Pharmacy Student - Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator

A student may only work in a pharmacy in Nova Scotia if they are licensed with the NSPR.

A student must be enrolled in an accredited degree program in pharmacy in order to apply for licensure as a student with the NSPR and, once licensed, their student status continues until the they graduate from their pharmacy program.

If you are a student enrolled in an accredited degree program in pharmacy and would like to apply for licensure with the NSPR, please see the steps outlined below.

Licensure Steps

Complete each of the following and submit all items in ONE email to the NSPR Registrations & Licensing Team at registrations@nspharmacy.ca.

Application Form

Download and complete the Application for Registration as a Student.

Proof of Identity

An applicant must submit a signed NSPR Identification Verification Form AND

A copy of an approved government-issued photo identification document notarized by a Notary Public in Canada OR certified by pharmacist or pharmacy technician that holds a valid license with the NSPR.

Statement of Disclosure

Download and submit the Statement of Disclosure Form.

Criminal Record Check

Complete an “Enhanced Police Information Check” (myBackCheck) by visiting www.sterlingtalentsolutions.ca/nspharmacists. This must be conducted within three months of the completed registration process.

Professional Liability Insurance

Provide the NSPR with a letter or certificate from an insurance provider confirming that the professional liability insurance policy meets the legislated criteria.

Proof of Enrolment in an Accredited Degree Program in Pharmacy

This is a copy of your confirmation of enrolment from your student account for the current term.

Letter of Standing (if applicable)

This is only required if you are currently registered with a pharmacy regulatory authority in another province. If so, you must contact that authority and request that they complete a letter using the Letter of Standing Template.

Injection Technical Permit (if applicable)

If applying for an injection technical permit, submit a completed Drug Administration by Injection Technical Permit Application, along with supporting documentation and fee. A valid NSPR injection technical permit is required to administer injections in practice.

Payment of Applicable Fees

Submit the required registration and licensing fees to proceed with your application.

View Fees: Schedule of Fees
How to Pay: Call the Registrations & Licensing Team at 902-422-8528 ext. 250.
Payment Methods: We accept VISA, VISA Debit, MasterCard, and Debit Mastercard.

Once your application is approved, we will issue your certificate of registration and licence. You must display this certificate in the pharmacy where you practice.

Student Practice Experience

Preceptor and Site Approval

The appropriate Preceptor and Site Approval Application must be completed and submitted to the NSPR for approval before you begin your practice experience:

You will receive an email from the NSPR once your application has been approved, after which you can begin your practice experience with the named preceptor named below.

Practice Requirements

The practice experience requirements for registration and licensure as a pharmacist in Nova Scotia include:

successful completion of a Structured Practice Experience Program as a registered student or intern; and
successful completion of 560 hours of practice experience as a registered student or intern, 280 of which must be completed after graduation as a registered Intern.

Regarding the 560-hour practice experience requirement:

it will be counted toward the requirements for registration and licensure after the beginning of a student’s first year of enrollment in the degree program;
effective May 1, 2020, the requirement to work a minimum of 25 hours per week in order for practice experience hours to be counted is no longer in effect;
if completed in another Canadian jurisdiction, it may be counted toward the requirements for registration and licensure if the Registrar considers it to be equivalent to practice experience in Nova Scotia (this includes structured practice experience); and
it will not be counted toward the requirements for registration and licensure if the student’s preceptor designates it as unsatisfactory.

Policy: Practice Experience to Register and License as a Pharmacist

Declaration of Experience

After you have completed your practice experience, a Declaration of Practice Experience form must be completed by the preceptor(s) named on your approved Preceptor and Site Approval Form and submitted to NSPR Registrations & Licensing at registrations@nspharmacy.ca or by fax at 902-701-3540.

Annual Licence Renewal

Licensure to practice pharmacy as a pharmacy student automatically expires on December 31 and must be renewed each year.

The requirements to renew licensure include maintaining appropriate professional liability insurance, signed declarations, and the submission of the annual renewal form and fees by the renewal deadline of November 30 of each year. Renewing after November 30 incurs a late fee.

If your licensure expires, you must also apply to resume practice and pay additional fees.

Licensure renewals can be completed through the NSPR Registrant Portal.