The associate physician pathway in Alberta

Requirements and how the licence works

Type of licence

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.

Eligibility

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

Application process

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.