More than 100 international pharmacy pros have landed in N.S. since the province’s recruitment initiative started

In December 2023, the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS) and the Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator (NSPR) started a joint international recruitment initiative called RxNS. The program created a streamlined licensure pathway for pharmacists from certain countries eliminating the national licensing exam and internship program that pharmacy professionals typically have to do before becoming licensed. The countries listed have similar education, licensing process and scope of practice as Canada. RxNS also helps internationally trained pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with a recruitment Navigator who guides candidates through immigration and licensing processes. The Navigator also connects them with prospective employers and helps them settle in Nova Scotia. Recruitment trips to five of the eligible jurisdictions have also helped attract more professionals and students to the province. Two years on, the program has seen great success. Since December 2023, 104 pharmacists and 2 pharmacy technicians have become licensed in Nova Scotia and an additional 106 professionals are in the process of immigrating and becoming licensed.“By efficiently bringing qualified professionals into the system, we aren’t just filling vacancies; we are ensuring that pharmacies across the province have the capacity to deliver the high-quality care Nova Scotians deserve,” says Beverley Zwicker, the NSPR’s CEO and registrar in a press release.“The initiative has been remarkable,” says Allison Bodnar, PANS CEO, in that same release. “Communities across the province have welcomed internationally trained pharmacies into their pharmacy teams where they are needed most.”Jay, a pharmacist from the U.S., recently moved to Nova Scotia through this program says in that press release that “Everything in pharmacy is so different up here, starting with the people. My team and I are empowered to do everything in pharmacy we are supposed to but were never able to do back home.” The pharmacist recently started working in a small community pharmacy in Annapolis Royal.Interested candidates can visit RxNS.ca to learn more about Nova Scotia and connect with the Recruitment Navigator.

More than 100 international pharmacy pros have landed in N.S. since the province’s recruitment initiative started

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