Welcome Class of 2020

The bridging program welcomes the Class of 2020, the 8th cohort since it started as a pilot program in 2012. These internationally educated physical therapists (IEPTs) emigrated from their home countries of Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, The Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates with many goals especially one of practicing as physical therapists in Ontario.

Many of these IEPTs heard about the bridging program from the OIEPB website, colleagues, bridging Alumni and the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators. Eager to re-start their professional career, they were confident the program would help them refresh their foundational physical therapy knowledge, gain practical experience through two clinical internship opportunities and help them integrate within the Canadian healthcare system.

Most importantly, they will build a new network and gain more confidence to be successful when challenging the national Physiotherapy Competency Exams. Once licensure to practice is achieved, these IEPTs are presented with many more employment opportunities and can choose to practice in Ontario or anywhere in Canada!

So excitement was in the air during Residency week at the end of April. The week was jammed packed and was designed to help them become familiar with all aspects of the program’s online and onsite curriculum, clinical education, mentorship and life at the University of Toronto.

During Residency week, Class President Nominations were held. Calvin Burkart was elected as the 2020 Class President. Calvin received his physiotherapy education in The Netherlands and practiced in Germany. He’s honoured to be representing his new classmates as Class President.

Residency week wouldn’t be complete without the traditional cultural potluck lunch. This year was no exception as the class, faculty, staff, alumni and mentors came together to share their favourite dishes. Another gastronomic feast was in the books and a great way to kick off the bridging program!

Since May, the class has completed their first fundamentals module in cardiorespiratory practice and now onto the Neuromusculoskeletal (NMSK) module. During the summer, they will review neurological fundamentals and consolidate these areas of physical therapy practice to give them the confidence to shine during their first clinical internship in September. Preparation is one of the keys to their success!

Learn more about the Comprehensive Bridging Program here.

OIEPB Information Session on Nov 13, 2019 – Sign up here.

Subscribe to the OIEPB newsletter here.

Watch our latest videos on YouTube.