CPSO Welcomes Physician Assistants as Registrants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Toronto, ON – April 1, 2025 – Today, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) welcomes the first 522 physician assistants as official registrants of the College, marking an important milestone in the regulation of health care professionals in Ontario. CPSO’s oversight of PAs will help ensure safe and high-quality health care for patients through clearly defined training, certification, and continuing education requirements. 

PAs are highly skilled professionals who provide a range of medical services within health-care teams under the supervision of a physician, acting as physician-extenders to improve access to care. 

With the creation of the Physician Assistant Register, other health care professionals, institutions, patients, and the public will be able to verify a PA’s registration status and practice-related information, offering an added layer of transparency and accountability.  

Starting today, PAs must be registered with CPSO to continue using the title “physician assistant” or “PA” in Ontario. Eligible PAs are encouraged to register and take part in this important step forward for the profession. 

More details on PA registration, delegation, and other topics are available on our website.