Membership
The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) gives Ontario's registered physiotherapists a united front and a strong professional voice to government, insurance companies, other health care professions, patient advocacy groups and the general public.
Membership is an investment in physiotherapy that enables OPA to support and advance the profession in Ontario. An important resource for physiotherapists, OPA provides membership services, advocacy and professional and career development opportunities.
Physiotherapists must be registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario to practice. Membership in OPA is a choice that reflects a commitment to the profession.
OPA's resources are dedicated to meeting the needs of its members and to promoting the physiotherapy profession in a leadership role within the health care system in Ontario.
Becoming a Member
You can obtain membership in the OPA by joining CPA as an Ontario based physiotherapist. To obtain a membership form you can contact the CPA office by phone or email or download a form directly from CPA's website at www.physiotherapy.ca.
Membership enquiries can be directed to CPA at information@physiotherapy.ca and/or by calling 1-800-387-8679.
Benefits of Membership
OPA promotes the benefits of physiotherapy
OPA launches a Marketing Campaign each year to promote physiotherapy by physiotherapists. The campaign raises the profile of the profession throughout Ontario and directs the public and other health care practitioners to the campaign website where they can learn more about the benefits of physiotherapy and contact a physiotherapist in their area. Marketing Resources are free of charge to members who want to participate in or host events in their area during National Physiotherapy Month and throughout the year.
A free listing on Find-a-Physiotherapist is also available to all members.
OPA offers many practice resources by providing best practices, research and
practice management tools
OPA helps members find the latest clinical and best practices research with resource lists on our website developed by a librarian as well as Facebook and Twitter links to studies on a weekly basis. Many practice resources have been created to help you in your profession on topics ranging from home care, hospital, WSIB and Auto Insurance to information on LHINs. Business resources available include writing a business plan, selling your practice, marketing plans, fees & salaries, tax tips, incorporation, a guide to being an expert witness, and independent contractors.
OPA offers professional development discounts and keeps you informed of
professional development opportunities
All members receive a discount to OPA’s annual conference, InterACTION among many other discounts for seminars and courses offered through OPA’s Districts and other educators.
OPA’s monthly course i-blast, listing professional development opportunities across the province, is sent to all members on the 15th of each month free of charge.
OPA keeps you up-to-date on any issues that affect your profession through
numerous communication channels
OPA’s quarterly member newsletter, Physiotherapy Today, OPA & District Updates e-newsletters and our member’s only website provide you with recent practice information, professional development opportunities, details of advocacy initiatives, marketing resources, and other health care information that could affect your profession and practice.
Like our Facebook page and find posts about best practices, news articles, links to research being conducted around the world, as well as many other online resources. Follow us on Twitter and get information about upcoming events, news and research articles. Follow OPA on LinkedIn for more professional news and connections to the physiotherapy community.
Student Benefits (Entry-level student membership in OPA is free)
To help make the transition for students entering into a new stage of their professional career as smooth as possible, the OPA puts together a graduate package that includes information on topics such as how to find a job, salary exceptions, contract negotiations, and upcoming course information.
We also offer information on resume writing as well as interview tips, including a video. OPA also hosts a seminar to help students with their PCE every year at most of the physiotherapy schools in Ontario. Students can also connect to practicing physiotherapists, their local community or health care provider by volunteering at OPA events or hosting their own.
Physiotherapist Assistant Benefits
Physiotherapist assistant members have access to all OPA resources, including the National Physiotherapist Assistant Assembly (NPAA) through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. PTAs are eligible for all discounts to courses and seminars and receive all of our communications.
OPA gives you the opportunity for skill development and community
involvement. Be a Volunteer!
From OPA’s InterACTION conference to attending a physio race, a walk to fight arthritis or a wellness fair, there are many ways that you can volunteer, develop skills and engage with your community. OPA hosts events for which you can volunteer, or we also connect members with other organizations where they need physiotherapist volunteers. We also provide you with tips on how to organize your own event.
Sixteen districts of OPA allow you to get involved locally in your district by joining the executive, participating in their events, or attending a course. You can also participate in setting the agenda for physiotherapy in the years ahead, by volunteering on the OPA Board of Directors, or one of the OPA’s committees or advisory groups.
The OPA welcomes and appreciates members who are seeking volunteer opportunities and also those looking for volunteers to help with their own function. We can help spread the word for your volunteer needs.
OPA helps researchers and educators
OPA funds research every year through the Ontario Physiotherapy Association Kim Wolny Research Grant (OPARG).This grant provides support for physiotherapy research projects that focus on new and emerging roles and programs for physiotherapists in the Ontario health system, and investigates potential effects of such roles/programs on health outcomes for Ontarians and health system effectiveness. An award of $10,000 is made annually to an applicant for an Ontario-based research project.
OPA also helps researchers looking for physiotherapist participants find participants for their studies through our e-newsletter, print newsletter, social media and our website. You can have an impact on physiotherapy research and surveys by filling out surveys and volunteering as a participant in research.
Home and Auto Insurance
As a member of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA), you can take advantage of Johnson Inc.’s Preferred Service Home-Auto Plan. Johnson Inc. is a national provider of insurance and benefits. With origins dating back more than 125 years, Johnson Inc. has more than 1200 employees in over 65 locations across the country. The company prides itself on offering award-winning customer service and has been recognized as the world leader in customer relationship management. Headquartered in St. John’s, NL, Johnson Inc. is one of Canada’s leading and fastest growing providers of insurance.
Visit Johnson Inc. online at www.johnson.ca/opa or call 1-800-563-0677 for a no-obligation quote on your home or auto insurance.
Comprehensive Financial Services
Brian Shumak, B.Sc., CLU, CFP, TEP, President of Brian Shumak Financial Services Inc. has been specializing in financial planning (from insurance through investments to incorporation analysis) for healthcare practitioners for over twenty years. In addition, he speaks to graduating physiotherapists about managing their money wisely throughout the Province of Ontario. In support of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association, he waives his initial consulting fee of up to $2500 for all members in good standing.
All OPA members are also members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Benefits available through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association include the following:
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