Re-Entry to Practice

The Regulator’s Re-Entry Program provides a mechanism to allow applicants who do not meet the currency requirement to return to practice on a Conditional licence while protecting the public.

Re-Entry Program requirements are personalized based on:

• the applicant’s past experience
• the length of time they have been away from practice, and
• the position in which they want to practice, among other factors.

Re-Entry applicants may have previously demonstrated safe and ethical practice; therefore, this is not a training program but an opportunity to refresh skills and knowledge. Once an applicant has completed the Re-Entry Program, they may be eligible for a Practicing Licence with the Regulator. Applicants must meet all other registration and licensure requirements before starting the Re-Entry Program. 

More information can be found under the Re-Entry policy and in the Re-Entry Program Guide.

Re-Entry Program Requirements

Re-Entry Program requirements may include:

• A determined period of supervised practice under a licensed occupational therapist;
• Completion of the National Occupational Therapy Examination (NOTCE);
• Completion of a Competence Assessment;
• Development and completion of a learning contract with the supervising therapist; and/or
• Completion of specific learning activities, at the applicant’s expense, including:
  • formal academic programming;
  • position-specific training and workshops; and/or
  • a review of Regulator documents, including but not limited to, legislation, regulations, competencies, and practice standards and guidelines.

Re-Entry Program Application Process

1. Applicant submits a complete application for registration and licensure to the Regulator through the online portal.
2. Applicant is identified (self-identified or by NSOTR staff) as not meeting the currency requirement.
3. Applicant identifies areas of practice they wish to pursue and finds supporting employer and supervising therapist. It is the applicant’s responsibility to identify and arrange an appropriate site and/or placement for a period of supervised practice. NSOTR cannot assist in locating an employer or supervising therapist.
4. Applicant submits a completed Re-Entry Program Application Form to the Regulator, signed by the applicant, their proposed employer, and their proposed supervising therapist(s).
5. The Registrar or the Registration and Licensing Committee reviews the application and proposed supervision arrangement, and issues a Decision Letter, which may include changes to the supervision arrangement or additional terms, conditions and/or restrictions.
6. The applicant will confirms their agreement with the changes, terms, conditions, and/or restrictions in the Decision Letter.
7. If all other requirements are met, the Registrar will grant the applicant a Conditional License and notify the applicant and supervising therapist that the applicant may now begin their period of supervised practice.

Please call the Regulator at 1-902-455-0556, or email registrar@nsotr.ca to discuss Re-Entry options.