There are a number of health-related, self-regulated professions in Saskatchewan.  A self-regulated profession is one that is governed by an organization of people in the profession.  The provincial government gives the organization legal authority to govern that occupation.

These regulatory bodies set standards of practice, and license, certify or register members.  Before you can work, the regulatory body must assess your qualifications and give you permission to work.  You may find differences in the rules for each of the provinces in Canada. 

Click on the name of the health profession for a description of the occupation and basic requirements for licensing in Saskatchewan:

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the nationally accepted reference for occupations in Canada.  Each description below includes the NOC code for the occupation.

(see Speech/Language Pathologists and Audiologists)

Back to top

(see Podiatrists)

Back to top

 

Chiropractors diagnose and treat patients' neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spine and other body joints by adjusting the spinal column or through other corrective manipulation.  Chiropractors are usually in private practice or in clinics with other health practitioners. [NOC 3122]

Basic Requirements:

• Chiropractic education program accredited or recognized by the Council on Chiropractic Education (Canada).
• Successful completion of an exam set by the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Chiropractors' Association of Saskatchewan
Email: cas@saskdc.org  
Website: www.saskdc.org

Back to top

Dental assistants assist dentists during the examination and treatment of patients and perform clerical functions.  Dental assistants work primarily in dentists' offices, or they may be employed by government and educational institutions. [NOC 3411]

In Saskatchewan, intra-oral dental assistants prepare for and support patients for treatment by practising universal precautions and infection control, organizing armamentarium, attending to patients' comfort and collecting and updating health histories.

They assist with and perform a variety of clinical procedures. Using four or six-handed dentistry, they assist the operator with the administration of anesthetics, dental specialty procedures and general dentistry procedures. They perform preventive, orthodontic and prosthodontic intra-oral procedures, as well as post treatment care. These may include such procedures as selective coronal polishing, preliminary impressions, dental dams and fluoride, treatment liners, placement of matrices and wedges, suture removal and placement of pit & fissure sealants.

Intra-oral dental assistants expose, process and mount a variety of dental radiographs for use in dental treatment. They also produce records such as dental photographs and study models to aid in diagnosis.

They provide oral self-care, disease prevention, post-operative care, nutritional counselling and health education to patients and groups. They support clinical treatment procedures by performing certain laboratory functions. They fabricate study models and appliances as well as perform minor repairs.

They are responsible for routine maintenance of instruments and equipment in a dental practice. It is vital that instruments and equipment are in proper working order so that patient care can be delivered safely and effectively.

They also perform basic practice management procedures. These may include maintaining inventory of dental supplies, managing patients' appointments or maintaining financial records.

As new technologies emerge, dental assistants' scope of practice is continually evolving. For this reason, dental assistants have a professional responsibility to learn about new technologies, to consider the impact of these new technologies on the dental profession and their own scope of practice; participate actively in their professional associations; and upgrade their skills as regulations change.

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of an educational program in dental assisting recognized by the Council of the Saskatchewan Dental Assistants Association.
• Completion of an exam set by the National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB).

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Dental Assistants' Association
Email: sdaa@sasktel.net
Website: www.sdaa.sk.ca

Back to top

Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and information related to the prevention of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth.  They are employed in dentists' offices, hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, government agencies and private industry.  Dental therapists carry out limited dental services related to the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth.  They are employed by the federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities. [NOC 3222]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of an educational program in dental hygiene recognized by the Council of the Saskatchewan Dental Hygienist Association.
• Successful completion of the National Dental Hygience Certification Board (NDHCB) exam.
• Professional liability insurance.

For other requirements and more information, contact the registrar at:

Saskatchewan Dental Hygienists' Association
Email: sdha@sasktel.net 

Back to top

Dental technologists and technicians design, prepare and fabricate dentures and dental devices as prescribed by dentists and other specialists.  Dental laboratory bench workers assist dental technologists and technicians in preparing and fabricating dentures and other dental devices.  They are employed in dental laboratories.  Supervisors of dental technologists and technicians are also included in this unit group. [NOC 3223]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of an educational program in dental technology recognized by the Saskatchewan Dental Technicians Association.
• Completed work under the supervision of a Registered Dental Technician for 18 months within a three-year period.
• Successful completion of the provincial Registered Dental Technician exam.

For other requirements and more information, contact the registrar at:

Dental Technicians Association of Saskatchewan
Email: saskdtas@hotmail.com

Back to top

Dental therapists carry out limited dental services related to the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth.  They are employed by the federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities. [NOC 3222]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of an educational program in dental therapy recognized by the Council of the Saskatchewan Dental Therapists Association.
• Professional liability insurance.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Dental Therapists Association
Email: sdta@sasktel.net
Website: www.sdta.ca

Back to top

Dentists diagnose, treat, prevent and control disorders of the teeth, mouth, and related hard and soft tissues.  Specifically, they examine teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to diagnose disease, decay, injury and then plan appropriate treatment; they restore, extract, and replace diseased and decayed teeth and provide cosmetic restorative services; they perform oral surgery, periodontal surgery and other treatments; they clean teeth and instruct patients on oral hygiene; and they correct abnormal positioning of the teeth and jaws by designing bridgework and fitting dentures. [NOC 3113]

Basic Requirements:

• A degree in dentistry of at least four years duration at a university-based dental school.  Graduates of dental programs outside North America must complete a two-year qualifying Canadian program to be eligible for the national certification process.
• Successful completion of the National Dental Exam Board exam.
• Professional liability insurance

For other requirements and more information, contact:

College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan
Email: cdss@dentalcollege.sk.ca
Website: www.saskdentists.com

Back to top

Denturists examine patients and design, construct and repair removable dentures.  Most denturists work in private practice. [3221]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of an educational program in denturism recognized by the Council of the Denturist Society of Saskatchewan.
• Minimum two-year practical study program under a clinical supervisor.
• Successful completion of the provincial exam.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Denturist Society of Saskatchewan
Email: saskdenturists@shaw.ca
 
Back to top

Dietitians and nutritionists plan, implement and oversee nutrition and food service programs.  They are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, extended care facilities, public health centres, the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry, educational institutions, sports organizations and government, or may work as private consultants. [NOC 3132]

Basic Requirements:

• Completion of a four-year accredited undergraduate university degree program in foods and nutrition (or equivalent).
• Successful completion of the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination.
• Successful completion of a practical training program (i.e. internship).

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Dietitians Association
Email: registrar@saskdietitians.org
Website: www.saskdietitians.org

Back to top

General practitioners and family physicians diagnose and treat the diseases, physiological disorders and injuries of patients.  They provide primary contact and continuous care toward the management of patients' health.  They usually work in private practice, including group or team practices, hospitals and clinics.  Residents in training to be general practitioners and family physicians are included in this unit group. [NOC 3112]

Saskatchewan does not use the term general practitioners.  Saskatchewan has family physicians and specialists.

Specialists in clinical medicine diagnose and treat diseases and physiological or psychiatric disorders and act as consultants to other physicians.  Specialists in laboratory medicine study the nature, cause and development of diseases in humans.  Specialists in surgery perform and supervise surgical procedures.  Specialists in clinical medicine usually work in private practice or in a hospital while those in laboratory medicine and in surgery usually work in hospitals.  Residents in training to become specialist physicians are included in this unit group. [NOC 3111]

Basic Requirements:

• Graduate of medicine from a university approved by the provincial Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSS).
• Completion of post-medical residency-training of a nature and length acceptable to the CPSS.
• Successful completion of the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) Evaluating Exam, MCC Qualifying Exam (QE)1 and MCC Qualifying Exam (QE)2.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan
Email: cpss@quadrant.net
Website: www.quadrant.net/cpss

Back to top

In Saskatchewan, the practice of Medical Laboratory Technology is defined as the performance of medical laboratory investigations (testing) and the evaluation of the technical sufficiency of such investigations and their results. It may also include practice in the areas of medical laboratory administration, education, information systems, specimen collection, handling and accessioning and medical research.

Medical laboratory technologists conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.  They are employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, private clinics, research institutions and universities. [NOC 3211]

Basic Requirements:

• Completion of a Canadian Medical Association-accredited medical technology diploma program.
• Successful completion of the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science examination.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists
Email: exec.dir@ssmlt.ca
Website: www.ssmlt.ca

A summary of the steps to licensing can be downloaded here.

Back to top

Radiation technologists operate radiographic and radiation therapy equipment to administer radiation treatment and produce images of body structures for the diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease.  They are employed in hospitals, cancer treatment centres, clinics and radiological laboratories.  Medical radiation technologists who are supervisors or instructors are included in this unit group. [NOC 3215]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of a medical radiation technologist program recognized by the Council of the Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists.
• Successful completion of an examination set or approved by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Association of Medical Radiation Technologists
Email: president@samrtonline.ca
Website: www.samrtonline.ca

Back to top

Midwives provide full-course care to women and their babies during pregnancy, labour, birth and the post-partum period including monitoring the health of mother and baby; managing labour and spontaneous normal deliveries; caring for, assessing and monitoring the healthy newborns; and providing advice and information regarding care for newborns.  [NOC 3232]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of a midwifery education program recognized by the Transitional Council of the Saskatchewan College of Midwives; or
• Successful completion of an assessment process approved by the Transitional Council of the Saskatchewan College of Midwives; and
• Successful completion of the Canadian Midwifery Registration Examination (CMRE); and
• Proof of Professional Liability Insurance

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan College of Midwives
Email: registrar@saskmidwives.ca
Website: www.saskmidwives.ca

Back to top

Licensed practical nurses promote health and healing, independently and in partnership with other health care professionals/providers, to individuals, families and groups in all areas of health care.  Licensed practical nurses provide professional nursing care and health services wherever their competencies and knowledge can be utilized to meet the needs of the individual and are accountable and responsible for their decisions and actions in carrying out nursing interventions.  They are employed in hospitals, special care homes, home care, long term care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, companies, private homes and community health centres.  Operating room technicians are included in the unit group. [NOC 3233]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of a practical nurse education program recognized by the provincial council of the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses.
• Successful completion of the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE).

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
Email: registrar@salpn.com
Website: www.salpn.com


Back to top

Registered nurses provide direct nursing care to patients, deliver health education programs and provide consultative services regarding issues relevant to the practice of nursing.  They are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, community agencies, companies and private homes, or they may be self-employed. [NOC 3152]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of a basic registered nursing education program recognized by the Council of the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association.
• Successful completion of the Canadian Registered Nursing Examination (CRNE).

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association
Email: info@srna.org
Website: www.srna.org

Back to top

Registered psychiatric nurses provide direct nursing care to patients, deliver health education programs and provide consultative services regarding issues relevant to the practice of nursing.  They are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, corrections, school systems, doctors' offices, clinics, community agencies, companies and private homes, or they may be self-employed.  Nurses trained exclusively as registered psychiatric nurses (RPN) are regulated in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.  In all other provinces and territories, registered nurses (RN) may work as psychiatric nurses without separate registration. [NOC 3152]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of a basic psychiatric nurse education program recognized by the Council of the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Assocation of Saskatchewan.
• Successful completion of the Registered Psychiatric Nursing Association national exam.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan
Email: rpnas@rpnas.com
Website: www.rpnas.com

Back to top

Occupational therapists develop individual and group programs with people affected by illness, injury, developmental disorders, emotional or psychological problems and ageing to maintain, restore or increase their ability to care for themselves and to engage in work, school or leisure.  They also develop and implement health promotion programs with individuals, community groups and employers.  They are employed in health care facilities, in schools, and by private and social services agencies, or they may be self-employed. [NOC 3143]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of an occupational therapy education program recognized by the Council of the Saskatchewan Society of Occupational Therapists.
• Successful completion of the National Certification Examination administered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
• Work under an approved supervisor for a maximum period of 20 months.

For other requirements and more information, visit the website of the

Saskatchewan Society of Occupational Therapists
Email: admin@ssot.sk.ca
Website: www.ssot.sk.ca

Back to top

Ophthalmic dispensers design and dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses and sub-normal vision devices such as low vision aids and prosthetic ocular devices.  They are non-medical professionals trained in the theory and practical application of ophthalmic optics.  Most are employed in optical retail outlets or other establishments with optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed. [NOC 3231]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of an optician program recognized by the Saskatchewan Ophthalmic Dispensers Association.
• One year of practical training.
• Successful completion of the National Accreditation Committee of Opticians Examination.
• Professional liability insurance.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Ophthalmic Dispensers Association
Email: sk.opticians@sasktel.net

Back to top

An optometrist is an independent primary health care provider who specializes in the examination, diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of disease and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as the diagnosis of ocular manifestations of systemic conditions.  Optometrists examine eyes, prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders.  They work in private practice, clinics and community health centres. [NOC 3121]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of Graduate School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo or another college of optometry recognized by the University of Saskatchewan.
• Successful completion of a national exam and provincial jurisprudence exam.
• Proof of professional liability insurance.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists
Email: sao@sasktel.net  
Website: www.optometrists.sk.ca


Back to top

Community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists compound and dispense prescribed pharmaceuticals and provide consultative services to both clients and health care providers.  They are employed in community and hospital pharmacies, or they may be self-employed.  Industrial pharmacists participate in the research, development, promotion and manufacture of pharmaceutical products.  They are employed in pharmaceutical companies and government departments and agencies.[NOC 3131]

Basic Requirements:

• Pharmacy degree from an accredited Canadian or U.S. university or a degree recognized by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC).
• Successful completion of the PEBC Evaluating Examination and Qualifying Examination.
• Complete Appraisal Training period under the supervision of a licensed Saskatchewan pharmacist.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists
Email: info@saskpharm.ca
Website: www.napra.ca/docs/0/203/262/266.asp


Back to top

Physiotherapists assess patients and plan and carry out individually designed treatment programs to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunction in patients.  Physiotherapists are employed in hospitals, clinics, industry, sports organizations, rehabilitation centres and extended care facilities, or they may work in private practice. [NOC 3142]

Basic Requirements:

• An undergraduate or masters degree in physical therapy recognized by the Canadian Association of Physiotherapy.
• Successful completion of the Physiotherapy Competency Exam or registration as a physiotherapist in a Canadian jurisdiction.
• Professional liability insurance.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan College of Physical Therapists
Email: contactus@scpt.org
Website: www.scpt.org

Back to top

Podiatrists help patients reduce or eliminate foot pain, gain mobility, and maintain healthy feet.  They treat sports injuries, common foot conditions such as corns, warts, ingrown toenails or calluses, foot infections caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, and foot deformities and misalignments.  Podiatrists are also experts in the management of foot problems. They are concerned with the examination, diagnosis, and prevention of foot disorders by mechanical, surgical, and other means of treatment. [NOC 3123]

Basic Requirements:

• Successful completion of a chiropody/podiatry education program recognized by the provincial council of the Saskatchewan College of Podiatrists.
• Successful completion of the written and clinical provincial exam.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan College of Podiatrists
E-mail: registrar@scop.ca
Website: www.scop.ca

Back to top

Psychologists assess behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients, provide therapy and research and apply theory relating to behaviour and mental processes. Psychologists help clients work toward the maintenance and enhancement of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning. Psychologists work in private practice or in institutions such as clinics, correctional facilities, hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centres, community service organizations, businesses, schools and universities, and government and private research agencies. [NOC 4151]

Psychologists who are Full Practice members of the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists (SCP) must apply for endorsement and successfully pass an oral examination before they can convey diagnoses in their practice.

Basic Requirements:

• Master's or Doctoral degree from an approved program of study recognized by the SCP
• Provisional members (those not yet licensed to practice independently) must:
  • Be under the direct suppervision of a Full Practice and approved member of the SCP;
  • Complete a 1500 hour supervised practice experience;
  • Successfully complete the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP); and
  • Successfully complete a SCP oral examination.
• Proof of professional liability insurance.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan College of Psychologists
Email: skcp@sasktel.net
Website: www.skcp.ca

Back to top

Social workers help individuals, couples, families, groups, communities and organizations develop the skills and resources they need to enhance social functioning and provide counselling, therapy and referral to other supportive social services.  Social workers also respond to other social needs and issues such as unemployment, racism and poverty.  They are employed by hospitals, school boards, social service agencies, child welfare organizations, correctional facilities, community agencies, employee assistance programs and Aboriginal band councils, or they may work in private practice. [NOC 4152]

For more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers
Email: sasw@accesscom.ca
Website: www.sasw.ca

Back to top

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists diagnose, evaluate and treat human communication disorders including hearing, speech, language and voice disorders.  Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are employed in hospitals, community and public health centres, extended care facilities, day clinics, rehabilitation centres and educational institutions, or may work in private practice.  [NOC 3141]

Basic Requirements:

• A master's level degree in speech-language pathology or audiology recognized by the provincial council of the Saskatchewan Association of Speech/Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
• Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA) examination.

For other requirements and more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Association of Speech/Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Email: saslpa@sk.sympatico.ca
Website: www.saslpa.ca

Back to top

Your answers to the following seven questions will help us continue to improve this website.

Return to the Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHP) homepage.