Posted October 25, 2021
Postponements and cancellation of the PCE clinical component due to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant ambiguity for Nova Scotia Resident Physiotherapists on their next steps to fully entering the profession. This is not lost on the board and has and will continue to be a significant consideration as the NSCP continues to meet its public protection mandate.
As requested by the Board during the September 15th, 2021 Board meeting, NSCP staff provided a detailed proposal for an alternative pathway to full Licensure for some residents that wish to apply. The proposal was reviewed during the October 20, 2021 NSCP Board meeting and feedback was provided for staff to incorporate into the process. The NSCP appreciates your continued patience as the alternative process is finalized, approved and resourced. In the interim the NSCP would like to share a few key points and timeframes.
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Staff developed the proposal with input from the following stakeholders:
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NS Department of Health and Wellness Staff
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Active PT sponsors (2 video forum sessions with combined attendance of 12 plus 2 who could not attend but provided input via phone/email communication).
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Dalhousie University
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NSPA representatives
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National Registrar Counterparts
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Legal Counsel
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The Board is confident that the final process will meet the criteria set during the September 15th Meeting
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The process will be an interim measure for some of the affected candidates and be limited to the time that the national competency standard: clinical component is not available to residents. When a national competency standard: clinical component is available, the NSCP will support this standard requirement for full licensure.
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The application process will be available to NS Residents who have met the requirements while licensed in Nova Scotia. Residents who meet the minimum month and practice hours while licensed in another Jurisdiction will not qualify to apply until they have completed those requirements in Nova Scotia.
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Current and all future applicants must be made aware of the risks of licensure without successful completion of the PCE with regards to labour mobility
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Next Steps:
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Draft and approval of interim policy (target early November 2021)
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Development of detailed process requirements and anticipated timelines (target mid to Late November 2021)
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Development of resources for credentialing committee and applicants (Target Nov/Dec 2021)
In the interest of allowing staff and volunteers to focus on finalizing, approving and resourcing the process as expeditiously as possible individual requests for further information/questions related to the process will be accepted and incorporated into future communications, however, we will not be able to respond on an individual basis.
Please note that all communication to staff, Board members and volunteers must be professional and made to appropriate parties through the appropriate channels. Individual Board members should not be contacted through social media or through personal channels, as that is not an appropriate nor professional means of correspondence. Correspondence related to processes, administration and communication matters should be directed to the appropriate staff member or to office@nsphysio.com where it will be directed to the appropriate party. The Board of Directors speaks as one voice on College matters and when an individual Board member is contacted, they refer the matter to the larger body for discussion.
The Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists (NSCP) is seeking volunteers for our Credentials Committee. The Credentials Committee considers applications for registration and licensure as a Physiotherapist in Nova Scotia.
Postponements and cancellation of the National Physiotherapy Competency Exam due to the COVID-19 pandemic have caused significant ambiguity for Nova Scotia Resident Physiotherapists on their next steps to fully entering the profession.
The NSCP has adopted an interim policy to provide an alternative credentialing process to be in effect while the PCE clinical component is not available. This interim process will be conducted by the credentials committee (Download Terms of Reference).
Who can volunteer?
There are 3 required roles on the Credentials Committee (Follow the links for more details on what we are looking for with each role):
For those considering applying please note that applications will be accepted until Feb 7th, 2022.
Please also note that for those that may not fit the 3 defined categories (Public, Current/Former Board Member, Current/Former Sponsor) there is space for you on the committee and your applications are welcome. Please submit use the application form and include a copy of your CV with your application.
