare IEMIRTPs for writing the national certification exam. The national competency/certification exam is offered 3 times a year in January, May, and September.

Application and required documents must be submitted a minimum of 3 months prior to the date of writing the national exam to allow time for assessment.

IEMIRTP applicants must fill out an application form and submit required documents to CAMRT. CAMRT’s Manager of Certification and Assessment Committee reviews submitted documents to determine if they demonstrate substantially similar content and expectations in comparison to the entrance to practice competency profile for Canadian graduates. If proper documentation is submitted, the process of assessment is expected to take less than 3 months.

Documents that must be submitted include:

  • Completed application for assessment form.

  • Non-refundable assessment fee.

  • Verification of completion of a medical radiation technology program in one of the following disciplines: radiological technology, nuclear medicine technology, magnetic resonance or radiation therapy. A notarized copy of a diploma or degree certificate is required.

  • A notarized copy of an official transcript or marks from your education program in medical radiation technology.

  • Curriculum or course outline of your medical radiation technology program indicating the amount of time spent in both the theoretical and clinical components of your program. The curriculum or course outline must provide a:

    • Detailed list of courses and a description of the content of each course (photocopy of education institution syllabus)

    • Description of how you were evaluated on both the theory and clinical components of the program

  • A Clinical Assessment Checklist of work experience following graduation from education program. Work experience must be within the past five (5) years in the discipline in which you are applying.

  • A confirmation of employment letter from your most recent or current employer. This letter must be written on the letterhead used by the institution and must confirm your last date of employment, and number of practice hours.

  • A reference letter, in paper or email form, regarding your practice as a medical radiation technologist. The letter must supply your employer’s contact information. If you are a recent graduate with little or no work experience and you cannot provide an employment letter, your credentials will be considered for assessment and eligibility to write the CAMRT exam within 5 years from the date of your graduation.

  • Evidence of registration with an association / society / regulatory body for the specific discipline if you are registered.

  • Letter of reference attesting your good character from someone who has known you for a minimum of two years. The referee must sign the letter, print their name, and provide contact information.

  • Relevant evidence of continuing professional development activities.

  • Description of types of:

    • Equipment used (will vary as per discipline – indicate both analog & digital)

    • Settings where procedures/treatments were performed during the clinical component of your program ( i.e. imaging department, operating room, emergency, hospitals, clinics)

    • Patient population on which procedures were performed (i.e. adult, pediatric, geriatric, trauma)

IEMIRTP Assessment Process for Sonographers

The national competency/certification exam is offered 3 times a year in January, May, and September.

Application and required documents must be submitted a minimum of 3 months prior to the date of writing the national exam to allow time for assessment.

The national competency/certification exam is offered 3 times a year in January, May, and September. Applicants can write the exam up to 4 times in total. Applications to write the exam must be submitted a minimum of 3 months prior to the date of writing the national exam to allow time for assessment.

Applicants must fill out an application form and submit required documents to info@nscmirtp.ca. The College hires an assessor from Sonography Canada to review submitted documents to determine if they demonstrate substantially similar content and expectations in comparison to the national competency profile for Canadian graduates. If proper documentation is submitted, the process of assessment is expected to take less than 3 months.

Documents that must be submitted include:

  • Completed application for assessment form.

  • Non-refundable assessment fee of $300.00.

  • Verification of completion of a sonography program (or equivalent). A diploma or degree certificate (notarized copy) is required.

  • An official transcript of marks from your education program in medical radiation technology (notarized copy).

  • Curriculum or course outline of your sonography program indicating the amount of time spent in both the theoretical and clinical components of your program. The curriculum or course outline must provide a:

    • Detailed list of courses and a description of the content of each course (photocopy of education institution syllabus).

    • Description of how you were evaluated on both the theory and clinical components of the program.

  • Clinical Assessment Checklist of work experience following graduation from your education program. Work experience must be within the past five (5) years in the discipline in which you are applying.

  • Confirmation of employment letter from your most recent or current employer. This letter must be written on the letterhead used by the institution and must confirm your last date of employment, number of practice hours and a reference regarding your practice as a medical radiation technologist. The letter must supply employer’s contact information; e-mail or paper accepted. If you are a recent graduate with little or no work experience and you cannot provide an employment letter, your credentials will be considered for assessment and eligibility to write the SC exam within 5 years from the date of your graduation.

  • Evidence of registration with an association / society / regulatory body for the specific discipline, if you are or were registered in the past.

  • Letter of reference attesting your good character from someone who has known you for a minimum of two (2) years. The referee must sign the letter, print their name, and provide contact information.

  • Evidence of language fluency if total medical radiation technology education program, that is both theory and clinical components, were not conducted in English (Original copy of language test results required).

  • Relevant evidence of continuing professional development activities

The link provides a visual schematic of the sonography assessment process. Additionally if all documents requested (or suitable equivalent evidence) can be provided the SC Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA) is not required to gain licensing.

IEMIRTP Assessment Results

Applicants will receive a written decision stating whether their assessment meets Canadian equivalency or not. IEMIRTPs confirmed to meet the requirements are then eligible to apply to write the National Certification Exam. If they do not meet the eligibility requirements, the reasons to support this decision will be provided. For those eligible, information is provided on the process to apply to write the exam (CAMRT or SC) as well as information on applying for accommodation, if required. The exam is offered in January, May, and September, of each year.

NSCMIRTP follows the same English proficiency benchmarks as CAMRT. Please use this link for full details on our English proficiency policy.

NSCMIRTP has provided a visual schematic of the IEMIRTP registration pathway for those not using the expediated process vs the standard registration pathway.

Timelines for Registration

For IEMIRTPs that have been employed as an MIRTP in another Canadian province or territory and have already successfully written the CAMRT or Sonography Canada (SC) entrance to practice exam, the registration process usually only takes 1-2 weeks (Pathways #1 & #2).

For those using the expediated pathway to access the national entry to practice exam a decision on accessing the exam will be communicated within 3 weeks of receiving all required documents. Once approval to access the national exam is granted individuals are eligible for conditional licensing (Pathway #3). For those seeking licensing for the first time in Canada that do not meet requirements of the expedited process they must follow pathway #4. This process can be much longer. Applicants should contact NSCMIRTP at info@nscmirtp.ca to begin the process as soon as possible. The initial assessment through NSCMIRTP typically takes 1-2 weeks if adequate documentation is received. Once NSCMIRTP approves the initial criteria, they will refer the applicant to the academic and clinical assessment process which take 2-3 months. This process is outlined below:

IEMIRTPs have five years from the last date of employment or graduation as a medical imaging or radiation therapy professional to complete all the requirements to become registered.

NSCMIRTP also offers an academic program in nuclear medicine, radiography, MRI and sonography which can help an individual to prepare for the competency based national certification exam(s). For more information on the availability of these courses please email info@nscmirtp.ca or use the provided link.

Effective March 15th 2023 international applicants who have been granted access to the national entry to practice exam are now eligible for temporary conditional licensing with the NSCMIRTP using the standard application process. As part of this process they will need to have themselves and their manager sign the linked acknowledgement letter.

This would be a conditional license. An individual licensed under this provision will require direct supervision of practice at all times by a licensed MIRTP of the same discipline who is in good standing with the College and protected titles cannot be used.

The temporary license will stay in effective until results of the national exam(s) are released. If successful the license will be updated to a full active license without conditions. If unsuccessful the license will expire unless approval for an extension is granted by the credentials committee.

Any questions related to this policy can be directed to info@nscmirtp.ca

Fee List

Below are fees an IEMIRTP can expect to pay to become a licensed MIRTP in Nova Scotia:

  • Non-refundable assessment fee of approximately $300-400

  • National Certification Exam fees (CAMRT approximately $900, and SC approximately $1000) Please note these fees are set by CAMRT and SC so we recommend you check their website to ensure you have accurate exam fee information.

  • Exam center fee of approximately $200

  • NSCMIRTP application fee of $100

In addition, IEMIRTPs may require other services which they must cover costs of. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Translation of documents

  • Language proficiency testing

  • Notarization of documents

  • Bridging programs/courses

Annual fees to maintain licensing in Nova Scotia

  • Professional Liability Insurance (approximately $275 annually)

  • NSCMIRTP annual registration fee of $450

Please Note: The process of document assessment can begin prior to arriving in Canada. Applicants can contact NSCMIRTP and begin the assessment process from anywhere in the world, thus shortening the time between arriving in Canada and being licensed to work as an MIRTP. National exams are available through virtual proctoring allowing for IEMIRTPs to write from outside of Canada. Any questions related to the application process can be sent to info@nscmirtp.ca.

Helpful Links

VCA Education - Bridging Classes
Access Health Careers Canada
Nova Scotia Immigration
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
Nova Scotia Start
Immigration Canada - Express Access
Fair Registration Practices Review Office
Labour Mobility
International Qualification Recognition (IQR)
Forum of Labour Market Ministers
Nova Scotia Works