Becoming Licensed with NSOTR
All occupational therapists must be registered and licenced with NSOTR to legally practice occupational therapy and use the title “Occupational Therapist” or “OT” in Nova Scotia. Exceptions exist for virtual practice by occupational therapists licensed in other Canadian jurisdictions.
The Regulator’s registration and licensure process protects the public by ensuring that all individuals seeking to practice occupational therapy, regardless of their background, meet basic requirements of knowledge, skill, and character. The basic requirements for registration and licensure are set out in legislation, regulations, NSOTR Bylaws, and NSOTR Registration Policies.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to prove to the Regulator that they can provide safe, competent, and ethical care to the public. To do this, the applicant must:
- Submit an online application form and pay an application fee
- Provide supporting documents that confirm their identity, education, professional history, and conduct
Application Categories
There are four categories of application for registration and licensure. The required application fee and supporting documents are different for each category.
Select the option that applies to you:
| Application Category | Description | Application Fee |
| Canadian-educated | I am a graduate of a recognized Canadian Occupational Therapy program and am not currently licensed elsewhere in Canada | $125 |
| Internationally-educated | I completed my occupational therapy education outside of Canada and am not currently licensed elsewhere in Canada | $150 |
| Licensed in Canada | I am currently licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction and want to apply for licensure under the Labour Mobility Support Agreement. | $0 |
| Re-Licensure | I was previously licensed with the NSOTR or the former College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia. | $50 |
| Re-Entry | I was previously licensed as an occupational therapist but do not meet the currency of practice hours requirement (600hrs over 3 yrs) | $200 |
To avoid delays with your application, it is important that you apply under the correct category. If you are unsure which category applies to you, please contact the Regulator.
Important: You cannot begin working as an occupational therapist or use title until you have received notification in writing from the Regulator that you are licensed. This includes clinical orientation, supervised work (clinical and non-clinical), and volunteer work.
Application Timelines
The Regulator aims to process all complete applications within 5 business days. A complete application includes all information and supporting documentation necessary for the Regulator to make a decision. If additional information or documentation is required, the application process will take longer. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Applicants should keep these timelines in mind when arranging start dates for employment.
Licensing Year
NSOTR’s licensing year runs from June 1st to May 31st annually. Annual Renewal occurs from April 1st to May 15th.
Licensing Fees
For NSOTR’s current Licensing Fees, please see our current Fee Schedule.
Applicants who register during Annual Renewal (April 1-May 31) are only required to pay the Licensing fee for the following Licensing Year.
Denial of Application
If your application is denied, your application fee will not be refunded. You will be told why your application was denied and given information on the appeal process.
Further questions
Staff are available to assist with the application process. Questions about documentation, qualifications, and technical problems can be asked by phone (902) 455-0556, or by email, registration@nsotr.ca. We aim to respond to inquiries within 1-2 business days; however, delays up to 5 business days may occur due to workload, business travel, or vacation.