Becoming a Licensed Occupational or Physical Therapist
The undergraduate programs in Physical and 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 and Occupational Therapy's graduate section of the Course Catalogue, and the School website's Graduate Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy sections.
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 practise 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 practise 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 French language—i.e., they must be able to communicate in French both verbally and in writing. 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 practise 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
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
Canadian National Offices
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
2720 Queensview Dr., Unit 1142
Ottawa, ON K2B 1A5
Telephone: 613-523-CAOT (2268); 1-800-434-CAOT (2268) (toll-free)
Website: caot.ca
Canadian Physiotherapy Association
National Office
350 Sparks St., Suite 1209
Ottawa, ON K1R 7S8
Telephone: 613-564-5454; 1-800-387-8679 (toll free)
Email: information@physiotherapy.ca
Website: physiotherapy.ca
Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators
1243 Islington Ave., Suite 501
Toronto, ON M8X 1Y9
Telephone: 416-234-8800
Website: alliancept.org
Quebec Provincial Offices
Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec
2021 avenue Union, bureau 920
Montréal, QC H3A 2S9
Telephone: 514-844-5778; 1-800-265-5778 (toll free)
Email: ergo@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)
Email: physio@oppq.qc.ca
Website: oppq.qc.ca
International Offices
Please check websites of individual countries and states for specific licensing requirements.