Can Internationally-trained PAs practice in Canada?
With Canada's growing demand for healthcare professionals and the crucial role that PAs play in delivering quality patient care, exploring opportunities in Canada can be an exciting prospect.
I. Only Canadian and American PAs can practice in Canada
At present, only Canadian-trained and American-trained Physician Assistants (PAs) can practice in Canada.
At present there is no direct entry for internationally trained PAs (outside of Canada and the US) to practice in Canada.
If you are a PA that is internationally trained outside of Canada or the US, you would have to go through a Canadian or American PA program (from the start) to obtain your CCPA or PA-C designation to practice in Canada.
II. Understanding Requirements to Practice in Canada
Only ceritified Physician Assistants from Canada or the United States can practice in Canada.
a) How to obtain a CCPA (Canadian PA designation)
Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for CCPA certification, including completion of a recognized PA program and the required clinical hours (ones that are accredited in Canada or the US)
You must be a member of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants to write the PA Exam.
Register and successfully pass the PA Entry to Practice Examination administered by the Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC)
b) How to obtain a PA-C (American PA designation)
Complete a PA Program: Graduate from a Master's-level accredited Physician Assistant program. PA programs typically last around 2 to 3 years and include a combination of classroom instruction and clinical rotations. Ensure the PA program you attend is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Complete the PANCE: After completing the PA program, you are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The PANCE is a comprehensive exam that assesses your medical knowledge and clinical skills.
Licensing: Once you pass the PANCE, you can apply for a state license to practice as a Physician Assistant in the state(s) where you intend to work. Licensing requirements vary by state, so it's essential to research and meet the specific criteria for the state in which you plan to practice.
