Nova Scotia Antimicrobial Resistance CE Requirements
The only Canadian province with mandatory AMR continuing education for all veterinarians
The Global AMR Crisis
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to global health. Understanding the scope helps explain why Nova Scotia mandates this CE.
Global AMR Deaths: Projected Trend (2019–2050)
Deaths directly attributable to bacterial AMR projected to nearly double
Source: The Lancet, Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project, 2024
⚠️ Why This Matters for Veterinarians
Veterinary medicine accounts for a significant portion of antimicrobial use globally. Judicious use in veterinary practice is critical to slowing resistance development — protecting both animal and human health through One Health principles.
The Nova Scotia Requirement
The Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association (NSVMA) requires all members to complete AMR training:
- Mandatory AMR course — All NSVMA members must complete continuing education in Antimicrobial Resistance
- Canadian leader — Nova Scotia is the only province with this mandatory requirement
- All members — Applies to all licensed veterinarians in the province regardless of practice type
✅ NSVMA Statement
"All members are required to take a Continuing Education (CE) course in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)."
— Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association
Qualifying CE Topics
AMR CE courses should cover one or more of the following areas:
🎯 Core AMR Topics
- Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms
- Antimicrobial stewardship principles
- Judicious prescribing practices
- Culture and sensitivity testing
- One Health concepts
📋 Canadian Regulatory Topics
- Health Canada requirements
- Veterinary prescription requirements
- Category I-IV antimicrobial classifications
- Record-keeping requirements
- Provincial regulations
Canadian Context
Canada has taken significant steps to address antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine:
🏛️ Federal Framework
- Pan-Canadian AMR Framework (2017)
- Rx requirement for MIAs (Dec 2018)
- Category I-IV antimicrobial system
- CIPARS surveillance program
🌟 Nova Scotia Leadership
- Only province with mandatory AMR CE
- Proactive approach to stewardship
- Setting precedent for other provinces
- Aligned with One Health principles
🏛️ Health Canada's Antimicrobial Categories
Category I (Very High Importance): Includes carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, third-gen cephalosporins
Category II (High Importance): Aminoglycosides, macrolides, penicillin combinations
Category III (Medium Importance): First-gen cephalosporins, sulfonamides
Category IV (Low Importance): Ionophores, flavophospholipols
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nova Scotia the only Canadian province requiring AMR CE?
Yes. As of 2024, Nova Scotia is the only Canadian province that has made antimicrobial resistance CE mandatory for all veterinarians. Other provinces encourage but do not mandate AMR training.
Does this count toward my total CE hours?
Yes, the AMR course counts toward your total CE requirements for NSVMA membership. Check with NSVMA for specific hour requirements and deadlines.
I'm a small animal vet — does this apply to me?
Yes. The requirement applies to all NSVMA members, regardless of species focus. AMR is a One Health issue affecting all areas of veterinary practice.
Where can I find approved courses?
Contact NSVMA for a list of approved AMR courses. Many RACE-approved courses on antimicrobial stewardship are also accepted. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) also offers resources.