Becoming a Licensed Occupational or Physical Therapist
The Undergraduate programs in Physical & Occupational Therapy provide access to the professional master's programs in the same discipline. For more information on our graduate programs, refer to the School of Physical & Occupational Therapy's graduate section of the eCalendar, and the School website's graduate Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy sections.
Licensing Regulations
Licensing Regulations
Graduates who complete the Master of Science (Applied) in Occupational Therapy (M.Sc.A.OT.) or the Master of Science (Applied) in Physical Therapy (M.Sc.A.PT.) degree are eligible to seek licensure. Graduates from McGill may seek licensure worldwide. Each country, province, or state sets its own requirements for licensure which may necessitate examination, further course work, and/or the TOEFL. Those intending to practice occupational therapy or physical therapy within their borders must comply with special provincial or state licensing regulations.
Further information regarding Canadian requirements may be obtained from the offices of the associations listed under Professional Organizations below.
In order to practice occupational therapy or physical therapy in the province of Quebec, a permit must be obtained from the appropriate provincial regulatory body. Quebec law also requires that candidates seeking admission to the provincially recognized Quebec regulatory bodies must possess a working knowledge of the French language, i.e., be able to communicate verbally and in writing in that language. For further information, refer to Language Requirements for Professions.
Occupational therapists practising in Canada (except Quebec) are required to pass a National Certification Examination after graduation. For information, contact the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (refer to Professional Organizations below).
As of 1993, all Physical Therapy graduates who wish to practice in provinces in Canada (other than Quebec) are required to pass a Physiotherapy National Examination or provide proof of licensing in Quebec. For confirmation, contact the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (refer to Professional Organizations below).
Program Accreditation
Program Accreditation
The Professional Master's program has received accreditation status by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada.
The Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
Professional Organizations
Professional Organizations
Canadian National Offices
- Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
- 100-34 Colonnade Road
- Ottawa ON K2E 7J6
- Telephone: 613-523-CAOT(2268); 1-800-434-CAOT(2268) (toll-free)
- Website: caot.ca
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association
- National Office
- 955 Green Valley Crescent, Suite 270
- Ottawa ON K2C 3V4
- Telephone: 613-564-5454; 1-800-387-8679 (toll free)
- Fax: 613-564-1577
- Email: information [at] physiotherapy.ca
- Website: physiotherapy.ca
- Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators
- 1243 Islington Avenue, Suite 501
- Toronto ON M8X 1Y9
- Telephone: 416-234-8800
- Fax: 416-234-8820
- Website: alliancept.org
Quebec Provincial Offices
- Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec
- 2021 avenue Union, bureau 920
- Montreal QC H3A 2S9
- Telephone: 514-844-5778; 1-800-265-5778 (toll free)
- Fax: 514-844-0478
- Email: ergo [at] oeq.org
- Website: oeq.org
- Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec
- 7151 rue Jean-Talon est, bureau 700
- Anjou QC H1M 3N8
- Telephone: 514-351-2770; 1-800-361-2001 (toll free)
- Fax: 514-351-2658
- Email: physio [at] oppq.qc.ca
- Website: oppq.qc.ca
International Offices
Please check websites of individual countries and states for specific licensing requirements.
