Initial Registration Application

1. Introduction

This document outlines the required documents and processes for registration and licensing with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Physiotherapy (NSRPT). All applicants are assessed fairly and consistently, only qualified and competent individuals are authorized to practise physiotherapy in Nova Scotia, and the public interest is protected in line with the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), the Physiotherapy Regulations, and the NSRPT Bylaws.

Pick and review the pathway that applies to you:

• Path 1 – Canadian trained
• Path 2 – Internationally Educated Physiotherapist
• Path 3 – Labour Mobility Applicant
• Path 4 – Return to Practice
• Path 5 – Temporary License Applicant

2. Important notes

If you will be uploading your documents with this application, please make sure you have the documents scanned in PDF or JPG format before you begin. Alternatively, you can send your documents by regular mail but this will considerably lengthen the time for processing.

All correspondence from NSRPT will be sent via email. You must use an email address that you monitor regularly when registering with NSRPT. Please add office@nsphysio.com and registrar@nsphysio.com to your safe senders list.

If you would prefer a PDF or paper application form, please contact us at info@nsphysio.com.

3. Requirements

In order for this application to be processed you must:

• Complete this application in full
• Upload all required documents (see document list below)
• Pay all applicable fees

4. Required Documents

Below are the required documents for each licensing pathway:

4a. Residency / Supervised

• Copy of Birth certificate, passport, or work visa to verify eligibility to work in Canada.
• Unmounted passport-sized photograph — not needed if using Passport or Visa with photo.
• Certified copy of physiotherapy degrees or diplomas (Not needed if you are currently practicing in Canada).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a chronological listing of education and employment, including descriptions of clinical and non-clinical experience.
• Letter of Good Standing / Regulatory History from the licensing body of any jurisdiction(s) in which you have practiced within the past 5 years (if previously licensed elsewhere).
• Proof of professional liability insurance coverage (minimum $5,000,000).
• Proof of registration for the CPTE (next sitting of the exam).
• Official Job Offer and Completed Sponsor Form.
• If applying under the Grandfathered Clause (registered in a Canadian jurisdiction prior to March 1999 and have not completed the PCE): provide proof of registration from the jurisdiction you were registered with before March 1999.
• Reference letters from any two of the following: Personal reference, Work reference, Professional reference.
• Completed Current Vulnerable Sector Check.

4b. Internationally Educated Physiotherapist (IEPT)

Eligibility: Graduates of a physiotherapy program outside Canada, assessed by CAPR.

Requirements:

• Completion of CAPR credentialing.
• Successful completion of the CPTE.
• Language proficiency through CAPR.
• Current Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) within the past 5 years.
• Regulatory history, if applicable.
• Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada.

IEPT as Resident

Residency Option: Available if all requirements except CPTE completion are met. Refer to: Internationally Educated Registration Checklist.

• Government-issued photo ID (valid and current).
• Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada (e.g., Canadian passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, valid work permit).
• Proof of completion of physiotherapy education outside Canada (as accepted by CAPR).
• CAPR credentialing results (or successor organization verification).
• Proof of meeting CAPR’s language proficiency requirement.
• Proof of currency of practice (if more than 5 years since graduation).
• Current Vulnerable Sector Check (includes Criminal Record Check) – issued within the required timeframe.
• International Criminal Record Check.
• Proof of professional liability insurance.
• Completed NSRPT declarations.
• Proof of registration for the CPTE (next sitting of the exam).
• Official Job Offer and Completed Sponsor Form.
• Regulatory History Form (if applicable).

4c. Labour Mobility

• Regulatory history form sent directly from home authority.
• Current Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).
• Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada.
• Signed Sponsor Agreement.
• Payment of applicable fees (first year covered by NS Government).

Labour Mobility as a Residency Option: Available for those licensed as residents in another Canadian jurisdiction. Refer to: Labour Mobility Registration Checklist.

Requirements for All Applicants (Practicing or Conditional/Resident)

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada
• License verification from your current Canadian regulator
• Current Vulnerable Sector Check (includes Criminal Record Check)
• Proof of professional liability insurance (minimum $5,000,000)
• Completed NSRPT Declarations
• (For Residents only) Proof of registration for the next sitting of the CPTE exam.
• Official Job Offer and Completed Sponsor Form

4d. Return to Practice

Eligibility for Returning Registrants

Pathway A: Currency Met

At least 1200 practice hours in the past 5 years

Requirements:

• Application
• Fees
• Current Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
• Regulatory history

Pathway B: Currency Not Met

Less than 1200 practice hours in the past 5 years

Requirements:

• Completion of a supervised re-entry program
• Learning plan
• Current Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
• Mentorship
• Supervision

4e. Temporary License

Requirements:

• Proof of license from regulatory history form sent directly from home authority.
• Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada.
• Proof of professional liability insurance (minimum $5,000,000).
• Reason for request.
• Payment of applicable fees.

Maximum term: No set maximum; conditions set based on reason for registration. Refer to: Temporary Registration Checklist.