Prescreening
Eligibility Requirements
The NSPRAP conducts the initial prescreening of all applications. Prescreening criteria are based on eligibility requirements as set out by the Program.
NSPRAP selects candidates who best meet the Program’s requirements based on the following criteria:
at least two years in independent family medicine practice
currency of practice (at least 6 months within 3 years preceding commencement of the first clinical field assessment
scope of practice
gaps in practice
successful completion of exams: MCCQE 1 required. Preference is given to candidates with the MCC QEII and/or NAC OSCE
Please note that NSPRAP’s eligibility requirements are in addition to the eligibility requirements of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS) for registration and licensure: CPSNS Pathway to Licensure for IMGs via PRA
Meeting the minimum requirements for each stage does not guarantee an applicant’s advancement to the next stage.
**Please note that the NSPRAP’s eligibility requirements can change without notice.
Stage 1: Prescreening requirements
NSPRAP staff will determine the initial eligibility of applicant. The review will include supporting documentation of medical qualifications, postgraduate training, relevant exams and the hours of independent practice.
Stage 2: Selection Committee Interviews
Applicants who meet the NSPRAP pre-screening eligibility criteria, and the CPSNS requirements for registration and licensure, may undergo a personal interview by the Program’s Selection Committee. Personal interviews will include some questions on the management of common family medicine presentations. The Selection Committee determines which applicants will undergo an assessment and recommended to Nova Scotia Health for a contract offer.
The next scheduled interview dates of the Selection Committee: March/April 2024 (TBD)
The virtual interview will last approximately 60 minutes and will be conducted by a panel of family physicians who will use a semi-structured interview guide. The focus of the interview will be to determine personal and professional suitability to practice family medicine in Nova Scotia and fulfill a return of service contract in specified Nova Scotia communities.
Therapeutics Decision Making (TDM)
Applicants who meet the eligibility of the NSPRAP and CPSNS eligibility for registration and licensure may be invited to sit the TDM. A successful result in the TDM is a requirement to undergo a practice ready assessment. For more information regarding the TDM, please see Therapeutics Decision-Making Examination | Medical Council of Canada (mcc.ca).
MCC TDM Exam: Please note that the next TDM dates are scheduled for June 5 and September 25, 2024. The TDM Examination is offered at available Prometric test centers across Canada and worldwide, as well as through the option of remote proctoring. This option gives TDM Examination candidates the chance to select their preferred examination environment. This exam is offered in English and French.