Registration Overview

This page provides a high-level overview of how to become registered and licensed as a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia. Registration requirements vary depending on your education, licensure history, and pathway. This overview is intended to help you understand the process and identify the pathway that applies to you. Before applying, you must review the full requirements for your specific pathway, as additional documents or conditions may apply.

How it works (at a glance)

1. Choose your pathway – Decide which registration category applies (new graduate, internationally educated, labour mobility, returning to practice, or temporary licence). [Download the Pathway Decision Guide (PDF)]

2. Gather your documents – Collect required items like photo ID, proof that you are allowed to work in Canada (for example, a Canadian passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or valid work permit), Vulnerable Sector Check, liability insurance, prior regulatory history, and any exam results.

3. Submit your application & fee – Complete the online application through NSRPT’s portal, upload your documents, and pay any applicable fees. Please note that applications and supporting documents, including supervisor reports/forms are also required to be submitted via email to info@nsphysio.com.

4. We review your file – NSRPT assesses your submission, checks eligibility, and verifies all supporting documentation.

5. Receive confirmation – Once approved you’ll be registered and licensed to practise as a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia — you’ll be placed on the appropriate register (Practising or Conditional) depending on your status.

6.Keep your registration current – Update any changes, maintain your professional liability insurance, meet continuing competency requirements and renew each year.

1. Registration & Licensing for Physiotherapists in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Regulator of Physiotherapy (NSRPT) regulates the practice of physiotherapy in Nova Scotia under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). You must be registered and licensed with NSRPT before practising physiotherapy in the province.

NSRPT’s role is to protect the public by ensuring that physiotherapy services in Nova Scotia are safe, competent, and ethical.

2. Why Registration is Required

Registration protects the public by ensuring that all physiotherapists practising in Nova Scotia meet education, examination, and professional standards established by law.

Only individuals who are registered and licensed with NSRPT may legally use the title physiotherapist and provide physiotherapy services in Nova Scotia.

3. Who Needs to Register

You must register with NSRPT if you plan to practise physiotherapy in Nova Scotia, including if you are:

A new graduate of 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 a period away from the profession.
A physiotherapist practising in Nova Scotia on a temporary or short-term basis 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 Graduate registration

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 Applicant registration

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

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

Some physiotherapy activities are designated as Reserved Practices under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and associated regulations. These activities may only be performed by registrants who have received specific authorization from NSRPT.

Authorization for a reserved practice is separate from registration and licensing. It requires additional education, demonstrated competence, and formal approval by NSRPT.

Example: Authorized Prescriber – Diagnostic Imaging

Registrants who receive this authorization are permitted to order specified diagnostic imaging procedures, as defined in NSRPT’s standards and guidelines.

To be authorized, a registrant must meet all required education, competency, and practice requirements and receive formal approval before performing the reserved practice.

Learn more about Authorized Prescriber Status

Important Note

Most applicants will not hold reserved practice authorizations at the time of initial registration. These authorizations are typically obtained after registration, once additional requirements have been met.

7. What You’ll Need to Apply

Registration requirements vary by pathway. However, most applicants must provide the following information and documents as part of their application.

A. Required Documents

Proof of identity (government-issued photo ID).
Proof that you are legally allowed to work in Canada, such as:
- a Canadian passport or birth certificate,
- a permanent resident card, or
- a valid Canadian work permit
A Vulnerable Sector Check, including a Criminal Record Check, completed within 6 months of submitting application.
Proof of professional liability insurance that meets NSRPT requirements.

B. Required Declarations

You must complete declarations about your professional, legal, and regulatory history. This includes declaring whether you have ever had, or currently have, any of the following:

Placement on a child or adult abuse registry.
Criminal convictions in Canada or elsewhere for which no pardon has been granted.
Current criminal charges in any jurisdiction.
Denial of registration or licensure by another regulator.
Pending or past professional discipline proceedings.
Findings of professional misconduct, incompetence, or incapacity.
Voluntary restrictions, conditions, or suspension of your practice.
Settlement agreements related to your professional practice.
Termination from employment due to concerns about competence, conduct, or capacity.

You are required to provide complete and accurate information, even if the matter occurred outside Canada or in the past.

C. Important Note on Accuracy

Providing false, incomplete, or misleading declarations may result in:

Refusal of registration, or
Reguatory investigation, disciplinary action, or revocation of your licence if discovered after registration.

If you are unsure whether something must be declared, contact NSRPT before submitting your application.

8. Special Categories – Supervised Practice Licences

Some applicants may begin practice in Nova Scotia under a licence that includes supervision requirements. This occurs when an applicant has met most, but not all, requirements for full practising registration, or when additional support is required to safely return to practice.

Supervised practice licences are time-limited and include specific conditions. Registrants practising under supervision remain accountable for meeting all professional and regulatory obligations.

A. Residency (Conditional Resident Licence)

A Conditional Resident Licence may be available to:

New graduates of Canadian-accredited physiotherapy programs
Internationally educated applicants who have completed credentialling through the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) or its successor
Labour mobility applicants who have met most, but not all, requirements for practising registration.

This licence allows supervised practice while outstanding requirements are completed.

Requirements include:

An approved supervision agreement.
A signed offer of employment in Nova Scotia.

Key Conditions:

You may begin practice before completing the Canadian Physiotherapy Competency Exam (CPTE), if all other conditions are met.
The Licence is issued for a maximum of 12 months
The licence is non-renewable.

B. Re-Entry Supervised Practice

Re-Entry Supervised Practice applies to former registrants or physiotherapists returning to practice after an extended absence.

This pathway is used when an applicant does not meet NSRPT’s currency of practice requirement (1,200 practice hours within the past five years).

Requirements may include:

An approved supervisor.
Completion of a practice review and learning plan, which may include:
- Supervised practice
- Formal coursework
- Self-directed study

The duration and conditions of re-entry supervised practice depend on:

The length of time away from practice, and
The outcome of the practice review and assessment.

C. Key Requirments for All Supervised Practice

All registrants practising under supervision must:

Comply with all standards of practice, the code of ethics, and applicable legislation.
Practise only within the terms and conditions of their licence and supervision agreement.
Participate in progress monitoring, with required reports submitted to NSRPT.

To learn more about supervised practice requirements, click here.

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 before you apply.