Nova Scotia Practice Ready Assessment (NSPRAP) at a Glance

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR MARCH 2025

Eligibility

Please be advised that the application and referral process for the Nova Scotia Practice Ready Assessment Program (NSPRAP) - Family Medicine has changed. Applicants can now apply directly to the NSPRAP for a clinical field assessment (CFA) opportunity. Applications will be received by the NSPRAP on an ongoing basis. 

The NSPRAP conducts the initial prescreening of all applications. **Please note that the Program’s eligibility requirements can change without notice. The Program’s eligibility requirements are in addition to the eligibility requirements set out by 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 one stage does not guarantee an applicant advances to the next stage.

  • NSPRAP selects candidates who best meet the Program’s requirements based on the following criteria:

    • currency of practice of in person clinical practice as a family physician or general practitioner (a minimum of 6 months (960 hours) within 3 years preceding commencement of CFA)

    • gaps in practice **Preference to be given to recent independent practice experience and experience with minimal interruptions or gaps

    • Independent practice as an active, independent family physician / general practitioner acting as the Most Responsible Physician with the authority to diagnose, implement, manage, and follow up on patient treatment plans as well as order medications and diagnostic procedures.

    • successful completion of exams: MCCQE 1 & preference given to candidates with the MCC QEII and/or the NAC OSCE

precreening, Screening and Selection

  • Stage 1 - Prescreening: Assessment of Program Eligibility

  • 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. Applicants who meet the NSPRAP pre-screening eligibility criteria, and the CPSNS requirements for registration and licensure, may undergo a personal interview by the NSPRAP’s Selection Committee.

  • Stage 2 Screening and Selection

  • Selection Committee – Eligible applicants will proceed to a personal interview. The personal interview will include some questions on the management of common family medicine presentations. The Selection Committee determines which applicants will be recommended to undergo a CFA and Nova Scotia Health contract offer.

  • Next Selection Committee meeting dates: October/November 2024

  • MCC Therapeutics Decision Making Exam (TDM) – Pass/Fail

    Applicants who meet the NSPRAP and CPSNS eligibility requirements may be invited to sit the TDM exam.

Clinical Field AssessmenT (CFA)

  • Orientation – prior to commencing a CFA, candidates will undergo an extensive orientation program on topics including, but not limited to the Canadian health care system, safe opioid prescribing and chronic pain, palliative care, public health, prenatal/postpartum care, well-baby/well woman care, medical-legal issues, professional responsibilities and ethical practice. 

  • 2024 Orientation Dates:

    • March 17 - 21, 2025

  • The orientation will involve self-study, in person seminars and some exposure to simulated patients to practice some physical exam skills.

  • CFA – total of 12 weeks (2- 6 week placements) in two different family practices and in two different communities

    • March 24, 2025 - June 13, 2025

  • Assessments using valid and varied assessment tools will be used to assess all aspects of readiness for independent practice (excluding provision of care in the ED and intra-partum care). 

  • Assessors will provide regular feedback to candidates and submit evaluation reports to the NSPRAP.

  • The NSPRAP Recommendations Committee will decide whether or not to make a recommendation to the CPSNS that the candidate be granted a defined license. The candidate will be informed of the Recommendations Committee’s decision.