POST GRADUATE EDUCATION FUND COMMITTEE (PGEFC)
NSCP – Postgraduate Education Fund (PEF)
What is it? The PEF, about 20 years old, was created with the purpose of assisting members of the NSCP, physiotherapists, to pursue further education related to their professional interests and the development of the profession.
What does the PEF fund? Due to limited funds (currently $3,000 annually) not all forms of postgraduate education can be funded by the PEF. The PEF will assist PTs to attend continuing education courses, workshops, seminars, specialty examinations, and formal (College, University) courses that pertain directly to the physiotherapy profession. These courses may be located anywhere.
What does the PEF not fund? The PEF does not fund courses/programs that lead to a qualification in another profession (e.g. law, chiropractic, etc.).
The PEF does not fund members to attend conferences or congresses, regardless of whether they are making a presentation. (CPA-NS has some funds for the latter .Who can apply for these funds? Only active members of the NSCP may apply; applicants therefore must be graduates of a recognized physiotherapy program.
What does the funding cover, that is, what can be claimed? The PEF attempts to fund all aspects of the expenses related to a specific educational event, that is, primarily the course fees but also travel, accommodation and meals as required. It is important the applicants detail and include all related expenses as this is a method by which members needs can be identified.
How much can I apply for? There is a limit of $500 per application, however all expenses should be detailed as rarely funds are available to exceed this limit. Hint: Even if your expenses exceed $500 do not request more, simply detail your needs.
When are funds dispersed, and when should applications be submitted? While you can submit can application to the College at any time of the year, the committee only meets twice a year to rate the applications received and to allocate funds.
Meetings are held in May and November.
The deadlines for applications to be received are: April 30th and October 30th.
You may apply for funds before or after taking a course, however as funds are only dispersed twice a year this must be considered if you are dependent on this funding.
Where can I get an application form? You can download the form from this web site, or request a hard copy from the College. It is important that you do follow the requirements, answer all questions, where a one page resume is requested, please supply only that. Hint: Excess material does not win Brownie points! Supply the requested number of copies. First impressions can count – be legible, concise, use your Spell checker!
With the application you will get a copy of the Rating form so you can see how this is determined…..basically it is designed to assist the first time applicant, or the occasional application; to fund courses, etc., that will benefit physiotherapy in the province, or local area, more than one person; to fund a variety of topics, to assist attendance at courses never or rarely available in the province.
Who is on the committee? The committee consists of 6-7 people, one of which is a lay member, not a physiotherapy. Membership tries to reflect public and private practice and to include people from outside Halifax Region. Specific membership can be obtained from the College or the its annual report.
So, if you are a member of the NSCP, want to attend an educational course, go ahead, apply!