Job requirements Physician Assistant in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a physician assistant in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Allied primary health practitioners (NOC 31303).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Physician assistants
  • Physician assistants require completion of a university degree in a physician assistant program.
  • Physician assistants require registration with a regulatory body in Manitoba and New Brunswick.
  • Midwives
  • Midwives require completion of an undergraduate university degree program in midwifery or its equivalent and a period of supervised practical training.
  • Registration with a regulatory body is required for midwives in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
  • Genetic counsellors
  • Genetic counsellors usually require a master’s degree in genetic counselling and the certification with the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC).
  • Orthoptists
  • A bachelor's degree and completion of a two-year accredited training program in orthoptics are required.
  • Certification with the Canadian Orthoptic Council is required.
  • Continuing education is required for recertification with the Canadian Orthoptic Council.
  • Pathologists’ assistants
  • Pathologists' assistants usually require completion of a master’s degree in a pathologists’ assistant program.
  • Certification by the Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists’ Assistants, the American Society for Clinical Pathology – Board of Certification, or Pathologists’ Assistant Certification Examination is usually required by employers.
  • Membership in the national association, Canadian Association of Pathologists, is voluntary, but may be required by some employers.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.

Alberta

Job title Midwife, Midwives
Regulated

British Columbia

Job title Midwife
Regulated

Manitoba

Job title Midwife
Regulated
Job title Clinical Assistant
Job title Physician Assistant

New Brunswick

Job title Midwife
Regulated

Nova Scotia

Job title Midwife
Regulated

Ontario

Job title Midwife
Regulated

Québec

Job title Midwife
Regulated

Saskatchewan

Job title Midwife
Regulated

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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