The associate physician pathway in Alberta

At a glance

Licence
Limited practice register, supervised, CPSA
Exams
MCCQE, plus proof of English proficiency
Training
1 year postgraduate, hospital-based, acute care
Independent practice
None
Recent practice
6 months in 3 years, training or independent practice
Employer
Letter of offer, AHS or Covenant Health
How to apply
Prescreening first, [email protected]

In detail

How it works

Limited practice registration is available for physicians and osteopaths who don’t currently meet our criteria for independent practice but have successfully completed Alberta Health Services (AHS) or Covenant Health’s Associate Physician orientation program.

Physicians and osteopaths on the limited practice register may provide limited medical services as Associate Physicians while under supervision. To apply for an Associate Physician position within AHS or Covenant Health, you must meet certain licensure requirements.

Who is eligible

You may be eligible for limited practice registration as an Associate Physician if you:

  • Have successfully completed AHS or Covenant Health’s Associate Physician orientation and assessment process, and

  • Have ongoing support from AHS or Covenant Health to remain on the limited register

Requirements
  • Medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools

  • Postgraduate training (minimum of one year)

  • For associate physicians, this needs to be hospital-based training in clinical services providing direct patient care interaction in the acute care setting. Medical or clinical research, full-time administrative activity, and instruction in aspects of medicine not contributing to direct patient care do not qualify.

  • Pass result on the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE)

  • Acceptable proof of English language proficiency

  • A criminal record check is required from all locations where you have trained or worked for more than 90 days in the past five years. Only official police checks are accepted.

  • Demonstration of currency of practice: within the last three years, you need to have been in postgraduate training or independent practice for at least six months

  • Letter of offer from AHS or Covenant Health

  • Successful completion of the AHS or Covenant Health’s Associate physician orientation program

How to apply
  1. To begin the prescreening process, complete the application form and submit the necessary documents (the details of the documents are mentioned above) to [email protected].

  2. Successful applicants will receive a letter indicating they have passed the prescreening process. They can then begin applying for associate physician positions.

Sources (2)

Associate Physicians | Alberta Health Services | February 2026

Apply for Limited Practice Registration | College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) | April 2026

Common questions

Do I need the MCCQE?

Yes. A pass result on the MCCQE is required, along with acceptable proof of English language proficiency.

What training is required?

A minimum of 1 year of postgraduate training that is hospital-based, in clinical services providing direct patient care in the acute care setting. Research, administrative work, and instruction that does not contribute to direct patient care do not qualify.

What is the currency requirement?

Within the last 3 years, at least 6 months in postgraduate training or independent practice.

How do I start?

Complete the prescreening application to [email protected]. Successful applicants can then apply for associate physician positions with AHS or Covenant Health, and registration follows their orientation program and a letter of offer.

Check if you qualify

Open the Eligibility Screener

From the Path to Practice Series

Adapted with attribution from "Physician Licensing in Canada", written by Dr. Filipe Santos and published by the Medical Council of Canada; copyright in the e-book belongs to the MCC, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the MCC. For education only: rules, fees and requirements change, the regulator and the program make every eligibility and licensing decision, and Dr. Santos makes none. Confirm with the program before acting. Full disclaimer.