Introduction To SPC's Post-Graduate Education System

(this page provides links to the SPC website for further information regarding the Sport Levels. In addition, for further information and a Certificate candidate application form click here to download the 'General Information Booklet')

Specific guidelines have been established for the recognition of competency in the Certificate, Diploma. (Candidate guidelines are based on the standards of existing agencies.) The Certificate and Diploma have been developed using the recommended core curriculum for CPA as a basis or entry requirement. Thus the candidate requires a firm foundation and understanding of the core curriculum in order to advance through the system.

The System has been designed in such a manner that any member of SPC may fulfil the requirements for certification at Candidate, Certificate, or Diploma without having to formally re-enroll in an institute of higher education. Curriculum material may be covered in a variety of ways: as is dictated by individual circumstances: small group seminars, weekend symposia or courses, self study, or advisor-directed report writing. Wherever possible, the content and expertise within established professional programs or courses (ie. first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation requirements) have been incorporated. This process has allowed a degree of standardization and quality control of basic program requirements while avoiding unnecessary duplication of efforts by SPC. Yearly updated reference lists will be provided to direct the candidate in self study of other syllabus areas.

SPC is responsible for the curriculum content and revision, course and instructor approval and examinations. The Provincial Sections and/or units are responsible for actual implementation of the curriculum objectives (ie. the organization and provision of approved courses covering or supplementing curriculum material).

**NOTE: As of August 2007, Sport Physiotherapy Canada (SPC) requires all
Certification Candidates to hold a valid First Responder Certificate. Basic First Aid and CPR will no longer be recognized.

Candidate: An application for Candidate means that the candidate has met basic emergency skill requirements (First Responder), and is interested in developing (or achieving recognition for) competence in the specialty of Sports Physiotherapy.

Certificate: At the certificate level, a physiotherapist will have knowledge and skills in sports physical therapy that contribute to the assessment and treatment of athletic injuries in the clinical and acute care setting. A Certificate physiotherapist will have demonstrated competence in working independently at an athletic event and will have sufficient knowledge and experience to attend to injuries and needs that may occur.

Diploma: At the Diploma level the physiotherapist will be able to look after the total needs of an athletic team. These needs include: pre-season conditioning, training camp, acute injury care, and complete rehabilitation of the athlete back to competitive level. These skills would be further supplemented by the physiotherapist's clinical expertise as well. Upon completion of the Diploma, a member will be entitled to call themselves a "Sport Physiotherapist" (dependant on provincial licensing regulations).

Student Involvement

SPC recognizes the importance of student involvement in the education program. Consequently, student members who are interested in advancing their skills and knowledge in sport physiotherapy are encouraged to work with a team or organization and to document (log) their practical experience. However, since the program has been designed as a specialty field following graduation, it is important that a minimum of 200 logged hours be done as a graduate physiotherapist.

Practical Experience

The Certificate and Diploma necessitate that the candidates gain strong practical experience in situations in which they are exposed to a variety of sports injuries and problems, and a variety of individuals working and participating in sport. Beyond basic entry knowledge and skills, the candidate must develop a high degree of competency in the area of assessment and management of acute injuries, proficiency in taping and strapping, and in the general fitting and modification of protective equipment. Experience in the areas of fitness and conditioning, and pre-season screening is also required. The acquisition of many of these skills is not part of the traditional undergraduate program and cannot be totally developed in a classroom or clinic setting. The practical field experience is a must and cannot be compromised if the physiotherapist is to gain and maintain credibility with the athlete, the coach and others working in sports.

• practical experience is an integral component to the acquisition of the necessary skills and knowledge at all levels.

• a member needs to commit a great deal of time and energy towards meeting the requirements of each level within the system. For the Certificate and Diploma particularly, it is strongly recommended that a physiotherapist obtain extensive experience working with a team/organization in a non-clinical setting.

• it is recommended that a minimum of 800 hours (post grad) of practical experience be obtained to meet the behavioural objectives of both the Certificate and Diploma. Of that requirement, a minimum of 200 hours must be logged and reviewed by an advisor recognized by SPC as having an in depth understanding of the specified behavioural objectives.

• the advisory program is meant to provide further guidance to interested members as they progress through the education system.

• work in situations where the chance of injuries occurring are higher. Involvement with contact sports and/or higher levels of competition, are strongly recommended in achieving this objective.

Mentors

All candidates will receive direction and guidelines from an mentor knowledgeable and experienced in the field of Sport Physiotherapy. This mentor may be a member of a provider group to the Sport Medicine and Science Council of Canada or of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and must be approved by SPC. It will be necessary for the mentor to have a thorough understanding of the level in the system at which they are mentoring.

Examinations

For the Certificate and Diploma, each candidate will be required to take a common examination to ensure that SPC can guarantee a minimum standard of skill and knowledge.
It should be emphasized that many avenues of study are available to the membership bringing them to the point where they can qualify for examinations. One example would be a group of individuals forming a study group and covering Certificate or Diploma theory material on a seminar basis. This approach might be somewhat more time consuming than others but it is anticipated that the curriculum objectives and reference list will provide the necessary direction. The practical areas will require a commitment of time and, in some cases, tuition fees for courses sponsored by SPC.