To practice as a regulated health professional in Ontario, an individual must be a member of the regulatory college for his or her chosen profession, and hold a certificate of registration from that college. Each regulatory college will have its own specific requirements for registration as well as its own pathway to licensure.
Below are the regulated health professions in Ontario. Each link will bring you to instructions on registration for each regulatory college outlined by HealthForceOntario.
Audiologists treat those with hearing loss and proactively prevent related damage. Speech-language pathologists specialize in treating communication disorders.
A chiropodist specializes in the assessment of the foot and the treatment and prevention of diseases or disorders of the foot. A podiatrist is a specialist of the foot and is trained in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot and ankle disorders by medical and surgical means.
Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the body's main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and the patient's health.
A dental hygienist is a dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health, typically focusing on techniques in oral hygiene.
Dental technologists are regulated health care professionals whose scope of practice includes the design, construction, repair or alteration of dental prosthetic, restorative and orthodontic devices.
A dentist is an accredited medical professional who specializes in the care of teeth, gums, and mouths.
The denturist performs a variety of intra-oral procedures and related activities pertaining to the design, construction, repair or alteration of removable dentures.
Dietitians are food and nutrition experts. As members of interprofessional health care teams, they translate scientific, medical and nutrition information into practical individualized therapeutic diets and meal plans for people.
Massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation.
Medical Laboratory Technologists
Medical laboratory technologists perform lab tests on blood, body fluids, cells and tissues.
Medical Radiation Technologists
Medical radiation technology is the use of ionizing radiation, electromagnetism and other prescribed forms of energy for the purposes of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, the evaluation of images and data relating to the procedures and the assessment of an individual before, during and after the procedures.
The practice of midwifery is the assessment and monitoring of women during pregnancy, labour, and the post-partum period and of their newborn babies, the provision of care during normal pregnancy, labour, and post-partum period, and the conducting of spontaneous normal vaginal deliveries.
Nursing focuses on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life.
Occupational therapists help people learn or re-learn to manage everyday activities, including caring for themselves or others, caring for their home, participating in paid and unpaid work and leisure activities.
Opticians are trained to supply, prepare and dispense optical appliances, interpret prescriptions, and fit, adjust and adapt optical appliances.
Optometrists are trained to assess the eye and visual system, sensory and ocular motor disorders and dysfunctions of the eye and the visual system and diagnose refractive disorders.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacists dispense and instruct patients on the proper use and adverse effects of medically prescribed drugs and medicines.
A physician practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments.
Physical therapists identify and maximize quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment/intervention, and rehabilitation.
Psychologists are trained in the assessment, treatment and prevention of behavioural and mental conditions.
Respiratory therapists are health care professionals who monitor, evaluate and treat individuals with respiratory and cardio-respiratory disorders.
Speech-language pathologists specialize in treating communication disorders.
