CPSO is preparing to welcome approximately 600 Physician Assistants (PAs) as new registrants on April 1, 2025.  

PAs are highly skilled professionals who provide a range of medical services within health-care teams under the supervision of a physician. They are broadly trained to complement existing services and improve access to health care. 

CPSO oversight of PAs will help ensure safe and high-quality health care for patients through clearly defined training, certification, and continuing education requirements. Applicants who meet these requirements will be able to use the protected title of “Physician Assistant.” 

Physicians and PAs in Ontario have long practised together through the delegation model

Physicians and PAs in Ontario have long practised together through the delegation model, which is effective and well-established. The regulatory framework for PAs is therefore anchored in the delegation framework and governed by CPSO’s expectations in the Delegation of Controlled Acts policy.  

CPSO will begin registering PA applicants on January 6, 2025. Once registration opens, PAs will be able to submit an online application form and upload supporting documents directly through CPSO’s online Portal. More information about registration will be communicated over the coming weeks. In the meantime, further details regarding PA regulation can be found in the Physician Assistants section of the CPSO website.