Re-Entry to Practice
The Regulator’s Re-Entry to Practice process provides a mechanism to allow applicants or registrants who do not meet the Currency requirement to return to practice while protecting the public. Applicants must submit a complete application and meet all other registration and licensure requirements for their application category before starting the Re-Entry to Practice process.
Re-Entry applicants may have previously demonstrated safe and ethical practice; therefore, this process is not a training program but an opportunity to refresh skills and knowledge. While participating in the Re-Entry to Practice process, a registrant will hold a Conditional licence. After completion of all requirements of the process, they may be eligible for a Practicing licence.
For a detailed description of the Re-Entry to Practice Process, see the NSOTR Re-Entry to Practice Guide. Further information can also be found in the Re-Entry to Practice policy.
Re-Entry Program Requirements
The Re-Entry to Practice process consists of additional requirements and conditions, which are determined based on:
- the applicant’s practice experience within the past three to ten years
- the results of a Registration Competency Evaluation
- the details of the applicant’s intended role(s), practice setting(s), or area(s) of practice
Re-Entry Program requirements may include, but are not limited to:
- A specific period of supervised practice under a licensed occupational therapist;
- Development and completion of a learning contract with the supervising therapist; and/or
- Completion of a Competency Assessment;
- A written reflection
- Completion of specific learning activities or bridging education, at the applicant’s expense, including:
- a review of Regulator documents, including but not limited to, legislation, regulations, competencies, and practice standards and guidelines;
- formal academic programming; and/or
- position-specific training and workshops.
- Completion of the National Occupational Therapy Examination (NOTCE);
Re-Entry Program Application Process
- Applicant submits a complete application for registration and licensure, or renewal of a licence, to the Regulator through the online portal.
- Applicant is identified (self-identified or by NSOTR staff) as not meeting the currency requirement.
- Applicant confirms their intention to participate in the Re-Entry to Practice process.
- The applicant identifies areas of practice and roles they wish to pursue. It is recommended, but not required, for the applicant to located a supporting employer and supervising therapist for their Re-Entry to Practice at this point. 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.
- Applicant completes the Competence Inventory Form.
- NSOTR schedules a Registration Competency Evaluation (RCE).
- NSOTR issues a Decision Letter that lists the terms and requirements of the applicant’s Re-Entry to Practice. If the applicant has not yet located an employment position for supervised practice, NSOTR will issue an interim Decision Letter. This letter will list the expected terms and requirements of their Re-Entry to Practice, based on the information they provided in their Competence Inventory Form and the results of their RCE.
- The applicant will confirm their agreement with the terms, conditions, and/or restrictions in the Decision Letter.
- The applicant submits a Re-Entry Supervision Application form signed by their employer and supervising therapist(s). NSOTR will review this form and provide written approval if the supervision arrangement is acceptable.
- If all other requirements are met, the Registrar will grant the applicant a Conditional License and notify the applicant and supervising therapist in writing that the applicant may now begin their period of supervised practice.
Further details on these steps can be found in the Re-Entry to Practice Guide.