Today we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On September 30 we honour and remember the Indigenous children who never returned home, survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities.
Watch Courtney Bean, OPA’s President, speak about this day, its history, and significance to all of us. Check out resources below mentioned in the video.
Toronto Public Library’s Reading for Reconciliation list (link includes a list of in-person events at the library including film screenings, bead pin making and more)
For students, new graduates, and internationally educated clinicians who want to practice in Ontario
Overview
Congratulations to all outgoing physiotherapy students, recent graduates, and new-to-practice clinicians! This is an exciting milestone in your journey, and we recognize that it can also be a time filled with questions and uncertainty, especially with the recent changes to the examination and registration process in Ontario.
This guide will help you navigate the transition based on your specific situation.
You are eligible to complete either the OCE or the new Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE).
If you choose to complete the OCE, you must apply for provisional practice class and the OCE at the same time (this is a requirement, and you cannot apply for one without the other).
Next Steps for graduates who are choosing to complete the OCE
Contact CPO immediately to secure your exam spot (please note that you cannot register for this examination until you have completed your PT program).
Prepare application materials for both provisional practice and OCE.
Review exam preparation resources.
Next Steps for those who have passed the PCE but have not yet completed their PT Program
Try to avoid stressing about securing an OCE slot. You cannot book this examination until you have completed your PT program.
Next Steps for graduates who are choosing to complete the CPTE
Q: I’m confused about which exam I need to take. Who should I contact? A: Contact the CPO directly. They can assess your specific situation and provide definitive guidance on which examination pathway applies to you.
Q: Can I practice while waiting for exam results? A: This depends on your registration status. Speak with CPO about provisional practice opportunities and requirements.
Q: How long do I have to complete these requirements after graduation? A: Timelines vary by situation. Contact CPO immediately after graduation to understand your specific deadlines.
Q: What if I’m planning to practice outside Ontario? A: Each province has different requirements. If you plan to practice elsewhere, contact that province’s regulatory college directly.
Q: How does OPA membership help with this transition? A: OPA provides ongoing updates about regulatory changes, professional support during your transition, networking opportunities, and advocacy to ensure these processes serve new graduates effectively.
Need More Help?
Regulatory Questions: Contact the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPO) Exam Information: Contact Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) Professional Support: Contact Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA)
Remember: This process can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. OPA is here to support you as you launch your career, and we’re advocating for processes that serve new graduates effectively.
This guide is current as of September 1, 2025. Regulatory requirements may change. Always verify information directly with the relevant regulatory bodies.
Nearly one year has passed since OPA published the 2024 Physiotherapy Fee Guideline, and we’re continuing our commitment to annual reviews that keep pace with the evolving private practice landscape.
Supporting Your Practice Success
The Annual Fee Guideline Review ensures that physiotherapists have access to current, relevant fee guidance. This review process examines market trends, practice realities, and member needs, to deliver a tool that serves our profession.
This resource is designed for all physiotherapists, with particular focus on those in private practice who face daily decisions about fee structures while striving to deliver exceptional patient care and maintain sustainable businesses.
Addressing Real Practice Challenges
We know you’re navigating an increasingly complex practice environment. Economic pressures, changing patient expectations, insurance considerations, and evolving service delivery models all impact how you structure your fees. Without current guidance, it becomes challenging to make confident decisions that balance patient accessibility with practice sustainability.
The private practice landscape doesn’t stand still, and neither should the resources that support your success.
How Your Input Drives Meaningful Updates
Our annual review process is built on member engagement. We’re seeking your insights through a survey that explores your current fees, fee models, and experiences using the Fee Guideline as an advocacy tool in your practice.
This data collection allows us to continue to evolve and modify the Guideline with your real-world experience as the foundation.
The Value You Receive
By participating in this annual review, you gain:
Evidence-based fee guidance that reflects current market conditions
A powerful advocacy tool to support conversations with patients, insurance providers, and other stakeholders
Professional confidence in your fee decisions, backed by peer input
Practice sustainability support that helps balance patient care with business viability
Community connection through shared insights and collective professional growth
Your Participation Matters
The survey takes just minutes to complete but provides invaluable insights that strengthen our entire profession. Your responses help us understand emerging trends, identify challenges, and ensure the Fee Guideline remains practically relevant for diverse practice settings across Ontario.
By participating, you are actively contributing to a resource that supports thousands of physiotherapists in delivering quality care while maintaining sustainable practices.
Looking Forward
Stay tuned for updates this fall as we compile insights, analyze trends, and prepare the updated guideline. This collaborative approach ensures the Fee Guideline continues evolving as a relevant, practical tool that serves our growing professional community.
Supporting Your Professional Journey
This annual review exemplifies why OPA exists: to provide physiotherapists with the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in all practice settings. Whether you’re establishing fees for a new service, advocating with insurance providers, or simply ensuring your practice remains sustainable, the Fee Guideline serves as your professional foundation.
Ready to contribute? Complete the survey today and help shape the resource that supports our profession’s future.
The Canadian Physiotherapy Association has opened the Call for Presentations for abstracts to be considered for Congress 2026, hosted in Halifax, Nova Scotia from May 28-30, 2026. The Call for Presentations is open from July 2 until October 9, 2025.
For 2026, OPA has decided to promote participation by Ontario members to both submit proposals for Congress and attend in Halifax in May. By facilitating attendance in alternating years at Congress and OPA’s InterACTION, there is an opportunity to create events with robust discussions from members of the physiotherapy community across the country.
This decision will also enable OPA to imagine and host different types of events in 2026. Stay tuned for details about these innovative offerings throughout 2026. We will be planning to offer our next InterACTION Conference in 2027.
Congress 2026 Submission Requirements
Submissions for CPA Congress 2026 must:
Apply to one of the 18 themes or practice areas identified in the call
Be evidence-informed and directly related to physiotherapy practice
Showcase best practices and innovation
Prioritize engagement and practical application
Congress is an excellent opportunity for Ontario physiotherapists to share their expertise, research, and innovative practices with colleagues from across Canada while contributing to the advancement of the profession nationally.
OPA encourages members to submitting proposals that highlight the outstanding work being done by physiotherapists across Ontario. Your participation helps ensure that Ontario’s voice and expertise are well-represented at this national gathering.
As previously announced, the Government of Ontario is moving forward with a plan to provide insured orthopaedic services, specifically hip and knee joint replacements, in community-based settings.
The Call for Applications to propose an Integrated Community Health Service Centre (ICHSC) that includes orthopaedic services has opened, with applications due August 27, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST.
OPA continues to advocate for increased clarity and transparency on the requirements and the bundled facility fee that funds rehab care for patients related to their surgery. A major concern is that these bundled fees are lower than the current fees for hospital-based surgeries, and it is not clear how this change will impact the financial sustainability of essential rehab services. ICHSC applicants need to understand the value of physiotherapy care that is included in the bundled fee. Physiotherapy clinics cannot afford to provide services to patients below market rates. Ensuring that physiotherapy remains appropriately integrated and publicly-funded as a core component of care in these centres is vital for maintaining health system quality and equity across Ontario.
As part of the application process, prospective licensees are required to demonstrate partnerships with rehabilitation providers, which may include physiotherapists.
Your input will help OPA continue to advocate effectively for the integration and appropriate compensation of physiotherapy services in this evolving healthcare landscape and ensure that patients receive comprehensive care throughout their orthopaedic surgical journey.
OPA would like to hear from you about your participation in the application process. We will inform our advocacy by understanding how physiotherapy services are represented in the applications, which may include details about reimbursement rates or how an episode of care is defined. Please share your feedback below.
OPA will continue to monitor developments and provide updates to members as this initiative progresses.
The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) is searching for a strategic and experienced professional to join our team as Director – Practice and Policy. This permanent, full-time position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of physiotherapy practice across Ontario while advancing the profession through policy development, advocacy, and member services.
Job Description
Director – Practice and Policy – Permanent Full Time Position
The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) is a dynamic professional non-profit organization with over 5,500 physiotherapist, physiotherapist assistant and student members across the province. We are committed to the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome those who will help us increase our capacity for diversity. OPA welcomes all qualified applicants and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Black, Indigenous and other racialized persons, and persons with disabilities.
The Director, Practice and Policy, is the Association’s primary contact with and resource to staff, members, volunteers and the public in the areas of practice and policy related to physiotherapy in Ontario. They are responsible for activities that contribute to the achievement of OPA’s strategic goals in member services, professional practice issues and resources, advocacy, policy and strategic partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Manage internal and external environmental scanning and analysis of existing and emerging legislation and policy pertaining to physiotherapy in Ontario.
Identify and research emerging issues related to the practice of physiotherapy and recommend and implement strategies.
Develop policy and advocacy positions on behalf of OPA members.
Provide support to the Board of Directors, Advisory Committees and other governance groups related to the work of the Association.
Contribute to the development of the Strategic and Operational Plans, monitors and reports on the progress of annual objectives of the Association.
Develop and/or coordinate content related to areas of responsibility for association communication vehicles including newsletter, website and social media.
Lead and manage the education portfolio, including the OPA conference.
Oversee all aspects of members services, including evaluation of current programs and services and recommending and developing new member services to enhance the value of membership.
Participate in the hiring process of staff; responsible for the supervision and development of staff in the practice and policy area.
Acts as senior manager in the absence of the CEO and supports the CEO as a member of senior management.
Requirements
Knowledge:
Knowledge and experience with provincial/regional health systems and health system policy
Graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. public relations, political science, health policy, public or business administration) an asset
Masters of Science in Physical Therapy – plus current registration with a Canadian regulatory College of Physiotherapists (in good standing)
Experience:
5+ years of progressive leadership experience
Policy & Advocacy experience
Experience working with volunteers in a not-for-profit environment an asset
Skillsets:
5+ years of progressive leadership experience
Policy & Advocacy experience
Experience working with volunteers in a not-for-profit environment an asset Skillsets:
Excellent interpersonal skills including team building, mentoring, networking and leadership
Strong analytical, facilitation, presentation and communication, including written, skills
Ability to search for and synthesize information and research
Solid time management, organizational and coordination skills
Strong problem-solving skills combined with effective risk management skills
Location Hybrid – this position is a combination of work from home and in-person at our office location at 110 Sheppard Ave East, Toronto. The successful candidate will need to be available to work regular hours and occasional evenings and weekends.
Compensation Salary Range: $90,000 to $115,000. Offer commensurate with experience. Comprehensive Benefit Package.
Contact Information Interested individuals are directed to forward a letter of interest and resume by Friday, August 22nd 2025. Send your application to the attention of: Sarah Hutchison, CEO shutchison@opa.on.ca Please also send electronically to: apply@opa.on.ca
