Navigating the path to becoming a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) in Alberta can seem daunting, but with the right information, it becomes a straightforward journey. This guide will help you understand the requirements and steps necessary to achieve your OT licensing in Alberta, ensuring you are well-prepared to serve your community.
Canadian Program Registration Requirements
To become a registered OT in Alberta, you must meet several educational and professional criteria. Here’s a breakdown:
Education
You need:
- A baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy or an entry-level master’s degree in occupational therapy from a Canadian program approved by the ACOT Council.
- Successful completion of 1000 hours of supervised clinical education.
- Official transcripts.
National Exam
You must pass the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam (NOTCE).
Change of Information
The Health Professions Act and the Occupational Therapists Profession Regulation require regulated members to provide personal and employment information upon application and immediately when there is a change to that information. Changes in contact information can be made online, but a name change requires a completed Change of Information Form and proof of the change.
Practice Hours Required
To maintain your registration, you must meet the following practice hour requirements:
- 400 hours within the past year;
- 800 hours in the past 2 years;
- 1200 hours in the past 3 years;
- 1550 hours in the past 5 years;
- Or successful completion of the refresher/re-entry program (320 hours).
Good Character
You must provide a current criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector check.
Professional Liability Insurance (PLI)
Starting in 2022-2023, OTs must hold personal PLI of no less than $5,000,000 per occurrence. Employer coverage alone is not sufficient.
Sources for Professional Liability Insurance
PLI can be purchased through:
- Society of Alberta Occupational Therapists
- The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
- An independent insurance broker (a listing is available through the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada)
New Canadian Program Graduates
New graduates can apply for provisional registration while waiting for their degree, completion of the national certification exam, or submission of exam results to ACOT. You have up to one year on the Provisional Register to submit your successful NOTCE results and request official transcripts to be sent to ACOT.
Requirements for Provisional Registration
- Confirmation of entitlement to graduate with the required degree.
- Proof of registration to write the NOTCE.
- Employer and supervisor information, and projected employment start date.
- A current criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector check.
- Personal professional liability insurance.
Canadian OT Labour Mobility
If you are licensed in another Canadian jurisdiction, your qualifications may be recognized in Alberta under the Labour Mobility Support Agreement (LMSA). Ensure the originating jurisdiction completes an LMSA confirmation form and regulatory history. ACOT charges a $40 fee to process an LMSA.
Re-Entry Applicants
If your practice hour currency has lapsed, you must apply or re-apply to the Provisional Register and arrange for an eight-week period of supervised practice. The Registrar will review your competency assessment to determine if further coursework, training, or exams are needed before approving your transfer to the General Register. For more information, please follow this
link.
