Canada’s population is not only growing but also aging, putting increased pressure on our healthcare system. Over the past decade, this system has faced significant challenges, from the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to limited access to primary care. As demand for healthcare services rises, physiotherapy has become essential in helping Canadians maintain their mobility, function, and overall quality of life.
To meet the demands of our healthcare system and an aging population, internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) have played a significant role in helping Canadians address their rehabilitation needs. In 2022, IEPTs made up 23% of the physiotherapy workforce in Canada. This number is expected to rise alongside the demand for rehabilitation services.
However, internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) in Canada face multiple barriers, including stringent credential recognition, costly and time-consuming licensing exams (such as the Physiotherapy Competency Exam), and language proficiency requirements.
A lack of Canadian work experience, cultural differences in patient care, and limited professional networks can add to their challenges. Financial constraints and delays in licensure often force IEPTs into unrelated jobs while they complete bridging programs or supervised practice.
Despite these challenges, support through mentorship, provincial resources, and transition programs like the Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapy Bridging program (OIEPB) help many successfully integrate into Canada’s healthcare system.
Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapy Bridging Program
The Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapy Bridging program (OIEPB) is designed to provide physiotherapists educated outside of Canada with educational and clinical opportunities to excel in the Canadian healthcare system. Graduates of the program tend to have higher success rates with their licensing exams and transition more smoothly into professional practise.
Propel Physiotherapy’s founder and executive director Kyle Whaley has had the opportunity to work in physiotherapy overseas—in Australia and New Zealand, and as a volunteer in South East Asia, South Asia and the Pacific. He can appreciate the benefits of allowing foreign trained PT’s to practice their craft here in Canada. “The breadth of knowledge, complimentary skills and language abilities that overseas trained physiotherapists bring to the country is invaluable, especially considering the diversity of our client population here in Canada,” says Whaley.
OIEPB is made possible by a partnership with the University of Toronto’s Department of Physical Therapy and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. The program aims to create a learning environment that builds on IEPTs’ existing knowledge and experience. It also equips them with the clinical skills and competencies needed to become independent practitioners in Canada. The clinical instructors are passionate about mentoring and take pride in helping IEPTs reach their goals.
At Propel Physiotherapy, Kyle Whaley provides teaching and mentorship for the clinical skills labs with the OIEPB program. These labs are essential in teaching students the hands-on skills that are critical for physiotherapists. As well, Propel Physiotherapy routinely offers clinical placements for bridging program students. These placements help to bridge the gap between theory and practice, by helping students apply classroom knowledge to real world health care settings.
Kyle Whaley has been a clinical instructor for the OIEPB Program since 2014. He enjoys helping others achieve their professional goals and helping them get a leg up on succeeding in the Canadian workplace. “The vision of the program is to create an adult learning environment, building upon a learner’s education and clinical experience to promote, improve, and maintain the mobility and function of Canadians,” says Whaley.
A critical part of the OIEPB program is allowing IEPTs to interact and learn from clinicians currently practising in Canada. It provides an opportunity to refresh skills, gain support from a network of peers and mentors, experience the Canadian healthcare workplace first-hand, and gain assistance in job and career planning.
Program Helps IEPTs Bring Valuable Skills to Our Healthcare System
Canada’s aging population and growing healthcare demands highlight the critical need for skilled physiotherapists—and internationally educated professionals (IEPTs) play an indispensable role in meeting this demand. Despite facing significant barriers, from rigorous licensing exams to cultural and financial challenges, their contributions enrich our healthcare system with diverse expertise, language skills, and global perspectives.
Programs like the Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapy Bridging (OIEPB) Program provide essential support, helping IEPTs transition smoothly into Canadian practice through mentorship, clinical training, and professional networking. By investing in these initiatives, we not only empower talented physiotherapists to succeed but also strengthen rehabilitation care for all Canadians.
As our population continues to age and diversify, embracing the skills of internationally trained professionals will be key to building a more resilient, inclusive, and effective healthcare system. To learn more about the OIEPB program and its impact, visit the University of Toronto’s OIEPB webpage.
At Propel Physiotherapy, we celebrate the contributions of IEPTs and remain committed to supporting their journey in Canada’s healthcare landscape.
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