The Nova Scotia Regulator of Physiotherapy

Registration with The Nova Scotia Regulator of Physiotherapy

1. Registration & Licensing for Physiotherapists in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Regulator of Physiotherapy (NSRPT) regulates physiotherapy practice under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). You must be registered and licensed with NSRPT before practising physiotherapy in Nova Scotia. Our role is to ensure the public receives safe, competent, and ethical physiotherapy services. 

2. Why Registration is Required

Registration protects the public by ensuring all physiotherapists practising in Nova Scotia are qualified, competent, and accountable. It confirms that you meet the education, examination, and professional requirements set by law. Only those registered and licensed with NSRPT may legally call themselves a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia. 

3. Who Needs to Register

You must register if you plan to provide physiotherapy in Nova Scotia, including if you are: 

• A new graduate from a Canadian-accredited physiotherapy program. 

• A physiotherapist educated outside Canada. 

• A physiotherapist currently licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction (Labour Mobility). 

• A former registrant returning to practice after an absence. 

• A physiotherapist working in Nova Scotia temporarily under a licence from another Canadian jurisdiction. 

4. Pathways to Registration

We have several pathways to registration depending on your background: 

Canadian Program Graduates 

For graduates of Canadian-accredited physiotherapy programs, regardless of graduation year. If you have not yet completed the national exam, you may be eligible for a Conditional Resident Licence under supervision. 
Learn more about Canadian Program Graduates 

Internationally Educated Applicants 

For physiotherapists educated outside Canada. You must complete the credentialing process with the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) or its successor. If you have not yet completed the national exam, you may be eligible for a Conditional Resident Licence under supervision. 
Learn more about Internationally Educated Applicants 

Labour Mobility Applicants 

For physiotherapists currently licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction. 

• If your current licence matches our Practising Register category, you will be registered in Nova Scotia as a practising physiotherapist. 

• If you hold a conditional/resident licence elsewhere, you will be registered on our Conditional Register as a Resident and must complete remaining requirements before moving to the Practising Register.  Refer to Sponsorship and Mentoring for resident requirements in Nova Scotia.  

• Your first-year registration and licensing fees are covered by the Nova Scotia Government — you do not pay these to NSRPT. 
  Learn more about Labor Mobility registration 

Returning to Practice 

For former NSRPT registrants or physiotherapists returning after a significant break from practice. You may need to complete a period of Supervised Practice before full registration. 
Learn more about Returning to Practice

Temporary Licences 

For physiotherapists licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction who will work in Nova Scotia for a short-term assignment. Temporary licences are time-limited and cannot be renewed for ongoing practice. 
Learn more about Temporary Licenses 

5. Registration Categories

• Practising Register – For fully qualified physiotherapists meeting all registration requirements. 

• Conditional Register – For those practising under supervision while completing outstanding requirements (e.g., Conditional Resident Licence, Re-entry Supervised Practice).

6. Reserved Practices

Certain professional activities, known as Reserved Practices, may only be performed by registrants who have received specific authorization from NSRPT under the RHPA and associated regulations. These activities require additional training, competency assessment, and formal designation. 

Example: Authorized Prescriber – Diagnostic Imaging 
Registrants with this designation are permitted to order specified diagnostic imaging procedures as outlined in NSRPT’s standards and guidelines. You must meet all competency, education, and practice requirements before being authorized. 
 

7. What You’ll Need

While requirements vary by pathway, most applicants will need: 

• Proof of identity (government-issued ID). 

• Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada  (e.g., Canadian passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, valid work permit). 

• Vulnerable Sector Check (includes Criminal Record Check) within the required timeframe. 

• Proof of professional liability insurance. 

• Completion of required declarations about your professional and legal history, including: 

• Whether you are listed on a child or adult abuse registry. 

• Any criminal convictions (in Canada or elsewhere) where no pardon has been granted. 

• Any current criminal charges. 

• Any denial of registration by another regulator. 

• Any pending or past professional discipline proceedings. 

• Findings of professional misconduct, incompetence, or incapacity. 

• Any voluntary restriction or suspension of your practice. 

• Relevant settlement agreements. 

• Termination from employment due to competence, conduct, or capacity concerns. 

Note: Providing false, incomplete, or misleading declarations can result in refusal of registration, and if discovered after registration, may lead to investigation, disciplinary action, or revocation of your licence. 

8. Special Categories – Supervised Practice Licences

Some applicants will begin practice in Nova Scotia under a licence that includes supervision requirements. This applies in certain pathways where not all full registration requirements have been met, or when a return to practice is being supported. 

Residency (Conditional Resident Licence) 

• Available to new Canadian graduates, internationally educated applicants credentialled through CAPR, or labour mobility applicants who have met most, but not all, requirements for full practising registration. 

• Requires: 

• An approved sponsorship/mentoring agreement. 

• A signed offer of employment in Nova Scotia. 

• May begin before completing the Canadian Physiotherapy Competency Exam (CPTE), if all other conditions are met. 

• Maximum 12 months, non-renewable. 

Re-Entry Supervised Practice 

• For former registrants returning after an extended absence from practice. 

• Used when a returning applicant does not meet NSRPT’s currency requirement (1,200 practice hours in the past 5 years). 

• Requires: 

• An approved supervisor. 

• Completion of a practice review and a learning plan (may include mentorship, formal coursework, and self-directed study). 

• Duration and requirements depend on absence length and assessment results. 

Learn more about Returning with Currency

Learn more about Returning without Currency

Key Notes for All Supervised Practice 

• Supervised registrants remain accountable for meeting all standards of practice and code of ethics. 

• The supervising physiotherapist is responsible for ensuring safe, competent care. 

• Progress is monitored and must be reported to NSRPT according to the supervision agreement. 

9. Your Responsibilities as a Registered Physiotherapist

• Keep your registration information current. 

• Comply with all licence conditions and supervision requirements. 

• Uphold the standards of practice, code of ethics, and relevant legislation. 

• Provide accurate, truthful information in all submissions and declarations — false or misleading submissions can result in sanctions. 

• Respond promptly to all inquiries and requests for information from the Regulator. 

10. Fees

• Registration and licensing fees vary by pathway. 

• Labour Mobility applicants: First-year fees are covered by the Nova Scotia Government — you do not pay these to NSRPT. 

11. How to Apply

• Identify your pathway to registration. 
• Review the full requirements and document checklist. 
• Gather all required documents. 
• Complete your application through the NSRPT online portal. 
• Pay applicable fees (unless exempt). 
• Await confirmation and any further instructions. 

12. Maintaining Your Registration

• Renew your registration annually. 

• Update your contact and employment information promptly. 

• Meet continuing competency program requirements. 

If you have questions, contact us at before you apply.