Supervision principles are the same regardless of if you’re working with a Physiotherapy Resident, physiotherapy student or physiotherapist assistant.

You must be confident in the competencies of anyone that you’re supervising and you must determine an appropriate level of supervision based on the patient’s needs, the clinical environment and the skill level of the PT Resident, student or PTA. Don't forget, under no circumstances can you supervise a relative.

Here’s where supervision might differ a bit, depending on who you’re supervising:

Students

•  You must co-sign all PT student notes
• You must get consent to involve a student in the patient’s case
• May conduct assessments and perform controlled acts that you are rostered for
• Their name and job title must be on the invoice

PT Residents

• Will get patient consent themselves
• Can conduct assessments
• Can perform controlled acts that both of you are rostered for
• You (the supervisor) must be approved by the College

PTAs

• Can’t conduct assessments or some controlled acts
• You must get consent to involve a PTA in the patient’s care
• Their name and job title must be on the invoice

Still have questions? Call the Practice Advisor for clarification at 1-800-583-5885 (extension 241) or email advice@collegept.org.