Resident Physiotherapist

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A Physiotherapy Resident is a full graduate of an approved educational program in physiotherapy.  For example, if they are a graduate of the University of Toronto Physiotherapy program, they will have a Masters in Physiotherapy. 

In addition, the Physiotherapy Resident has successfully completed all elements of the physiotherapy training program and has passed the written component of the national examination.  

The Physiotherapy Resident receives the Provisional Practice designation from the College of Physiotherapist’s of Ontario for the 12-week period following the completion of the written examination. 

During the Provisional Practice period the Physiotherapist Resident can practice while he/she completes the clinical component of the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE).  This typically is completed in mid-November or mid-April.

The Provisional Practice period allows the time needed by the College of Physiotherapists to ensure that all elements for full licensure have been met. 

During the Provisional Practice period the Physiotherapist is subject to the rules and regulations of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

During the provisional practice period a Physiotherapy Resident:

  • is registered with the College of Physiotherapy and has received a valid physiotherapy license number
  • can provide all services within the scope of the physiotherapy profession for which they trained
  • has a designated physiotherapy supervisor who has a minimum of 3 years practice and is in good standing with the College of Physiotherapist of Ontario
  • Can have their treatment fees submitted to insurance companies for reimbursement under the standard category of physiotherapy treatments

FAQ’s

Will I be able to receive reimbursement for physiotherapy services from my insurer? 

Yes, a Physiotherapist with a provisional practice license has a valid College of Physiotherapist’s of Ontario license number.  This ensures your insurer can process these charges in the same manner as with a non-provisional practice physiotherapist.  The Physiotherapist will need to ensure they have registered with WSIB, MVA (HCAI) and Extended Health Benefits Provider sites prior to these sites allowing for direct billing. 

At The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic we register our new staff on these funder sites.  If there is a delay in registration, we will inform you in advance and will assist you with making alternative plans. 

Can my provisional practice physiotherapist provide all the services I need?

A provisional practice physiotherapist can provide all the services of a full physiotherapist providing he/she has been trained in these areas.  For example, services such as concussion management, pelvic floor and acupuncture treatments are often trained for on a post-graduate basis.  Both the provisional and the non-provisional physiotherapist would only provide these services if they had been trained in them.

At The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic we work to ensure that our therapist’s have the training for the condition you are seeking treatment for.  We do this at first contact by asking you about your reason for seeking therapy.  This allows us to guide you on who to see.  However, there are times when it becomes apparent that a condition is more complex or requires different services than the therapist can provide.  When this occurs, the therapist will inform you and will assist you in making alternative plans with another therapist at The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic or outside our facility. 

Who can be a supervisor?

The Supervising Physiotherapist is selected by the Provisional Practice Physiotherapist.  When the supervisor agrees to undertake the provisions as set out in the standards of the College of Physiotherapist’s of Ontario, their name is submitted to the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. 

The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario ensures that the supervisor has agreed to the process and then checks to ensure they meet specific criteria.  The criteria require a minimum of 3 years practice and to be in good standing with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. 

What type of supervision does a Provisional Practice Physiotherapist receive?

A provisional Practice Physiotherapist has completed their undergraduate training therefore they have received extensive supervision during the educational process.  At this point in their training the Supervision is a goal-oriented, mentorship to assist the Provisional Practice Physiotherapist to grow and manage challenges that they encounter in clinical practice. 

The Provisional Practice Physiotherapist will determine when they need assistance from the Supervisor.  A learning plan is set and methods to determine the achievement of these goals is agreed upon. 

What can I expect from the Supervising process at The Orthopaedic Therapy clinic?

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements set out by the College of Physiotherapists of The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic we provide:

  1. Regular formal and informal education sessions provided by highly experienced professionals
  2. Periodic joint assessments and treatment sessions with the supervising physiotherapist
  3. A training program to assist the Provisional practitioner/new graduate in learning the approach of The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic
  4. Full exposure to the skills and approaches of our multi-disciplinary team.
  5. Although the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario allows for remote supervision, the supervising physiotherapist at the Orthopaedic Therapy clinic must be an active and current member of our treatment team.  They must be onsite a minimum of 2 days per week and there must be an average of 2 days per week where there is an overlap in the practice of the Supervising and Provisional Practice therapist. 
  6. Additional mentoring opportunities from other team members.