03/21/2021
Physiotherapy is an evidence informed profession. In the past, the validity of the practical component of the physiotherapy licencing exam, to properly assess our competency has been questioned. Unfortunately, we feel a simulated environment cannot successfully mimic the carefully tailored approach we take to our unique patients. We as a profession want CAPR and the CPA to step forward and to prove that this exam, in person and virtually, is a valid form of assessment of our skills.
University physiotherapy programs go through a rigorous accreditation process to ensure their curriculum and evaluation methods will produce graduates that meet all competencies required for entry-to-practice physiotherapy.
What is a Physiotherapist Resident/Interim Physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist resident is a new graduate from an accredited university physiotherapy program. They have completed 6+ years of university, including theoretical and practical learning, successfully passing an abundance of written and practical exams, successfully completed 1025 clinical hours where 4+ registered physiotherapists have evaluated and deemed them to be safe, ethical, effective, and competent physiotherapists. Furthermore, they have passed the written national licencing exam demonstrating that they are competent physiotherapists.
A physiotherapist resident can practice in Canada until their practical exam, which is usually 2 months later. However, in this unprecedented case - a year or more later.
As PT Residents/Interim PT’s we are wondering why this last step - the practical exam- is at all necessary.
If we have been deemed by our accredited university program, our supervisors, and our governing body - the college of physiotherapists- to be competent enough to treat patients and practice physiotherapy now, why do we need a practical exam at all?
We are calling upon CAPR and to that this practical exam, delivered in person and now virtually, is a valid way to assess our competence as physiotherapists.
