The information in this guide is for physiotherapists currently registered in another jurisdiction requiring temporary entry to Alberta for an approve purpose.
Visting instructor
- Providing physiotherapy instruction or demonstration involving direct patient contact, or
- Providing instruction for the performance of a restricted activity
Visiting learner
- Course participant performing a restricted activity while at a course
Visiting clinician
- Providing professional services directly to the public:
- at a sporting event (physiotherapists traveling with a group (e.g., sports team) and providing services only to that contingent do not need to be registered)
- during a major public health event (e.g., pandemic)
- providing cross-border physiotherapy
Current registration
Registered as a physiotherapist in another jurisdiction.
Liability insurance
Only required if applying as a Visiting Clinican. Personally hold professional liability insurance in the amount of $5 million to ensure coverage wherever you practice as a physiotherapist in Alberta, regardless of role or employment environment.
Character + reputation
Are of good character and reputation. There is no past or present behavior or conduct that would put the Alberta public at risk. Evidence is collected by self-declarations, criminal record checks, regulatory history, and civil judgments.
Documents you send directly to the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta
- Application. An application is only valid for 90 days from date of signing.
- Identification. Scanned copy of government-issued photo identification that matches the name on your application. We may request additional identification if your name on any supporting document is different than on your application.
- Liability insurance if applying as a Visiting Clinician. Certificate of Insurance with a current effective date. A future-dated policy will not be accepted.
Email your application and all of the above supporting documents to registration@cpta.ab.ca. All documents must be sent as an email attachment; documents embedded in the email are not accepted.
Applications must be accompanied by all supporting documents which you are required to provide directly. If you do not have all the supporting documents, then you are not ready to apply for registration. All information (application and above supporting documents) must be received together.
Documents you arrange another party to send directly to the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta
- Criminal record check completed by Sterling Talent Solutions (myBackCheck.com) from every country where you have lived for 90+ days within 10 years of this application or dating back to your 18th birthday. A criminal record check is only valid for 90 days from date of issue.
- Regulatory History form from the jurisdiction where you are currently registered to confirm your registration status and conduct history. A Regulatory History is only valid for 90 days from date of issue.
Coordination of the application process is important to ensure a document does not expire before all required documents are received and approved. This is particularly important if an international criminal record check or international regulatory history report is required as these can often take several weeks to receive.
How we will manage your application file
- In two business days, we will review your application and supporting documents to ensure all necessary documents have been received. This is not to determine if a document meets the registration criteria/requirement.
- If yes, we will start the application process and provide access to our Member Portal where you can monitor your application progress.
- If no, we will not start the application process. You will be advised to reapply and provide complete supporting documentation.
- In five business days, we will start to work on your application file. This includes reviewing your application and accompanying supporting documents in depth to ensure each document meets the registration criteria. We will also review any documents received directly from another party.
- Thereafter, any documents received from another party, resubmitted documents and email correspondence are dealt with in six business days.
- A status report is uploaded to your Member Portal and updated each time a document or email is reviewed to indicate the review outcome.
While we try to deal with applications and documents within the timelines noted above processing does take longer when there is a high volume.
Application files are typically assessed by staff, however, the Registrar may refer any matter to the Registration Committee to consider and this will delay the application progress.
Decision on a complete application
- We should be able to approve your application in one to two business days once all registration requirements have been cleared/met unless there are extenuating circumstances.
- Once approved, a practice permit is issued entitling you to practice as a physiotherapist in Alberta.
- Your name will appear on the public registry enabling the public and employers to verify your registration status.
Applications may also be deferred, refused, or conditions imposed if it is in the best interest of the public. Decisions or actions taken by the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta can be reviewed by the provincial Ombudsman in accordance with the Ombudsman Act.
Fees paid to the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta
Collected at time file is complete. Fees are non-refundable.
Application fee |
$125 |
Fees paid to another party
Liability insurance (Visiting Clinician) |
$200 - $250 |
|
Regulatory history |
At discretion of regulator |
|
Criminal record check |
Canada - $29 + tax United States - $31 + tax Other countries - range is $35 - $350 (See Note below) |
Note: These are estimates only and can vary depending on circumstances, e.g., number of region/state searches within a country, the complexity of the search, local fees, delay in processing.
Timelines
Liability insurance (Visiting Clinician) |
At discretion of insurance provider |
|
Regulatory history |
At discretion of regulator |
|
Criminal Record Check |
Canada - approximately two business days if cleared based on name search International - several weeks and varies by country |
|
Supporing documents |
Six business days for the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta to review from date received |
|
Decision on complete file |
Approximately one to two business days |
Collection of Information
The College of Physiotherapists of Alberta collects information from applicants and members for regulatory purposes. This includes determining eligibility for registration, maintaining the Register of Members and implementing the investigation and discipline process. Information is also used to support activities that further the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta’s mandate to protect the public interest. The College of Physiotherapists of Alberta keeps complete registration files for a minimum of 10 years following removal from the register.
Who do we share your information with?
In accordance with Sections 33(3) and 85 of the Health Professions Act, and Section 38 of the Physical Therapists Profession Regulation, the following information on the Register of Members must be disclosed to the public upon request: member’s full name, registration number, practice permit status (including conditions, restrictions, suspensions, cancellations), whether they are authorized to perform a restricted activity, practice specialization, and conduct findings on record. Members of the public may access information on the register by contacting the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta directly or through our online register.
In accordance with Section 37 of the Physical Therapists Profession Regulation, the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta may disclose the following information concerning its regulated members to members of the public in order to support its physiotherapist search function on its website: member’s names used in practice; employment information including business name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number and email address; degrees and other qualifications; practice areas and specializations; school of graduation; gender; and languages in which the member can provide professional services.
In accordance with Section 122 of the Health Professions Act, the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta is required to provide demographic, education and practice information to the Minister of Health for planning and resource allocation, health system management, public health surveillance, and health policy development.
In accordance with Section 36(3) of the Physical Therapists Profession Regulation, the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta may disclose information in a summarized or statistical form so that it is not possible to relate the information to any particular identifiable person.
How can you access and correct your information?
You may access and correct most information using My Profile in the Member Portal. Information that may not be changed online must be brought to the attention of the College.
Who should you contact for more information?
The College of Physiotherapists of Alberta is committed to protecting all personal information shared with us. The commitment to safeguarding your privacy is reflected in our privacy policy. Contact the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta’s Privacy Officer if you have questions about the collection, use, and disclosure of your information. 780.438.0338 or info@cpta.ab.ca.