Below are Steps in the Registration Process for Internationally Educated Medical Imaging or Radiation Therapy Professionals. (IEMIRTP).
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.
In Canada, Radiation Therapy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Radiological Technology, Nuclear Medicine, and Sonography all have different licenses and credentialing processes.
If you are unsure what pathway you are in, prior to starting an application, please send an introductory email to info@nscmirtp.ca for guidance.
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.
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,
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.
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 expedited pathway. Please follow pathway #4
The expedited pathway. You are an international MIRTP who is registered and has received their medical imaging or radiation therapy education in one of the countries as outlined below. Being on the expedited pathway 3 means that an educational and work experience assessment by CAMRT or Sonography Canada is not required.
NOTE: Proof of education and currency hours in the specialization for which a license is being sought needs to be provided as part of the application process. Insufficient proof of formal education may result in denial of access to the licensure pathway, or require the applicant be assessed on Pathway 4.
Australia – licensed with the Medical Radiation Practice Board as a radiation therapist, nuclear medicine technologist, MRI technologist, or radiological technologist, or sonographer.
Philippines – licensed with the Philippine Regulatory Board as a radiation therapist, nuclear medicine technologist, MRI technologist, or radiological technologist.
USA- licensed with the American Register of Radiologic Technologistsas a radiation therapist, nuclear medicine technologist, MRI technologist, radiological technologist, or sonographer.
New Zealand- licensed with the Medical Radiation Technologist Boardas 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.
This pathway is for you if you’re an international MIRTP who is:
Registered and hold a current license in good standing as outlined above
NOT registered or licensed in Canada
You are not eligible for this pathway if your license has expired in one of these seven countries and you are unable to re-establish it.
Scroll below to review Documents Required for the Application Process and to begin an application.
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 complete an initial screening of their MIRTP training and employment. This can be done by sending an introductory email to NSCMIRTP at info@nscmirtp.ca. NSCMIRTP will provide a series of screening questions to ensure your application is processed appropriately. Please do not send supporting documents by email at this time. Once NSCMIRTP verifies these details, the IEMRTP will be instructed to begin the application process with NSCMIRTP.
NSCMIRTP will verify that the applicant meets criteria for good standing and currency hours. Pending the review, NSCMIRTP will refer the IEMRTP to the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) or to Sonography Canada (SC) to have their academic and clinical credentials assessed for substantive equivalency. A successful credentials assessment means the applicant is eligible to write the national competency exam in their approved area of practice. These exams are currently offered three times a year in January, May and September. Once registered to write the CAMRT national entry to practice exam, the applicant can then return to the NSCMIRTP to modify their application for temporary conditional licensing as an MIRTP in Nova Scotia. Sonography candidates have this option available as well once they have successfully completed their entry to practice exam. The option for a temporary provisional license is available if their Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment is booked. Although not needed during the initial application process, proof of eligibility to work in Canada is required prior to acquiring an active license or a provisional license.
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.
CAMRT’s Manager of Certification and Assessment Committee reviews submitted documents to determine if the applicant’s education demonstrates substantially similar content and expectations in comparison to the entrance to practice competency profile for Canadian graduates.
Documents that must be submitted include:
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 (sample provided) 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
Applicants are encouraged to review the assessment process and timelines in detail on the Sonography Canada (SC) website. SC 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.
SC requires a minimum of 3 months prior to the date of writing the national exam to allow time for assessment.
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.
Documents that must be submitted to SC include:
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. 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.
Continue below to review the list of required documents for the NSCMIRTP application and to start the application.
Documents Required for the Application Process
NOTE: NSCMIRTP has recently changed to a new registration software platform. Some required documents will be uploaded when you start your application, and some will be requested at later stages.
One piece 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.
Proof of Legal Eligibility to work in Canada. This can be a Canadian Passport, a Canadian Work Permit, or a Canadian Permanent Resident Card. If you do not have this at the time of your initial application, you can still proceed and leave this section blank. Please note that one of these documents will be required later in the application process before NSCMIRTP is able to issue a license.
Proof of Professional Liability Insurance (PLI). NSCMIRTP’s PLI policy can be viewed here and further information is available on the NSCMIRTP website here. It is not expected that new IEMIRTP applicants will have PLI when beginning an application, If the applicant does not have PLI this section can be left blank. However, similar to the Legal Eligibility to work in Canada, it will be required at later stages in the application process.
Proof of Canadian credentials in the specialty for which a license is being sought. Most IEMIRTP applicants will not have this at the time of the application. The application can still be started, and in most cases the NSCMIRTP application must occur before approval is given to access the Canadian national credentialing process.
Proof of graduation from a school of medical imaging or radiation therapy. This can be an official transcript from the school or a copy of the applicant’s degree/diploma.
Proof of English language proficiency. The document must be one of the accepted forms as per NSCMIRTP’s English Language Proficiency policy.
A Vulnerable Sector Check acquired within the last 6 months (in some countries this may be referred to as a criminal records check).
A certificate of employment for current and/or past employers. This must specify the role and duties the applicant is performing specific to the license being sought. It must also include time frames. This document needs to be specific to the applicant and not a generic employer position description. This document will be used to establish currency as per NSCMIRTP’s currency policy.
A letter of reference. This must be specific to your employment in the specialty for which you are seeking a license. It must speak to the applicant’s character and work ethic. It can be combined with the certificate of employment. If the IEMIRTP is a new graduate, the letter of reference can be provided by a member of the faculty at the educational institution.
A certificate of good standing from the applicant’s licensing body in their home country. The applicant must request this to be sent directly from the organization to NSCMIRTP. Details will be provided to the applicant once the application is initially submitted.
Completion of NSCMIRTP’s Jurisprudence educational module. Details will be provided to applicants during the application process.
Additional documents may be required once applications are reviewed; for example, documents showing legal name changes, additional proof of education documents, or employment letters.
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.
Starting the On-Line Application
NSCMIRTP is experiencing a high volume of applications through the registrant portal. You may experience some delays. Thank you in advance for your patience.
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 ‘Please Click Here to Apply’ to create an account. You must use your current email address. You will be given instructions on how to create a password that is unique to you.
The application module will guide you through the required information and what documents need to be uploaded. It is important to select the correct type of application. For pathway 3 and 4 IEMIRTP’s, the correct selection is ‘Out of Country Applicant’. NSCMIRTP has recently changed to a new registration software platform. Some required documents will be uploaded when you start your application, and some will be requested at later stages. Once all required information is provided, you must submit the application. You will immediately receive an invoice for the application fee of $150. NSCMIRTP cannot view your application until the application fee is paid.
Please be advised that registration requirements and fees are subject to change. All application as well as registration and licensure fees are non-refundable.
Exam Information
Applicants for Radiological Technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology or Radiation Therapy must complete certification credentialling with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) for that modality.
Applicants for Diagnostic Medical Sonography must complete certification credentialling with Sonography Canada (SC). All sonography applicants must pass the core exam, a minimum of one of vascular, cardiac or generalist exam, and successfully complete the Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA).
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 NSCMIRTP. Your application will be measured against the regulatory requirements in place at the time of the final application.
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 depending on how quickly applicants are able to obtain the required documents (Pathways #1 & #2).
For those using the expedited pathway to access the national entry to practice exam a decision on accessing the exam will generally be communicated within two weeks of receiving all required documents. 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 CAMRT or SC as appropriate. The academic and clinical assessment process can take 2-3 months. This process is described under the Pathway 4 information.
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.
International applicants who have been granted access to the national entry to practice exam but have not written the exam are now eligible for temporary provisional licensing with the NSCMIRTP.As part of this process they will need to have themselves and their manager sign the linked acknowledgement letter. Details can be provided once an application is begun. Please note that all other licensure requirements must be met, including the legal eligibility to work in Canada, such as a work permit or a permanent resident card.
This would be a provisional license. An individual licensed under this condition will require direct supervision of practice at all times by a licensed MIRTP of the same specialty who is in good standing with the Regulator. Protected titles cannot be used for holders of a provisional license.
The provisional 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.
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:
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 $150
In addition, IEMIRTPs may require other services which they must cover the cost 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 $300 annually)
NSCMIRTP annual registration fee of $570
Please Note: NSCMIRTP’s application process can begin prior to arriving in Canada. Applicants can contact NSCMIRTP and start the application process from anywhere in the world, thus shortening the time between arriving in Canada and being licensed to work as an MIRTP. As well, for those requiring an assessment by CAMRT or Sonography Canada, the assessment process can begin prior to arriving in Canada. National exams are available through virtual proctoring allowing for IEMIRTPs to write from outside of Canada. Although not needed during the application process, proof of eligibility to work in Canada is required prior to licensing. Any questions related to the application process can be sent to info@nscmirtp.ca.
For more information about job opportunities and support for internationally educated healthcare professionals, visit the Nova Scotia Health website: Support for Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals | Nova Scotia Health . Nova Scotia Health is actively working to hire internationally educated health care professionals based on the specific needs of our communities. To review all open job opportunities with Nova Scotia Health and relevant licensure requirements, please visit: jobs.nshealth.ca
