Physician Assistant Registration

Can I use the “Physician Assistant” title if I am not registered with CPSO?

No. The title “Physician Assistant” or its variation or abbreviation is a restricted title under the Medicine Act, 1991. This means that once regulation takes effect, only those who are registered with CPSO will have access to the protected title “Physician Assistant” or the abbreviation “PA.”

 If you wish to practise using the title “Physician Assistant” or “PA” or if you are holding yourself out as a person qualified to practise as a PA in Ontario, you are required to register with CPSO by April 1, 2025. 

When can I register with CPSO as a PA?

Registration with CPSO is now open. Individuals who wish to practise as a PA must be registered by April 1, 2025. From April 1, 2025, only PAs registered with CPSO will be permitted to use the title “Physician Assistant” or the abbreviation “PA” in Ontario.

How do I register with CPSO?

PAs are required to create an account to submit an online application form, upload documents, and pay the required fees to CPSO directly through CPSO’s Member Portal. 

Once an account has been created, PAs can review the status of their application here.  

Who is eligible to register with CPSO as a PA?

You are eligible to register as a PA if you have:

1. graduated from an accredited PA education program offered in Canada or the US and
2. successfully completed a certifying examination in Canada (Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada - PACCC) or the US (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants - NCCPA).

Individuals awaiting certification cannot use the title “Physician Assistant” or the abbreviation “PA”, but they can practise under delegation with a title other than “Physician Assistant” or “PA."

Does CPSO have a provisional license for PAs? 

No. However, individuals can continue to work under delegation without using the protected title of “physician assistant” or “PA” after April 1. For e.g., recent PA graduates awaiting certification can practise under delegation with a title other than “Physician Assistant” or “PA” (e.g. PA graduate, PA candidate, etc.).    

I am on a leave of absence – am I required to be registered with CPSO by April 1, 2025?

As of April 1, the title “physician assistant” and “PA” will be protected. If you will be on leave on April 1 (e.g. parental leave) and not using the physician assistant/PA title, you do not need to register. However, you must be registered with CPSO at the time you return to practice as a PA. Please submit your application well in advance before returning to practice to allow sufficient time to process the application.

Can PAs trained through the Canadian Armed Forces PA Program or the Ontario PA Integration Program register with CPSO?

Yes. PAs who have graduated from either the Canadian Armed Forces Health Training Centre PA Program or the Ontario PA Integration Program can register with CPSO within two years of the regulation taking effect, provided they have been practising as a PA in Canada during the two years preceding their application.

Do PAs employed by the Canadian Armed Forces have to register with CPSO?

If a PA in the Canadian Armed Forces is providing care to civilian patients in Ontario, they must register with CPSO.

Can PAs educated outside Canada and the US register as a PA?

Currently, the registration requirements are focused on Canadian and American PA education programs. However, the regulations provide CPSO with the flexibility to approve new education programs and accreditation bodies as the profession expands to support the inclusion of internationally trained PAs over time.

I am an internationally educated physician. Can I register as a PA?

Internationally educated physicians may continue to practise through delegation but may not call themselves a PA. The title “Physician Assistant” or the abbreviation “PA” will be protected  under the Medicine Act, 1991 when regulation takes effect. At that time, internationally educated physicians will only be able to practise as a PA where they meet the standards and qualifications set out in the Registration regulation (requisite education and certification) and are registered with CPSO. 

What do I need to register as a PA?

To register as a PA, you will need to provide:

• complete application form
• the application fee and membership fee
• curriculum vitae
• a criminal record check
• proof of permanent residency or Canadian citizenship

Additionally, you will need to arrange for the following documents to be sent directly to CPSO: 

• evidence of a PA degree from an accredited PA education program in Canada or the US  to be sent directly by your PA program (e.g. official transcripts)
• confirmation of good standing, where applicable, to be sent directly by the licensing authority in every jurisdiction where you practised as a PA or other regulated professional 
• reference forms, where applicable, to be sent directly by your referees (e.g. supervising physician etc.)

 As each applicant is assessed on an individual basis, you may be required to submit additional documents. Further guidance on documentation for registration is available once you begin the application process on CPSO’s Member Portal. 

What fees will I be required to pay to register as a PA?

PA applicants are required to pay a one-time application fee of $300 and an annual membership fee of $425.

More Information

If you have additional questions, please contact [email protected].