The Case

In April the College received an application for an Independent Practice Certificate from an individual — however she had not completed 1,200 practice hours or the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) within the previous five years, as required by the College’s Registration Regulation.

In 2009, she got a degree in physiotherapy from McMaster University and successfully completed the Physiotherapy Competency Exam before registering with the College from 2009 until 2017. During the 2016 renewal period, College staff identified her as having low practice hours — a total of 587 over a four-year period. She was given the opportunity to participate in a practice review including an on-site assessment to ensure competency, but she resigned from the College and moved out of country in 2017.

In a written submission to the College, she indicated that she was unable to fulfill the practice hour requirement due to raising a family and moving out of country for her partner’s work. She further stated her desire to return to practice with a focus on orthopaedics and pelvic floor physiotherapy and indicated that she had completed courses related to pelvic health in anticipation.

The Rules 

Registration requirements allow the College to verify the competency of physiotherapists in Ontario including: education history, examination results and currency of skills and knowledge.

Individuals who are renewing or re-applying for an Independent Practice Certificate are required to demonstrate competency in one of two ways:

1. Successful completion of the Physiotherapy Competency Exam within the previous five years
2. The accumulation of 1,200 practice hours within the previous five years

When an applicant has not met the requirements, the College has no way of assessing their ability to practice physiotherapy in a safe, competent and effective manner. In some cases the College may decide to grant an Independent Practice Certificate of Registration with Terms, Conditions and Limitations in lieu of the above-mentioned registration requirements.

The Outcome

1. The successful completion of the Jurisprudence Education Module within 30 days of receiving their Certificate
2. Review College Standards, tools and resources within 30 days of receiving the Certificate and provide confirmation of completion
3. Work the first 80 hours of practice under direct supervision of a College-approved Supervisor rostered to assess and rehabilitate pelvic musculature
4. During the first 80 hours of practice the supervising physiotherapist will review all of her’s clinical records to ensure compliance with professional expectations
5. Successfully complete a practice assessment at the end of the supervision period
6. All costs associated with the practice review will be paid for by her

The College believes that these Terms, Conditions and Limitations will ensure that the PT has the support required for a successful return to practice in Ontario. The Terms, Conditions and Limitations will be removed from her Certificate of Registration upon successful completion.

She was reminded that assessing or rehabilitating pelvic musculature is a controlled act and physiotherapists are required to roster with the College in accordance with the Controlled Acts and Other Restricted Activities Standard.


More About Practice Hours

Learn about Rostering

Rules and Standards