By: Craig Roxborough, Registrar and CEO
Wrapping up my first six months as Registrar and CEO coincides perfectly with the start of the holiday season and the end of a very productive 2023, so I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of our accomplishments and explore what we’re already planning for 2024.
Ontario Clinical Exam
October 2023 marked a full year since we launched the Ontario Clinical Exam (OCE). Developing and implementing this exam has been a massive undertaking, but we are so proud to say that 868 candidates completed the exam in the first year. Of those candidates, 62% self-identified as being internationally educated or trained.
Looking ahead to 2024, we’re eager to hold the first French exams in January. The vast majority of exam information and resources are now available on our website – you’ll see the option to switch over to French at the top of the OCE pages. There will be up to 1,120 exam spaces available in 2024, and we currently have approximately 575 candidates scheduled for upcoming exams.
New Learning Modules: Transitioning to Practice and Patient Centred Communication
Throughout 2023, we were planning, developing and creating new learning modules to help guide physiotherapists on two important topics: transitioning to practice in Ontario and patient centred communication.
Our team worked alongside external content experts and PT colleges across the country, and we’re thrilled that both modules are set to launch in the coming weeks. The Transitioning to Practice in Ontario Learning Modules cover a variety of topics to help set new physiotherapists up for success, and can also serve as important reminders for experienced physiotherapists.
The Patient Centred Communications E-Learning Module takes a deep dive into the skills and techniques that physiotherapists can use when communicating with patients, caregivers, other health professionals, and team members. Stay tuned for more information.
National Standards: Consultations and Rollout
This year the College participated in a collaborative working group with other PT colleges from across Canada to review the National Professional Standards of Practice for Physiotherapists in Canada (National Standards). Physiotherapists were then asked to provide your feedback on the proposed National Standards, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who did.
Over the next year or so, the proposed standards will be presented to Council for approval for consultation. When the standards are put out for consultation, we will invite feedback from physiotherapists and other system partners. This will be a phased approach, with a few standards going to Council and then out for consultation at a time.
2024 Elections - Consider How You Can Get Involved
2024 will be a big year for Council elections as Districts 3 (Central Eastern), 6 (Toronto West), and 7 (Toronto East) are up for election. There will also be a by-election in District 5 (Northern) to fill a vacancy.
We have greatly appreciated the commitment and efforts of our outgoing Council members, and we’re looking forward to welcoming some new members in the new year. Diverse backgrounds and experiences are integral to the success of Council, and I would encourage any physiotherapists in the districts up for election to consider getting involved.
In January, we plan to host a brief webinar to explore the experience of being a Council member, and everything you’ll be able to contribute to and learn from this role. We’re looking forward to answering your questions.
Of course, this is only a snapshot of what we’ve been up to in 2023 and what we have planned for 2024. There’s much more to come, and I look forward to sharing that information in future updates.
For now, I’d like to thank Council and College staff for a productive 2023, and all of you for your ongoing support in the delivery of our shared mission to ensure all Ontarians have access to high-quality physiotherapy care. I’ve appreciated the chance to connect with several of you in different ways, and I look forward to more opportunities to connect in the year ahead.
Have a safe and happy holiday season.