Practising as a physician assistant

Introduction

Physician Assistants (PAs) are an important part of Nova Scotia’s health‑care team. This information on this page explains the history of PA regulation in the province, practice rules, registration steps, standards of practice, and where to find tools and support.

Regulation history

  • PAs became regulated in Nova Scotia under the Medical Act in 2024, making Nova Scotia one of the first provinces in Atlantic Canada to formally recognize and license PAs.
  • Regulation ensures PAs meet professional standards and work within a defined scope of practice under physician supervision.

Practice rules

  • PAs must work under the supervision of a licensed physician. The supervising physician is responsible for oversight and delegation of tasks.
  • PAs cannot practise independently or bill directly for services.
  • Scope of practice includes performing medical histories, physical exams, ordering tests, and assisting in procedures — always under physician direction.
  • PAs must comply with Nova Scotia’s Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) for privacy and record management.

Registration procedures

To practise as a PA in Nova Scotia, you must:

  1. Apply for registration with the College:
    • complete the PA application form
    • provide proof of graduation from a recognized PA program and certification (e.g., Canadian Association of Physician Assistants [CAPA] or NCCPA for U.S. graduates)
  2. Submit supporting documents
    • identity verification, criminal record check, and proof of liability insurance
  3. Pay applicable fees
  4. Maintain annual renewal
    • renewal requires proof of continuing professional development (CPD)

Standards of practice

PAs are expected to:

  • provide safe, competent care within their scope
  • work collaboratively with supervising physicians and health‑care teams
  • respect patient rights and confidentiality under PHIA
  • maintain professional boundaries and avoid conflicts of interest
  • document care accurately in the patient’s medical record

Tools and support for PAs

Why Nova Scotia?

  • growing demand for PAs in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices
  • collaborative health‑care environment with strong team‑based care
  • excellent quality of life — short commutes, affordable housing, and beautiful coastal communities

The College acknowledges that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship. We also acknowledge that people of African descent have been in Nova Scotia for over 400 years, and we honour and offer gratitude to those ancestors.