This section of the website is for individuals who wish to become physiotherapists/physical therapists in Ontario. In order to use the title of physiotherapist or physical therapist and practice in Ontario you must be registered with the College.
Physiotherapists in Ontario complete a Masters degree at one of the five Ontario Universities, a Canadian university outside Ontario or if an individual is educated outside of Canada their education is reviewed to ensure that it is substantially equivalent to the content of a Canadian physiotherapy/physical therapy program.
The College of Physiotherapists is not an educational institution or school. The College is the regulatory body for physiotherapy in the province of Ontario.
There are five universities in Ontario which offer physiotherapy programs. These are all Master level programs. Contact the universities for more information.
The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario is committed to the principles of labour mobility and the movement of registered physiotherapists/physical therapists across Canadian jurisdictions as articulated in the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) 2009 (Chapter 7).
A Brief History of the Agreement on Internal Trade
The Agreement on Internal Trade is an undertaking of the federal, provincial and territorial governments in Canada to eliminate labour mobility barriers between provinces and territories. The objective is to make it possible any worker qualified for an occupation in one part of Canada to have access to employment opportunities in that occupation in any other province or territory.
The Agreement on Internal Trade became law in Ontario with the introduction of the Ontario Labour Mobility Act (OLMA) in 2010.
Does the Agreement on Internal Trade Apply to Me?
The movement of physical therapist under the Agreement on Internal Trade is based on the similarities of categories of registration, otherwise known as permit on permit.
If you are a physiotherapist who is currently registered with a practice certificate/license in another Canadian jurisdiction, your application to register in Ontario will be considered under the rules of the labour mobility agreement as follows:
- Where the registration categories are similar, no new requirements will be expected with the exception of a review of previous discipline history and other administrative matters (e.g. fees, form, liability insurance).
- Where the categories of registration are not similar, the College’s existing registration requirements apply.
Registration Categories
What category should I be applying for?
There are three categories of registration for practicing physical therapists.
Provisional Practice
For new graduates. I have passed the written component of the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) and am registered for the next available clinical exam. I hold a provisional or temporary registration in another regulated Canadian jurisdiction.
Apply for Provisional Practice
Provisional Practice with Restrictions
I was unsuccessful at my first attempt at the clinical component of the PCE. I hold a provisional or temporary registration in another regulated Canadian jurisdiction.
Apply for Provisional Practice with Restrictions
Independent Practice
I hold a full, unrestricted certificate of registration/license in another Canadian jurisdiction.
Apply for an Independent Practice certificate
Courtesy Registration
I am coming to Ontario for less than 30 days to:
• participate in a course
• teach a course
• participate in a research project
• participate in a specific event
Apply for a Courtesy certificate of registration
Physical therapist with restrictions, limitations or conditions on their practice certificate/license from another jurisdiction should contact the College at registration@collegept.org or 416-591-3828 or 1-800-583-5885 ext. 222 to discuss registration requirements.
If you are a physiotherapist who is not currently registered to practice in a jurisdiction in Canada, the labour mobility agreement does not apply and you must meet the College’s existing registration requirements. Find out more about registration information.
If you are new to physical therapy in Ontario, consider taking advantage of the Transitioning to Professional Practice program. The program is designed for new graduates and internationally educated candidates. Get more information on the Transitioning to Professional Practice program, click here.
For more information about applying for registration, click the appropriate link below: