How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Nova Scotia
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer in Nova Scotia or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (DMS) must be registered with NSRMIRT to work in the province of Nova Scotia.”
From nscmirtp.ca/about-us/disciplines-of-nscmirtp, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 6 steps, listed one-time fees $570 (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
- Licensed in another province: 6 steps, listed one-time fees $570 (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
- Trained outside Canada: 6 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 6 done
- Listed one-time fees: $570
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 4 steps without a listed fee
- Listed time: 0.3 months (only 1 of 6 steps state a time)
-
Applicants complete an application for registration and upload the required supporting documents.
- Initial application fee: $150 (waived under the Patient Access to Care Act)
Source
“Effective January 1 2026, the annual NSRMIRT registration fee is $570, and the initial application fee is $150. Currently, the initial application fee and initial licensing fees are being waived under provisions of the Patient Access to Care Act.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...
Source
“Applicants for registration must be able to demonstrate that they meet the following registration requirements:”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicant - Initial application fee: $150 (waived under the Patient Access to Care Act)
-
Applicants upload proof of completion of a Canadian-accredited MRT or DMS program, such as a transcript, degree or diploma picture, or a letter from the institution.
Source
“Proof of completion of a Canadian-accredited MRT or DMS program uploaded with your application.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicant -
Applicants provide government-issued photo ID and proof of legal authorization to work in Canada.
Source
“Official documentation includes a copy of a Canadian birth certificate, a Canadian passport, proof of landed immigrant resident status, or a copy of a valid work permit.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicant -
After submitting the application, applicants receive a link to the jurisprudence module and must complete it and its assessment questions, achieving an 85% score with unlimited re-writes.
Source
“The module contains 40 questions. Achieving an 85% score would entitle an applicant to a certificate. An applicant has unlimited re-writes until a result is achieved.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicant -
Applicants pay the annual registration fee and the initial application fee by credit card in Canadian funds.
- Annual NSRMIRT registration fee: $570
Source
“The annual NSRMIRT registration fee is $570 (as of January 1, 2026), and the initial application fee is $150.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicant
Source
“The annual NSRMIRT registration fee is $570 (as of January 1, 2026), and the initial application fee is $150.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicant - Annual NSRMIRT registration fee: $570
-
Applicants cannot begin working until they receive notice that their application has been approved, which may take up to 10 business days.
Time: 10 daysTime source
“Applications may require up to 10 business days to be processed once a completed application is submitted.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicantSource
“You cannot begin working as an MIRTP in Nova Scotia until you have received notice from the NSRMIRT that your application has been approved. Applications may require up to 10 business days to be processed once a completed application is submitted.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicant
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $570
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | $570 | 100% |
| One-time total | $570 | 100% |
1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total.
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 6 done
- Listed one-time fees: $570
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 4 steps without a listed fee
- Listed time: 0.3 months (only 1 of 6 steps state a time)
-
The applicant asks their current MIRTP regulatory organization to complete the Canadian Free Trade Agreement form and forward it to NSRMIRT.
Source
“Ask your current MIRTP regulatory organization to complete the Canadian Free Trade Agreement CFTA Form and forward the completed form to NSRMIRT at [email protected].”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis... -
The applicant completes an online application, answering all sections completely and accurately.
- Initial application fee: $150 (waived under the Patient Access to Care Act)
Source
“Effective January 1 2026, the annual NSRMIRT registration fee is $570, and the initial application fee is $150. Currently, the initial application fee and initial licensing fees are being waived under provisions of the Patient Access to Care Act.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...
Source
“Complete an online application. The application is a legal document. You must answer all sections completely and accurately.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis... - Initial application fee: $150 (waived under the Patient Access to Care Act)
-
The applicant provides proof of identity, eligibility to work in Canada, Sonography Canada credentials, a vulnerable sector check, declarations of conduct, proof of currency and professional liability insurance, and completes the jurisprudence module and exam.
Source
“Applicants for registration must be able to demonstrate that they meet the following registration requirements:”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis... -
Source
“Completion of the Jurisprudence Module, which can be found under Educational Resources, and the associated exam within the registrant portal”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis... -
The applicant pays the annual registration fee and initial application fee by cheque, credit card or money order in Canadian funds.
- Annual NSRMIRT registration fee: $570
Source
“Effective January 1 2026, the annual NSRMIRT registration fee is $570, and the initial application fee is $150.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...
Source
“Effective January 1 2026, the annual NSRMIRT registration fee is $570, and the initial application fee is $150.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis... - Annual NSRMIRT registration fee: $570
-
The applicant cannot begin working until they receive notice that their application has been approved, which may take up to 10 business days.
Time: 10 daysTime source
“Applications may require up to 10 business days to be processed.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...Source
“You cannot begin working as an MIRTP in Nova Scotia until you have received notice from the NSRMIRT that your application has been approved. Applications may require up to 10 business days to be processed.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $570
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | $570 | 100% |
| One-time total | $570 | 100% |
1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total.
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 6 done
- 6 steps without a listed fee
-
If unsure which pathway applies, the applicant sends an introductory email to the regulator for guidance before starting an application.
Source
“If you are unsure what pathway you are in, prior to starting an application, please send an introductory email to [email protected] for guidance.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/internationally-educated-new-applicants -
The regulator verifies good standing and currency hours and refers the applicant to Sonography Canada to have academic and clinical credentials assessed for substantive equivalency.
Source
“NSRMIRT 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.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/internationally-educated-new-applicants -
A successful credentials assessment makes the applicant eligible to write the national competency exam in their area of practice, offered in January, May and September.
Source
“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.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/internationally-educated-new-applicants -
Sonography applicants must successfully complete the Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment along with the core exam and at least one specialty exam.
Source
“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).”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/internationally-educated-new-applicants -
The applicant submits the NSRMIRT application with the required documents, some uploaded at the start and some requested at later stages.
Source
“Some required documents will be uploaded when you start your application, and some will be requested at later stages.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/internationally-educated-new-applicants -
Applicants receive a written decision on whether their assessment meets Canadian equivalency, and those who meet the requirements are eligible to apply to write the National Certification Exam.
Source
“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.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/internationally-educated-new-applicants
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
6 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Education
Applicants must provide proof of completion of a Canadian-accredited MRT or DMS program.
Source
“Proof of completion of a Canadian-accredited MRT or DMS program uploaded with your application.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicant
Insurance
Applicants must carry professional liability insurance, which can be shown with a copy of an insurance card or policy.
Source
“This proof can be in the form of a copy of an insurance card/policy. Confirmation of PLI will be required upon annual renewal of registration.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...
Good character
Applicants must declare any disciplinary findings, criminal convictions, civil liability findings, or pending investigations or court dates.
Source
“You are required to declare any of the following: Any disciplinary finding as an MIRTP or in another profession in any Canadian province.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...
Other
Applicants must have successfully completed the national licensing exam in their discipline.
Source
“Proof of successful completion of National Licensing Exam in respective discipline.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicantApplicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada.
Source
“To be employed as a medical imaging or radiation therapy professional in Nova Scotia, you must have legal authorization to work in Canada.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicantApplicants applying through a CFTA process are considered current in practice if their current regulatory body deems requirements have been met.
Source
“Applicants applying through a CFTA process are considered current in practice if their current regulatory body deems requirements have been met.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...Applicants must complete the jurisprudence module and achieve an 85% score on the associated exam.
Source
“Achieving an 85% score would entitle an applicant to a certificate. An applicant has unlimited re-writes until a result is achieved.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...Applicants must provide Sonography Canada credentials in the specialty they are seeking a license for.
Source
“NSCMIRTP requires Sonography Canada credentials to practice as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS) in Nova Scotia.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
Applicants currently registered in another regulated Canadian province can register through the labour mobility provisions by having their current regulator complete a CFTA form, without retaking the entry-to-practice exam or a competence assessment. Source
“Medical imaging or radiation therapy professionals currently working in a regulated province should follow this application process.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...
Complete CFTA transfer form
Source
“Ask your current MIRTP regulatory organization to complete the Canadian Free Trade Agreement CFTA Form and forward the completed form to NSRMIRT at [email protected].”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...Complete online application
Source
“Complete an online application. The application is a legal document. You must answer all sections completely and accurately.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...Compile supporting documentation
Source
“Applicants for registration must be able to demonstrate that they meet the following registration requirements:”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...Pay registration fees
Source
“Effective January 1 2026, the annual NSRMIRT registration fee is $570, and the initial application fee is $150.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis...
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
Exams
-
National Entrance to Practice Exam
Source
“The National Entrance to Practice Exam is a mandatory requirement of registration with the NSRMIRT.”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicant -
Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA)
Source
“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).”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/internationally-educated-new-applicants -
Sonography Canada specialty exam (vascular, cardiac or generalist)
Source
“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).”
nscmirtp.ca/applicants/internationally-educated-new-applicants
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | $29.56 | $39.01 | $45.30 | Good (4 of 5) |
| Canada | $34.90 | $42.00 | $51.00 | — |
Diagnostic medical sonographers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Not confirmed yet
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer licensing across Canada
Sources checked
- Disciplines of NSCMIRTP | Nova Scotia College of MIRTP nscmirtp.ca/about-us/disciplines-of-nscmirtp · fetched October 10, 2026
- Canadian-Educated Applicant (CEA) | Nova Scotia College of MIRTP nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicant · fetched October 10, 2026
- CEA Registered in Another Regulated Jurisdiction | Nova Scotia College of MIRTP nscmirtp.ca/applicants/canadian-educated-applicants-currently-regis... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Internationally Educated New Applicants | Nova Scotia College of MIRTP nscmirtp.ca/applicants/internationally-educated-new-applicants · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Registration with Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy is required to practise in Nova Scotia.
Which exams are required?
National Entrance to Practice Exam, Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA), Sonography Canada specialty exam (vascular, cardiac or generalist).
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