American PAs can practice in Canada

American-trained and certified Physician Assistants (PA-C’s) have the flexibility of practicing in provinces/territories that allow PAs to practice. There are some Canadians who opt to obtain an American PA-C license so that they have the flexibility to practice in both Canada and the United States. Canadian-trained PhAs (CCPAs) are not able to practice in the US.

Note: This post does not dsicuss how to immigrate to Canada or how to obtain a work visa.

What is an American-certified PA?

The Physician Assistant/Physician Associate (PA) profession originated in the US before it came to Canada. It was established in 1967 and since then has grown to over 159,000 certified PAs across the US as of 2022.

Learn more about PA history in the US.

How do you become a PA in the US?

To become a PA in the US, you must attend an ARC-PA accredited PA Program. Once you successfully complete the program, you are allowed to challenge the PA National Certification Exam (PANCE). If you pass, you become Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C).

Learn more about how to become a PA in the US.

How do American PAs practice in Canada?

Step 1: Obtain your PA-C designation

American-certified Physician Assistants may work in Canada. American PAs who have successfully completed an accredited American Physician Assistant Program, and challenged and passed the NCCPA’s Certification Exam are able to practice in Canada. They do not need to complete PA school in Canada to practice.

Step 2: Join the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA)

Membership to the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants allows you to write the National PA Certification, and keep and maintain your CCPA designation.

You will also gain access to CAPA’s PA Job Listings which is members-only. Members of CAPA also get access to Canadian PA Facebook Groups that are regional and by specialty. Job postings are frequently posted here.

Step 3: Write the Canadian PA Certification Exam, and Obtain your CCPA designation

Many PA employers now require or prefer certified American PAs to write the Canadian Entry to Practice Examination thereby securing their Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA) designation.

Step 4: Check with your province if you must be registered with the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons

This is not yet required in provinces like Ontario, however, in Manitoba, you must be a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba in order to seek a Certificate to practice as a PA in the province of Manitoba (CPSM). Learn more about the PA Membership requirement for CPSM.

Step 5: Apply to PA positions

Once in Canada, America PAs simply start applying to PA job postings.

Hear from an American PAs working in Canada

Family medicine PA Deniece O’Leary, PA-C on her experience moving to and practicing in Canada

Deniece O'Leary, PA-C is an American PA who is now practicing in Canada. She has worked in Family Medicine, Dermatology and Orthopaedic Surgery. Here she discusses Being a Physician Assistant in the United States in Canada.

Can Canadian PAs work in the United States?