The clinical assistant licence in Newfoundland and Labrador

The clinical assistant licence allows physicians who might not qualify for a full practice licence to provide medical services in a College-approved clinical division or department within a tertiary or secondary care setting in Newfoundland and Labrador. A clinical assistant shall not act as a most responsible physician (MRP) but as an extension of a supervising physician. There is presently no pathway from clinical assistant to independent practice. Sponsorship is required for all clinical assistant licences, and clinical assistant licences are subject to oversight and supervision.

To be eligible for a clinical assistant licence in Newfoundland and Labrador, you must have:

1. A medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools

2. One of the following:

   • Option 1: A completed postgraduate training program that is discipline appropriate and a minimum of 12 months in duration, plus two years of practice experience (must be institutional-based clinical services providing direct patient care interaction in the acute care setting)

   • Option 2: A completed postgraduate training program that is discipline appropriate and two years or more in duration. No practice experience is required for eligibility.

3. Registration or recognition in your area of practice in a jurisdiction, to the satisfaction of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador (CPSNL)

4. Successful completion of the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course, or equivalent for your domain of practice

5. A pass result on the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) or an acceptable alternative, if applicable

6. Met the currency of practice and English language proficiency requirements set out in CPSNL policies (see below)

7. Proof of good character, which may include up to three references, a criminal record check, certificates of professional conduct from each jurisdiction in which a licence has been held in the previous 10 years, and a disciplinary and background questionnaire

8. Evidence of professional liability coverage for Newfoundland and Labrador

Source verification of medical education and credentials through physiciansapply.ca is required if you were trained outside of Canada.

To meet the currency of practice requirement, you must have engaged in clinical practice (independent practice or in a role where you were not the most responsible physician) in your area of practice for a minimum of six continuous months within the four years preceding the date of application.

The CPSNL is responsible for issuing clinical assistant licences in Newfoundland and Labrador. Here is a general outline of the licensing process:

1. Pre-assessment:
   Review the CPSNL’s Determine Your Eligibility page to get a preliminary sense of your eligibility on the basis of your qualifications.

2. Formal application:
   If you meet the eligibility criteria, submit an application for medical registration (AMR), including a Review of Qualifications for Newfoundland and Labrador, through physiciansapply.ca, and pay the applicable non-refundable fees. You do not require an offer letter of employment to submit an application, but you do require continuous employment to qualify for and maintain a clinical assistant licence.

3. Assessment:
   The CPSNL will assess your application to ensure you meet the qualification requirements. This might involve additional documentation verification and evaluations. Your employment position must be approved by the Council of CPSNL before a licence is issued.

4. Licensing decision:
   Upon successful assessment, the CPSNL will issue your clinical assistant licence.