NSNMR is responsible for approving nursing and midwifery education programs in the province. This process helps ensure that graduates have been properly educated and prepared to provide safe, competent, ethical and compassionate care for the designation or profession for which they plan to register and license. This is one of the ways that we meet our mandate of public protection. There are currently no registered psychiatric nursing or midwifery education programs in Nova Scotia.

A new education program approval framework and new standards were introduced in January 2026. The new framework is the outcome of a comprehensive review of evidence and feedback received through consultation in 2025 with Nova Scotia schools of nursing. The new framework is based on the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Program Approval Framework and reflects a modern approach in the Nova Scotia context. 

Education Program Approval Documents and Resources

Approved Nursing Programs

The following are education programs in Nova Scotia approved by NSNMR:

Nova Scotia Community College Practical Nursing Education Program: 10 campuses across Nova Scotia including:

  • Annapolis Valley
  • Burridge
  • Cumberland
  • Ivany
  • Kingstec
  • Lunenburg
  • Marconi
  • Pictou
  • Strait
  • Truro

Visit Nova Scotia Community College website

Island Career Academy (Preliminary Approval):

Practical Nursing Program - Sydney campus. Visit Island Career Academy website

Dalhousie University:

Bachelor of Science Nursing: Halifax and Yarmouth campus. Visit Dalhousie University website

Cape Breton University:

Bachelor of Science Nursing: Acadia and Sydney campus includes an LPN to Bachelor of Science Nursing Pathway. Visit Cape Breton University website

St. Francis Xavier University:

Bachelor of Science Nursing: Antigonish campus includes an LPN to Bachelor of Science Nursing Pathway. Visit St. Francis Xavier University website

Dalhousie University: Halifax Campus

Dalhousie University Master of Nursing Program. Visit Dalhousie University website

Nova Scotia Health Learning Institute for Health Care Providers:

RN Bridging/Re-entry Program for Canadian and Internationally Educated Nurses. Visit Nova Scotia Health Learning Institute website

Approved Midwifery Programs

The following are education programs in Nova Scotia approved by NSNMR:

Canadian baccalaureate midwifery degrees are currently offered at the following universities: