Allied health FAQs

The bursary program supports eligible IEOTs who want to work in B.C. by offering financial support to help pay for costs associated with credential assessment, English Language proficiency testing, exam preparation and supplementary education.   

IEOTs must commit to a Return of Service (ROS) agreement with the BC Ministry of Health. The ROS agreement states that you intend to complete the full credentialing and licensure process with the College of Health and Care Professionals of B.C. (CHCPBC) and will work in B.C. with a public sector employer for a specified length of time.   

You must also meet the following criteria:   

• You have initiated, or will be initiating, the Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS) program with ACOTRO.   
• You do NOT currently hold (or have previously held) registration as an Occupational Therapist in any other province or territory in Canada.  
• B.C. must be the only province or territory you have applied for registration as an Occupational Therapist. If you have active applications for registration in any other Canadian province or territory, those applications must be withdrawn.  
• Must have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN), a Canadian address and phone number, and Canadian bank account for direct deposit. Those without these requirements may still be eligible but will not receive payment until they have both a valid Canadian SIN and bank account.   
• Have costs incurred on or after July 19, 2022.  

IEOTs who meet the above criteria may already be somewhere along the pathway to full licensure with the College of Health and Care Professionals of B.C. (CHCPBC).  

For more information and to see if you qualify, contact Health Match B.C. at otbursary@healthmatchbc.org  

As an IEOT, you are NOT eligible for this bursary if you have:  

• Already had your credentials assessed with ACOTRO and it was determined that your education is substantially different to a Canadian-trained OT.  
• Already obtained full licensure with a Canadian provincial or territorial occupational therapy regulator (College).  

Applicants who previously received bursaries for post-secondary training under Ministry of Health targeted programs may be ineligible for this bursary. Contact Health Match B.C. at otbursary@healthmatchbc.org for further information.   

The maximum possible bursary amount for eligible IEOTs is $11,129 CAD plus applicable taxes. This includes all SEAS program fees, English Language proficiency testing, and supplemental education.  

Bursary program participants may be eligible for all or a portion of this amount.  

Although the bursary program covers many of the overall costs that IEOTs pay to become licensed in BC, there are some costs that are not covered by the bursary.  

Examples of costs that are not covered include transcript fees, document translation and notarization fees, regulatory college registration fees, and licensing exam fees.  

The bursary program also does not cover costs associated with the immigration process or relocation. 

The program will pay up to a maximum of $800 CAD for up to two eligible English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests (maximum of $400 CAD per test).

Bursary program participants are responsible for determining which ELP tests are accepted by ACOTRO as part of the SEAS program.

Bursary program participants can be reimbursed for eligible ELP tests taken on or after July 19, 2022.

• Bursary participants who have completed Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the SEAS program and are waiting for their Determination Report from the Determination Committee are eligible for reimbursement upon providing proof of payment to Health Match B.C. but must first receive a positive decision through the Determination Report.    
• Bursary participants who have completed Phase 1 or Phases 1 and 2 and have not yet completed Phase 3 are eligible for reimbursement upon providing proof of payment to Health Match BC. If participants who have received reimbursement are informed by the Determination Committee that their education is substantially different to a Canadian-trained OT, they will not be eligible for further funding under this bursary program.   

A reimbursement process will also be used for all other costs, including the World Education Services assessment fee, fees for English language proficiency testing, and eligible supplemental education programs.    

Applicants can receive reimbursement for associated costs when they provide proof of payment, and any other required documentation, to Health Match BC. A Canadian SIN, Canadian address and phone number, and Canadian bank account are required for reimbursement.     

IEOTs are not eligible for travel funding, as each phase of the SEAS program, and all supplemental education, can be completed online.  

The length of time for applicants to be fully licensed depends on many factors, including how quickly applicants can provide necessary documents to ACOTRO for the SEAS program, and whether applicants need to take additional education to help pass the qualifying exams.   

Immigration routes may also impact the time it takes to become fully licensed to practice in BC. For more information see the immigration FAQ.  

We recommend that you move through the pathway as quickly as possible to ensure that bursary funding remains available throughout your journey.   

Visit the ACOTRO website for more information about the process to becoming credentialed and licensed to practice in Canada.   

Visit the College of Health and Care Professionals of B.C. website for more information about becoming fully licensed to practice in BC.  

Bursary participants who have completed Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the SEAS program and are waiting for their Determination Report from the Determination Committee are eligible for reimbursement upon providing proof of payment to Health Match B.C. but must first receive a positive decision through the Determination Report.  

Bursary participants who have completed Phases 1 or Phases 1 and 2 and have not yet completed Phase 3 are eligible for reimbursement upon providing proof of payment to Health Match BC. If participants who have received reimbursement are informed by the Determination Committee that their education is substantially different to a Canadian-trained OT, they will not be eligible for further funding under this bursary program.   

The bursary funding cannot be used towards taking an occupational therapist degree from a Canadian institution.   

You may still be able to fulfill the term of the Return of Service agreement if you obtain another type of health-care position with a public sector employer.  

The bursary program supports eligible IEMLTs who want to work in B.C. by offering financial support to help pay for costs associated with credential assessment, English Language proficiency testing, courses assigned by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) to fulfil Technical Report/Learning Plan requirements, and optional bridging education. 

IEMLTs must commit to a Return of Service (ROS) agreement with the BC Ministry of Health to receive financial support through this program. The ROS agreement states that you intend to complete the full credentialing and certification process and will work in B.C. with a public sector employer for a specified length of time. 

You must also meet the following criteria: 

• You have initiated, or will be initiating, the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process with Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).  
• You do NOT currently hold (or have previously held) registration or certification, as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in any province or territory in Canada. 
• If you have active applications for registration or certification in any other Canadian province or territory, those applications must be withdrawn. 
• Must have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN), a Canadian address and phone number, and a Canadian bank account for direct deposit. Those without these requirements may still be eligible but will not receive payment until they have both a valid Canadian SIN and bank account.  
• Have incurred costs on or after July 19, 2022. 

IEMLTs who meet these criteria may already be somewhere along the pathway to certification with the CSMLS. 

Eligible expenses may be reimbursed if they were incurred on or after July 19, 2022, and all other eligibility criteria are met. 

For more information and to see if you qualify, contact Health Match B.C. at MLTbursary@healthmatchbc.org 

As an IEMLT, you are not eligible for this bursary if you have: 

• Already had your credentials, education, and work experience assessed (Prior Learning Assessment) with CSMLS and it was determined that your education and experience is not equivalent to the CSMLS MLT Competency Profile. 
• Have exhausted all of the exam attempts for the CSMLS MLT Competency Exam. 
• Already obtained certification with CSMLS as an MLT and/or registration with a Canadian provincial regulator (College). 

The maximum possible bursary amount for eligible IEMLTs is $13,204 CAD plus applicable taxes. This includes credential evaluation, the CSMLS Online Self-Assessment and PLA fees, English Language proficiency testing, subject-specific, comprehensive, or refresher courses, and an optional bridging education. 

Bursary program participants can apply for all or a portion of this amount. 

Although the bursary program covers a substantial amount of the overall costs that IEMLTs pay to become certified to work in BC, there are some costs that are not covered by the bursary. 

Examples of costs that are not covered include transcript fees, document translation and notarization fees, CSMLS member registration fees, and CSMLS MLT exam fees. 

The program will pay up to a maximum of $800 CAD for up to two eligible English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests (maximum of $400 CAD per test).  

Bursary program participants are responsible for determining which ELP tests are accepted by CSMLS as part of the credential assessment process. 

Bursary program participants can be reimbursed for eligible ELP tests taken on or after July 19, 2022. 

Some IEMLTs may qualify for a travel stipend if they are currently residing in B.C. and need to travel to complete the optional MLT bridging education program at the Michener Institute in Toronto. The amount provided is based on estimated travel-related costs & fuel consumption based on distance travelled (kms). 

Travel allowance amount is based on location of primary residence, up to the maximum values below: 

If you are eligible for the travel bursary, you will be reimbursed when you can provide proof of successful completion of the bridging education program and upon commencement of your Return of Service term with a Qualifying Employer. You will also need to provide proof of location of primary residence in British Columbia. 

• Locations 300km-1,000km or B.C. ferry = up to $750 CAD 
• Locations 1,000km-2,000km = up to $850 CAD 
• Locations 2,000km+ = up to $1,000 CAD 

For proof of residence, you can submit one of the following documents showing your full name and address: 

• A utility (water, hydro, TV, internet) and/or cell phone bill (issued within the last two (2) months). 
• Any letter, statement, bill, or certificate issued by an insurance company registered in Canada, including home insurance, tenant insurance, auto insurance, or life insurance (issued within the last two (2) months). 
• Driver’s license or vehicle registration. 
• Statements of account (e.g., bank account) from a Canadian bank or institution. 

The length of time for the full pathway to certification depends on a variety of factors, including how quickly you can provide your documents to CSMLS for the Prior Learning Assessment, how quickly you complete your assigned Learning Plan, whether you enroll in the optional MLT Bridging Program to fulfil your Learning Plan requirements, and when you successfully challenge the CSMLS MLT Certification Exam. 

Immigration routes will also impact the time it takes to become fully certified to practice in B.C. For more information see the immigration FAQ.  

We recommend that you move through the pathway as quickly as possible to ensure that bursary funding remains available throughout your journey. 

Visit the CSMLS website for more information about the process to become certified to practice in Canada. 

Bursary participants who apply for the Prior Learning Assessment and are informed by CSMLS that their education is not recognized will still be reimbursed for the CSMLS PLA fee. However, further funding under this bursary program will not be available. 

The bursary funding cannot be used towards taking a medical laboratory technology diploma from a Canadian institution. 

You may still be able to fulfil the term of the Return of Service agreement if you obtain another type of health-care position with a public sector employer. 

The bursary program supports eligible IEPTs who want to work in B.C. by offering financial support to help pay for costs associated with credential assessment, English Language proficiency testing, exam preparation and supplementary education.

IEPTs must commit to a Return of Service (ROS) agreement with the BC Ministry of Health.  

The ROS agreement states that you intend to complete the full credentialing and licensure process with the College of Health and Care Professional of B.C. (CHCPBC) and will work in B.C. with a public sector employer for a specified length of time.  

You must also meet the following criteria: 

• You do NOT currently hold (or have previously held) registration as a Physiotherapist in any province or territory in Canada. 
  • Please note, applicants who complete an entry to practice clinical assessment in another Canadian province to register in that province prior to registering in B.C. will become ineligible for the IEPT bursary program. 
• B.C. must be the only province or territory you have applied for registration as a Physiotherapist. If you have active applications for registration in any other Canadian province or territory, those applications must be withdrawn. 
• Must have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN), a Canadian address and phone number, and Canadian bank account for direct deposit. Those without these requirements may still be eligible but will not receive payment until they have both a valid Canadian SIN and bank account. 
• IEPTs who meet the above criteria may already be somewhere along the pathway to full licensure with the CHCBC. IEPTs who meet these criteria may already be somewhere along the pathway to full licensure in BC.  
• Have costs incurred on or after July 19, 2022. 

For more information and to see if you qualify, contact Health Match B.C. at PTbursary@healthmatchbc.org 

As an IEPT, you are NOT eligible for this bursary if you have: 

• Already had your credentials assessed with CAPR and it was determined that your education is substantially different to a Canadian-trained PT. 
• Already obtained full licensure with a Canadian provincial or territorial physiotherapy regulator (College). 

Applicants who previously received bursaries for post-secondary training under Ministry of Health targeted programs may be ineligible for this bursary. Contact Health Match B.C. for further information. 

The maximum possible bursary amount for eligible IEPTs is $18,931 CAD. This includes the CAPR assessment fee, English Language proficiency testing, an exam preparation program, and full bridging education. 

Bursary program participants can apply for all or a portion of this amount. 

Although the bursary program covers a substantial amount of the overall costs that IEPTs pay to become licensed in BC, there are some costs that are not covered by the bursary. 

Examples of costs that are not covered include transcript fees, document translation and notarization fees, regulatory college registration fees, and licensing exam fees. 

The bursary program also does not cover costs associated with the immigration process or relocation. 

The program will pay up to a maximum of $800 CAD for up to two eligible English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests (maximum of $400 CAD per test). 

Bursary program participants are responsible for determining which ELP tests are accepted by CAPR as part of the credential assessment process. 

Bursary program participants can be reimbursed for eligible ELP tests taken on or after July 19, 2022. 

A reimbursement process will be used for all costs, including the credential assessment process, fees for English language proficiency testing and eligible supplemental education programs (and if eligible, an associated travel stipend).

Bursary payments will be provided when proof of payment, and any other required documentation, is provided to Health Match BC.

travel to an in-person component of an eligible supplemental education program. The amount provided is based on estimated travel-related costs & fuel consumption based on distance travelled (kms). 

Travel allowance amount is based on location of primary residence, up to the maximum values below: 

• Locations 300km-1,000km or B.C. ferry = up to $750 
• Locations 1,000km-2,000km = up to $850 
• Locations 2,000km+ = up to $1,000 

If you are eligible for the travel bursary, you will be reimbursed when you can provide proof of successful completion of an eligible exam preparation or bridging education program, and upon commencement of your Return of Service term with a Qualifying Employer. You will also need to provide proof of location of primary residence in British Columbia. 

For proof of residence, you can submit one of the following documents showing your full name and address: 

• A utility (water, hydro, TV, internet) and/or cell phone bill (issued within the last two (2) months). 
• Any letter, statement, bill, or certificate issued by an insurance company in Canada, including home insurance, tenant insurance, auto insurance, or life insurance (issued within the last two (2) months). 
• Driver’s license or vehicle registration. 
• Statements of account (e.g., bank account) from a Canadian bank or institution. 

The length of time for applicants to be fully licensed depends on many factors, including how quickly applicants can provide necessary documents to CAPR for the Assessment of Educational Credential and Qualifications, and whether applicants need to take additional education to help pass the qualifying exams.

Immigration routes may also impact the time it takes to become fully licensed to practice in BC. For more information see the immigration FAQ.

We recommend that you move through the pathway as quickly as possible to ensure that bursary funding remains available throughout your journey.

Visit the CAPR website for more information about the process to becoming credentialed and licensed to practice in Canada.

Visit the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC website for more information about becoming fully licensed to practice in BC.

Bursary participants who apply for the Assessment of Educational Credential and Qualifications and are informed by CAPR that their education is substantially different to a Canadian-trained PT will still be reimbursed for the CAPR assessment fee. However, further funding under this bursary program will not be available. 

The bursary funding cannot be used towards taking a physiotherapy degree from a Canadian institution. 

You may still be able to fulfill the term of the Return of Service agreement if you obtain another type of health-care position with a public sector employer. 

The return of service (ROS) agreement is an agreement between you and the Province of British Columbia that you will commit to complete 12 months of full-time continuous service (i.e. not a casual position) with a publicly funded health sector employer in BC. The ROS term is extended to two years if you obtain employment of 0.5 FTEs or less, and it will also be extended to account for leaves of absence. The ROS commitment would pause during non-working periods. 

Qualifying public sector employers will be defined in your ROS agreement document. They include regional health boards designated under section 4(1) of the Health Authorities Act, Provincial Health Services Authority (collectively a “Health Authority”), First Nations Health Authority or Providence Health Care or at a publicly funded long-term care or assisted living (AL) facility OR a publicly-funded private lab provider that is approved by the Province in writing. 

Qualifying Employers EXCLUDE contract agencies supplying temporary and/or short-term staffing solutions to eligible facilities. 

As a bursary recipient, you must obtain employment with a Qualifying Employer within 6 months of obtaining full licensure or certification in your profession, unless otherwise extended by the province. Upon commencement of a Qualifying Position to start the Return of Service Term, you must submit the Return of Service Commencement Form to the Province from the Qualifying Employer confirming the start date of the Return of Service Term. Please contact healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca to obtain the Return of Service Commencement Form. 

The goal of the bursary program is to support you to gain employment in your field of training. Bursary program participants must use their best efforts to promptly obtain licensure or certification to practice in B.C. to obtain employment. 

However, if licensure is not possible with reasonable efforts made (i.e., by taking supplemental education), you may be eligible to complete the ROS in a different “qualifying position” within the health-care system. Individuals must contact the Ministry of Health (healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca ) to confirm approved eligible positions considered for the fulfilment of the ROS commitment. The Ministry must review and approve alternative positions. 

Yes, if you decide not to complete the process to become fully licensed or certified to practice in BC, you will need to repay any money received or fees waived through the bursary program to the Province of British Columbia.

If you are unsuccessful in passing the exams required to become licensed or certified to practice in BC, even after taking supplemental education, you can apply for an alternative job with a Qualifying Employer to fulfill your ROS. Individuals must contact the Ministry of Health (healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca ) to confirm approved eligible positions considered for the fulfilment of the ROS commitment. The Ministry must review and approve alternative positions.

If you need to pay back bursary funds, email healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca for instructions.  

If you leave your job with a Qualifying Employer(s) for any reason during the ROS term, you will need to notify the Province at least two weeks in advance of your end date by contacting: healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca 

If you leave your Qualifying Position(s) for any reason before the ROS term is complete, you will be required to repay the province the amount of the bursary that is proportional to the percentage of the ROS term that has not been completed. If you do not start your ROS term, you will be required to repay the full amount of the bursary amount.  

No, employment with a publicly funded health employer (EXCLUDING contract agencies supplying staffing solutions to eligible facilities) within B.C. will qualify for your return of service.  For further information, please refer to the “What is the Return of Service (ROS) agreement?” FAQ, above. 

There are many job opportunities available across the province. Health Match B.C. will assist you in finding a qualifying position. You are required to make your best efforts to find a qualifying position. 

If six months have lapsed since registration, licensure or certification, please contact healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca 

Once you have started employment in a qualifying position, you will need to submit a form to the Ministry of Health from your employer(s) confirming the ROS Period has commenced using the IEN Return of Service Commencement Form: Proof of Employment Form. You should submit the form as soon as possible following your employment start date. For more information and to obtain a form, please contact the Province at healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca 

Yes, however, if you leave your job with a Qualifying Employer(s) for any reason during the ROS Period, you will need to notify the Province at least two weeks in advance of your end date by contacting: healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca 

You can concurrently hold and work in multiple, qualifying part-time positions, however, casual employment does not fulfill the requirements for the ROS agreement. 

The FTE (full time equivalent) for each Qualifying Position will be added together to calculate the FTE. If your position is 0.5 FTE or less, your ROS period will be extended to two years. 

Yes, however, your ROS period will be extended if a leave of absence is greater than 20 days (other than authorized vacation from your employer). 

No, you must complete your ROS with a publicly funded health employer within B.C. or  repay the proportionate amount of the bursary based on the remaining time left on your ROS. 

If you are registered/licensed/certified or have ever been licensed/certified in your occupation in another Canadian province or territory, you are not eligible for this program. If you have become registered/licensed/certified in another Canadian province or territory after you sign a return of service agreement, you will be withdrawn from the program and required to repay the Province any bursary amount(s) received, including any fees waived or reimbursed.

Yes, upon completion of the ROS period, you will need to submit a form to the Ministry of Health from your employer(s) confirming the ROS period has been completed in full, using the Return of Service Fulfillment Confirmation Form. For more information, and to obtain a form, please contact  healthbursaries@gov.bc.ca