Physiotherapy: a first contact, autonomous, client-focused health profession in Canada
Background
Physiotherapy is a first contact, autonomous, client-focused health profession dedicated to:
• Improving and maintaining functional independence and physical performance,
• Preventing and managing pain, physical impairments, disabilities and limits to participation; and
• Promoting fitness, health and wellness.
The heart of the physiotherapy profession is understanding how and why movement and function take place. Physiotherapists are independent and caring health professionals who seek to provide safe, quality client-centred physiotherapy through a commitment to service availability, accessibility and excellence. The profession continues to be shaped by scientific evidence and the education and competence of the physiotherapists delivering the services. Physiotherapy is grounded in the belief that, to be effective, its services must respond to the changing needs of populations.
Primary Functions of physiotherapists
Physiotherapists apply a collaborative and reasoned approach to holistic assessment, diagnosis and planning, intervention and evaluation, in particular focusing on the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory systems. Physiotherapy includes, but is not limited to: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation of interventions, evaluation of health status, education of profession or other health professions, consultation, research, service management & communication with clients, team members & others for effective patients care.
Physiotherapy Education System
Entry-level physiotherapy education in Canada takes place in one of thirteen university programs, each affiliated with a faculty of medicine and accredited with the Accreditation Council of Canadian Physiotherapy Academic Programs (ACCPAP) and the (US) Council on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).The minimum entry-level educational qualification to practise physiotherapy in Canada is a Baccalaureate level degree. Many programs offer post-graduate programs in physiotherapy, rehabilitation or related disciplines at the Master’s level or Doctoral level.
The entry-level educational curriculum includes, but is not limited to, the study of: biological sciences (e.g. anatomy, physiology, pathology, pathokinesiology); social sciences (e.g. psychology, sociology); applied sciences (e.g. human development, biomechanics and exercise physiology); clinical sciences (e.g. physical and functional pharmacology); scientific inquiry (e.g. research, statistics, literature reviews) and professional issues (e.g. health policy, ethics, interdisciplinary practice, management). (CDPAP and CPA, 1995)
In addition, professional practice or clinical education is obtained through a minimum of 1,000 hours, in the clinical setting, which begins with entrance into the academic program and continues throughout the curriculum. This clinical education provides opportunities to integrate knowledge, skills and behaviours required for practice and leads to the development of entry-level physiotherapists who act with authority, competence and leadership.
Increasingly, there is a move towards specialization or the development of advanced expertise in one particular area of the profession. This expertise may be gained through post-graduate education, continuing professional development, experience and research. Physiotherapists have developed advanced clinical expertise in areas such as cardiorespirology, geriatrics, neurosciences, orthopaedics, paediatrics, rheumatology, sports physiotherapy and women’s health.
Registration or Licensing Procedure
In Canada, physiotherapists are licensed or registered to practice by provincial/territorial regulatory colleges (regulators).
If physiotherapists are interested in becoming a registered physiotherapist to practice in Canada, he/she will be fulfilled a lot of pre-requisite activities.
The eligibility requirements for candidates who educated outside of Canada, they have to successful completed the Educational Credentials and Qualifications Assessment. Candidates must complete this before applying for the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). The assessment determines whether his/her education and qualifications are substantially equivalent to those of a Canadian-educated physiotherapist.
Credentialing is the process of evaluating documentary evidence that an applicant provides to determine if his or her qualifications are sufficiently similar (substantially equivalent) to the established or published standard in the receiving country or jurisdiction. Credentialing aims to prepare an objective analytical report that describes the educational credentials of internationally educated applicants by interpreting those credentials in terms of Canadian equivalents.
Graduates of Canadian physiotherapy programs do not need to complete an Educational Credential and Qualification Assessment to take the PCE.
If you are currently enrolled in or have graduated from a university degree program outside of Canada, you are an internationally educated applicant. This includes Canadian citizens who have studied abroad. All internationally educated applicants must apply for credentialling and ask that we assess their credentials and qualifications to confirm their eligibility to apply for the PCE.
The Alliance Credentialing and Examination processes do not give an individual the right to practice or register as a physiotherapist in Canada. Each regulator may have additional registration requirements.
The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (The Alliance) is the national federation of provincial/territorial physiotherapy regulators committed to the development and improvement of regulatory standards of practice for physiotherapists.
The Alliance, on behalf of most physiotherapy regulators:
• Administers the Physiotherapy Competency Examination to determine a candidate's readiness for safe, effective, and independent physiotherapy practice.
• Establishes whether the education and qualifications of internationally educated applicants are substantially equivalent to those of Canadian educated physiotherapists.
After completion of credential evaluation (if you fulfill the entire credentials requirement in terms of Canadian equivalents) you can apply for Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). If you have any deficient in your credentials like any course or clinical hours, you have to complete those courses or hours before examination.
The Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) tests whether qualified exam candidates have demonstrated a minimum standard of practice. The PCE ensures that members of the public will be safe when they interact with physiotherapists. It fairly and accurately evaluates the competencies you need to have to practise physiotherapy. Most physiotherapy regulators in Canada include passing the PCE as part of their entry-to-practice process.
The PCE tests the essential competencies of physiotherapy practice – the essential knowledge, skills and abilities. It tests history-taking, physical examination, data interpretation, clinical problem solving, treatment techniques, ethics, safety, interviewing and communication. The exam covers the core clinical practice areas: neuromusculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary-vascular and multisystem.
The PCE has two components: the Written Component and the Clinical Component. You must successfully complete the Written Component (Qualifying Exam) before you can take the Clinical Component (Physiotherapy National Exam).
Practice Settings
Physiotherapists practise within a broad range of settings that may include but is not confined to the following:
• Child-development centres
• Community health centres
• Fitness centres/health clubs/spas
• Government/health planning agencies
• Hospices
• Hospitals
• Individual homes/home care
• Insurance companies
• Nursing Homes/long term care facilities
• Occupational health centres
• Outpatient/ambulatory care clinicse Settings
• Physiotherapy clinics/practices/private offices
• Public settings (e.g. shopping malls) for health promotion
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Research facilities
• Senior citizen centres/residences
• Schools/universities/colleges
• Sporting events/field settings
• Sports medicine clinics
• Workplace/companies
Conclusion
The physiotherapy profession is a self-regulated and recognized profession in Canada. The profession has established educational standards and a body of knowledge and skills that are complemented by ongoing continuing education and research. Physiotherapists are primary care practitioners whereby clients may directly access their services. Practice has evolved to a high level of professional autonomy that is supported by legislation in all Canadian jurisdictions.
References
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) (1995). A guide to physical therapist practice. (Volume I). A description of patient management. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) (1997). Guide to physical therapist practice. (Volume II). Alexandria, VA: Author.
• Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (The Alliance), Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) & Canadian University Physical Therapy Academic Council (CUPAC). (1998). Competency profile for the entry-level physiotherapist in Canada. Toronto, Ontario: Author.
• Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). (1993). The scope of nursing practice: A review of issues and trends. Ottawa, Ontario: Author.
• Council of Directors of Physical Therapy Academic Programs (CDPAP) and Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA). (1995). Entry-level curriculum for Canadian physical therapy programs: Guidelines for faculty. Toronto, Ontario: CPA.
• College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. (1996). Standards for practice for physiotherapists. Toronto, Ontario: Author.
• Glover Takahashi, S. (1997). A Description of the Canadian Entry-Level Physiotherapist. Master’s Thesis, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.
• World Health Organization. (1983). World programme of action concerning disabled persons. United Nations, New York.
• World Health Organization. (1984). Glossary of terms used in health for all, series 1-8.
Physiotherapy is a first contact, autonomous, client-focused health profession dedicated to:
• Improving and maintaining functional independence and physical performance,
• Preventing and managing pain, physical impairments, disabilities and limits to participation; and
• Promoting fitness, health and wellness.
The heart of the physiotherapy profession is understanding how and why movement and function take place. Physiotherapists are independent and caring health professionals who seek to provide safe, quality client-centred physiotherapy through a commitment to service availability, accessibility and excellence. The profession continues to be shaped by scientific evidence and the education and competence of the physiotherapists delivering the services. Physiotherapy is grounded in the belief that, to be effective, its services must respond to the changing needs of populations.
Primary Functions of physiotherapists
Physiotherapists apply a collaborative and reasoned approach to holistic assessment, diagnosis and planning, intervention and evaluation, in particular focusing on the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory systems. Physiotherapy includes, but is not limited to: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation of interventions, evaluation of health status, education of profession or other health professions, consultation, research, service management & communication with clients, team members & others for effective patients care.
Physiotherapy Education System
Entry-level physiotherapy education in Canada takes place in one of thirteen university programs, each affiliated with a faculty of medicine and accredited with the Accreditation Council of Canadian Physiotherapy Academic Programs (ACCPAP) and the (US) Council on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).The minimum entry-level educational qualification to practise physiotherapy in Canada is a Baccalaureate level degree. Many programs offer post-graduate programs in physiotherapy, rehabilitation or related disciplines at the Master’s level or Doctoral level.
The entry-level educational curriculum includes, but is not limited to, the study of: biological sciences (e.g. anatomy, physiology, pathology, pathokinesiology); social sciences (e.g. psychology, sociology); applied sciences (e.g. human development, biomechanics and exercise physiology); clinical sciences (e.g. physical and functional pharmacology); scientific inquiry (e.g. research, statistics, literature reviews) and professional issues (e.g. health policy, ethics, interdisciplinary practice, management). (CDPAP and CPA, 1995)
In addition, professional practice or clinical education is obtained through a minimum of 1,000 hours, in the clinical setting, which begins with entrance into the academic program and continues throughout the curriculum. This clinical education provides opportunities to integrate knowledge, skills and behaviours required for practice and leads to the development of entry-level physiotherapists who act with authority, competence and leadership.
Increasingly, there is a move towards specialization or the development of advanced expertise in one particular area of the profession. This expertise may be gained through post-graduate education, continuing professional development, experience and research. Physiotherapists have developed advanced clinical expertise in areas such as cardiorespirology, geriatrics, neurosciences, orthopaedics, paediatrics, rheumatology, sports physiotherapy and women’s health.
Registration or Licensing Procedure
In Canada, physiotherapists are licensed or registered to practice by provincial/territorial regulatory colleges (regulators).
If physiotherapists are interested in becoming a registered physiotherapist to practice in Canada, he/she will be fulfilled a lot of pre-requisite activities.
The eligibility requirements for candidates who educated outside of Canada, they have to successful completed the Educational Credentials and Qualifications Assessment. Candidates must complete this before applying for the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). The assessment determines whether his/her education and qualifications are substantially equivalent to those of a Canadian-educated physiotherapist.
Credentialing is the process of evaluating documentary evidence that an applicant provides to determine if his or her qualifications are sufficiently similar (substantially equivalent) to the established or published standard in the receiving country or jurisdiction. Credentialing aims to prepare an objective analytical report that describes the educational credentials of internationally educated applicants by interpreting those credentials in terms of Canadian equivalents.
Graduates of Canadian physiotherapy programs do not need to complete an Educational Credential and Qualification Assessment to take the PCE.
If you are currently enrolled in or have graduated from a university degree program outside of Canada, you are an internationally educated applicant. This includes Canadian citizens who have studied abroad. All internationally educated applicants must apply for credentialling and ask that we assess their credentials and qualifications to confirm their eligibility to apply for the PCE.
The Alliance Credentialing and Examination processes do not give an individual the right to practice or register as a physiotherapist in Canada. Each regulator may have additional registration requirements.
The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (The Alliance) is the national federation of provincial/territorial physiotherapy regulators committed to the development and improvement of regulatory standards of practice for physiotherapists.
The Alliance, on behalf of most physiotherapy regulators:
• Administers the Physiotherapy Competency Examination to determine a candidate's readiness for safe, effective, and independent physiotherapy practice.
• Establishes whether the education and qualifications of internationally educated applicants are substantially equivalent to those of Canadian educated physiotherapists.
After completion of credential evaluation (if you fulfill the entire credentials requirement in terms of Canadian equivalents) you can apply for Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). If you have any deficient in your credentials like any course or clinical hours, you have to complete those courses or hours before examination.
The Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) tests whether qualified exam candidates have demonstrated a minimum standard of practice. The PCE ensures that members of the public will be safe when they interact with physiotherapists. It fairly and accurately evaluates the competencies you need to have to practise physiotherapy. Most physiotherapy regulators in Canada include passing the PCE as part of their entry-to-practice process.
The PCE tests the essential competencies of physiotherapy practice – the essential knowledge, skills and abilities. It tests history-taking, physical examination, data interpretation, clinical problem solving, treatment techniques, ethics, safety, interviewing and communication. The exam covers the core clinical practice areas: neuromusculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary-vascular and multisystem.
The PCE has two components: the Written Component and the Clinical Component. You must successfully complete the Written Component (Qualifying Exam) before you can take the Clinical Component (Physiotherapy National Exam).
Practice Settings
Physiotherapists practise within a broad range of settings that may include but is not confined to the following:
• Child-development centres
• Community health centres
• Fitness centres/health clubs/spas
• Government/health planning agencies
• Hospices
• Hospitals
• Individual homes/home care
• Insurance companies
• Nursing Homes/long term care facilities
• Occupational health centres
• Outpatient/ambulatory care clinicse Settings
• Physiotherapy clinics/practices/private offices
• Public settings (e.g. shopping malls) for health promotion
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Research facilities
• Senior citizen centres/residences
• Schools/universities/colleges
• Sporting events/field settings
• Sports medicine clinics
• Workplace/companies
Conclusion
The physiotherapy profession is a self-regulated and recognized profession in Canada. The profession has established educational standards and a body of knowledge and skills that are complemented by ongoing continuing education and research. Physiotherapists are primary care practitioners whereby clients may directly access their services. Practice has evolved to a high level of professional autonomy that is supported by legislation in all Canadian jurisdictions.
References
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) (1995). A guide to physical therapist practice. (Volume I). A description of patient management. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) (1997). Guide to physical therapist practice. (Volume II). Alexandria, VA: Author.
• Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (The Alliance), Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) & Canadian University Physical Therapy Academic Council (CUPAC). (1998). Competency profile for the entry-level physiotherapist in Canada. Toronto, Ontario: Author.
• Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). (1993). The scope of nursing practice: A review of issues and trends. Ottawa, Ontario: Author.
• Council of Directors of Physical Therapy Academic Programs (CDPAP) and Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA). (1995). Entry-level curriculum for Canadian physical therapy programs: Guidelines for faculty. Toronto, Ontario: CPA.
• College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. (1996). Standards for practice for physiotherapists. Toronto, Ontario: Author.
• Glover Takahashi, S. (1997). A Description of the Canadian Entry-Level Physiotherapist. Master’s Thesis, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.
• World Health Organization. (1983). World programme of action concerning disabled persons. United Nations, New York.
• World Health Organization. (1984). Glossary of terms used in health for all, series 1-8.
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