Bridging to Canadian Physical Therapy Practice Course Series

Course Series Description

The Bridging to Canadian Physical Therapy Practice Series (formerly titled the Bridging to CND to PT Practice Certificate program) is a comprehensive professional development program designed to bridge the gap for internationally educated physical therapists (IEPTs) entering the Canadian healthcare system.

This series integrates theoretical foundation, hands-on clinical lab skills, exam preparation, and real-world mentorship to ensure participants develop the clinical reasoning, skills, and professional judgment required for safe, effective, and autonomous practice in Canada.

Through a blend of flexible online learning and in-person practical on-campus experiences at the University of Alberta, the curriculum systematically covers musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory physical therapy, while equipping learners with proven strategies to succeed in Canadian credentialing exams.

The course series is a blend of fully online courses (EXFRM 2705, 2707, 2737) and in-person practical hands on learning (EXFRM 2706, EXFRM 2709).  Only EXFRM 2709 has pre-requisite courses (EXFRM 2705, 2706, 2707, 2737).  Participants can take the full course series OR register for individual courses.

If you would like updates regarding course offerings please join our  Bridging Education Notification List

Course Registration 

Registration for the following courses are now open (see details under the 'How to Register' tab below)

  • EXFRM 2737 (online course; March 1 - April 9, 2027) Registration Open
  • EXFRM 2705 (online course; March 1 - May 28, 2027) Registration Open
  • EXFRM 2706 (in-person course; coming soon)
  • EXFRM 2707 (online course; coming soon)
  • EXFRM 2709 (in-person course; coming soon)

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Step 1: Complete and submit the faculty course series application form

Step 2: Proceed to create a UofA CERegister account 

Step 3: Register for a course section on UofA CERegister using the links below:

Visit UofA Continuing Education for information on course withdrawal, refund, and transfer policy.

EXFRM 2737 Strategies for Success in Physical Therapy Exams

This online course consolidates entry to practice knowledge and skills through exam strategies, including a comprehensive written multiple choice question exam and oral exam case scenarios. 

Open to all IEPTs undergoing credentialing for Canadian practice and Canadian Physiotherapy students in their final semester.

Prerequisite: none, Corequisite: none

Cost $600 + GST

EXFRM 2705 Professional Physical Therapy Practice in Canada I

This course focuses on the development of the knowledge, skills and judgment required to deliver safe and effective physical therapy (PT) care in the Canadian setting. Topics include clinical reasoning, professional practice, PT Fundamentals and MSK PT Practices.

Prerequisites: none, Corequisite: none

Cost $950 + GST

EXFRM 2706 Essential Skills in Physical Therapy Practice I

This course comprises  40 hours of on-campus clinical skills labs at the University of Alberta North/Main campus in Edmonton. This course aligns with content in EXFRM 2705 and 2707 using a hands-on practical learning experience to enhance the participants' clinical skills and application of guidelines, techniques, and standards of Canadian physical therapy practice.

Prerequisite: none, Corequisite: none

Cost $950 + GST

EXFRM 2707 Professional Physical Therapy Practice in Canada II

This online course focuses on the development of the knowledge, skills and judgment required to deliver safe and effective physical therapy (PT) care in the Canadian setting. Topics include clinical reasoning, professional practice, Neurological, Cardiorespiratory and other common areas of PT Practice.

Prerequisite: none, Corequisite: none

Cost $950 + GST

EXFRM 2709 Mentorship and Experiential Learning in Physical Therapy Practice

This course includes on-site clinical mentorship at University of Alberta affiliated facilities. Mentorship is provided by clinical physical therapy (PT) preceptors who assist in consolidation of knowledge, skills and attitudes to develop PT practice readiness.

Prerequisite: EXFRM 2705, EXFRM 2706, EXFRM 2707 and EXFRM 2708

Cost $950 + GST

 

EXFRM 2737 Strategies for Success in Physical Therapy Exams

  • Apply clinical knowledge: Review and apply essential physiotherapy concepts across key practice areas.
  • Apply clinical reasoning skills: Analyze patient scenarios and confidently make safe, evidence-informed clinical decisions.
  • Master MCQ strategies: Develop effective techniques to approach questions, evaluate answer options, and improve exam performance.
  • Demonstrate success in oral examinations: Practise communicating clinical reasoning clearly, confidently, and systematically.
  • Apply Canadian practice standards: Demonstrate an understanding of professional responsibilities, patient safety, and ethical decision-making.
  • Build exam confidence: Identify areas for improvement, strengthen test-taking skills, and develop strategies to manage exam stress.

EXFRM 2705 Professional Physical Therapy Practice in Canada I

  • Adapt clinical reasoning frameworks to align with Canadian evidence-informed guidelines, provincial practice standards, and diverse patient-centred care models.
  • Navigate professional practice requirements by demonstrating adherence to the ethical, legal, cultural safety, and regulatory frameworks specific to Canadian physiotherapy jurisdictions.
  • Integrate fundamental PT practices and safety protocols unique to the Canadian setting, including standardized risk management and specific communication strategies for collaborative care.
  • Understand musculoskeletal (MSK) PT assessments and interventions that reflect current Canadian clinical practice variations, outcome measures, and healthcare delivery expectations.

EXFRM 2706 Essential Skills in Physical Therapy Practice I

(coming soon)

EXFRM 2707 Professional Physical Therapy Practice in Canada II

(coming soon)

EXFRM 2709 Mentorship and Experiential Learning in Physical Therapy Practice

(coming soon)

Upon course completion participants will recieve a Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine digital certificate.  A digital badge issued by UofA CE as well as an official UofA non-credit transcript will also be available through MyCreds.

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Michelle Barnes 

Clinical Lecturer, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine

Michelle Barnes graduated from the University of Alberta in 2002 with her Physiotherapy Degree. She has also completed degrees in Education and Physical Education. Since 2002 Michelle has worked as a physical therapist in both public and private practice with experience treating musculoskeletal injuries and an outpatient neurology population including people who had experienced a stroke or traumatic brain injury at Alberta's largest rehabilitation hospital. She has also worked as a site Clinical Coordinator for student placements to provide student orientation and help to arrange clinical placements.

In 2013 Michelle returned to the U of A to run the student physiotherapy clinic. Among other faculty responsibilities, Michelle currently instructs the Certificate in Bridging to Canadian Physical Therapy Practice program as well as other faculty online courses for internationally trained physical therapists.

Windmill Microlending

Loans are available, visit Windmill Microlending for more information including interest rates and eligibility.

 

email sdrefs@ualberta.ca