The Department of Jobs, Immigration and Growth is investing $89,000 over the next two years to support the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Physiotherapists (NLCP) in developing a mentorship program that will help internationally and Canadian-educated physiotherapists bridge education and experience gaps to meet provincial licensing requirements.
The initiative is designed to help address the province’s ongoing shortage of physiotherapists, particularly in rural regions, by enhancing access to training and mentorship resources.
The mentorship program will offer targeted learning modules to address gaps identified during the mandatory mentorship process for provisionally licensed physiotherapists. These modules will help participants gain the Canadian workplace experience required for full licensure, while also supporting mentors with relevant tools and resources. By supporting candidates through the licensing process, the program aims to improve retention and encourage more physiotherapists to build their careers in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The program is particularly focused on supporting internationally educated physiotherapists and residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who have completed physiotherapy studies outside the province. The funding supports the hiring of a dedicated coordinator to help develop and implement the program, collaborate with post-secondary institutions such as Dalhousie University, and ensure alignment with provincial and national standards.
The Newfoundland and Labrador College of Physiotherapists is a self-regulated and self-supported professional body that regulates the practice of physiotherapy in the province. All practicing physiotherapists must register with the College and adhere to established standards of practice.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador encourages individuals with international or out-of-province credentials who are not working in their field to contact the Fair Registration Practices Office for guidance on licensure, employment pathways and available supports. For assistance, email FairRegistration@gov.nl.ca.
Funding for this program is being provided through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.
Quotes
“Physiotherapists play a vital role in delivering health care across Newfoundland and Labrador. This investment will help more qualified professionals gain the experience they need to practice here, while also supporting our broader efforts to grow the workforce, strengthen retention and meet health care needs across the province.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth
“Our recruitment and retention strategy, which is based on the recommendation in Health Accord NL, is helping to bring health professionals to province. This investment ensures our government is helping the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Physiotherapists have the proper resources in place to help more physiotherapists get their required licenses.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Health and Community Services
“The funding support for the Bridging Program will be invaluable to assist Conditional Registrants in completing the Mentorship program and achieving full active registration. It will also aid registrants in becoming well-rounded clinicians, as they start challenging new careers in the field of physiotherapy and contribute to healthcare throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Michael Kay
Executive Director/Registrar, Newfoundland and Labrador College of Physiotherapists
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