Physiotherapists
The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario is the regulatory body for physiotherapy practice in Ontario.
The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to regulating and continually improving the practice of physiotherapists in the public interest. The College protects patients’ rights to safe, competent and ethical care by supporting physiotherapists to maintain standards of practice and by holding them accountable for their conduct and practice.
In Ontario, physiotherapy is categorized in two groups of registration: Provisional Practice and Independent Practice. A Provisional Practice Certificate allows you to work as a physiotherapy resident while you are waiting to take the clinical component of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination. An Independent Practice Certificate allows you to practise independently as a physiotherapist in Ontario.
Registration Requirements
To practise physiotherapy in Ontario, internationally educated medical physiotherapists must hold a Certificate of Registration and meet the requirements set out by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. To become eligible for the Certificate of Registration, internationally educated physiotherapists must meet the following registration requirements:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship, Permanent Residency or authorization to work in Canada
- Review of Credentials by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators
- Evidence of language fluency, both written and spoken, in either English or French
- Physiotherapy Competency Exam Part One: Written Component
- Register for Physiotherapy Competency Exam Part Two: Clinical Component
- Obtain a Provisional Practice Certificate (optional)
- Physiotherapy Competency Exam Part Two: Clinical Component
- Obtain an Independent Practice Certificate
Voluntary pre-registration with the College is possible at any point of the registration process. For further details, please visit the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario website.
How the Access Centre Can Help
The Access Centre within HFO MRA can assist internationally educated physiotherapists on their path to practise by providing advisory services by appointment via telephone, in-person or Skype.
If you have previously registered as a client of the Access Centre and are seeking services offered to registered clients or have questions regarding any aspect of the licensure process, please call 416-862-2200 or toll free 1-800-596-4046 or e-mail AccessCentre@HealthForceOntario.ca.
If you are not a registered client of the Access Centre and would like detailed information on the licensing process for internationally educated respiratory therapists, please register online.
Information Sessions
Information sessions bring together groups of internationally educated health professions with a common goal. These sessions focus on various aspects of the registration process. Learn more.
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