General
What’s the difference between the CoRe and Certificate program?
The CoRe Program focuses on self-directed learning across five modules:
Musculoskeletal, Neurology, Cardiorespiratory, Other Systems, and Professional
Practice & Transition to Practice, and includes virtual and in-person live events.
The Certificate Program includes everything in the CoRe Program, plus a 100-
hour part-time clinical placement to support your transition into clinical
practice in the Canadian healthcare system.
What is required for registration?
The only requirement for registration is the payment of the registration fee.
However, we strongly recommend completing the credentialing process with the
Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) before registering,
especially if you are interested in the Certificate Program, as credentialing is a
requirement for participation.
How do the Zoom sessions work?
Some Physio Refresh events (Live Tutorials, Capstone Tutorial and Transition to
Practice Workshops) are conducted ‘live’ on Zoom. You will be provided with
Zoom links for the workshops – a strong internet connection, webcam, and
microphone are required. Physio Refresh tutors and facilitators are highly adept at
engaging in group discussions on Zoom, and the sessions are a great opportunity
to ask questions, discuss study strategies, etc.
What if I have questions about the material I’m studying?
There are a number of options available: you can ask your peers in the program on
the discussion forum, reach out to the Physio Refresh program team, or ask a tutor
during the live events.
Are there financial aid options for paying the program fees?
Physio Refresh does not offer financial assistance for paying program fees; however, past registrants have found assistance through services such as WorkBC and Skills Connect Canada.
Back in Motion’s Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants offers support and financial support to eligible candidates visit Back in Motion to learn more.
Health Match BC (HMBC), in partnership with the BC Ministry of Health and the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators will support eligible Internationally Educated Physiotherapists who want to work in BC by offering financial support to help pay for costs associated with credential assessment, English language proficiency testing, exam preparation, and bridging education. Please visit the HMBC website to learn more.
There may be additional options in your province.
Do I have to be a Canadian resident? Do I need a Visa?
Physio Refresh registrants do not need to live in Canada and do not require a Canadian student or work Visa. However, registrants must be in Vancouver on the dates of the program in-person events.
When should I register?
You can register at any time after registrations open. As most of the program is self-directed, register when you feel it will work best for your personal study plan. However, make sure you register before the first event, as attendance at all program events is mandatory to be eligible for bursary reimbursement.
How often are there classes/sessions?
The majority of Physio Refresh is self-directed, which means that registrants work through the online materials at their own pace, without a program instructor or facilitator. There are a few scheduled events delivered via Zoom. There are also three in-person events in the Physio Refresh Program which must be attended in Vancouver, BC: the Baseline Exam, the Clinical Lab Weekend, and the Final Exam. Participants will receive the confirmed schedule in advance so they can plan to attend accordingly.
How long is each program event?
Each Live Tutorial Session is approximately 3.5 hours long. The Capstone Tutorial session is approximately 2.5 hours long. The Transition to Practice workshop is 3 hours long. The Baseline and Final Exams are each approximately 4.5 hours long (i.e., a half day). The Clinical Lab Weekend is a two-day event, approximately 9 hours each day. All virtual events take place during the week, and all in-person events take place on the weekend. Registrants are assigned to their event sessions by the Physio Refresh Program Operations Manager.
Can I attend the in-person session remotely? Are the sessions recorded?
Unfortunately, these sessions are not available remotely, and due to privacy policies, we are unable to record or share materials afterward. Participants are still welcome to register for the program to have access to the online materials and virtual events. However, we are not able to issue a completion letter at the end of the program to participants who do not attend the in‑person events, as these sessions are an essential component of the program requirements.
If I register for the Certificate program, am I automatically eligible to participate in the clinical placements?
Applicants who choose the Certificate Program option must go through an admissions process and are not guaranteed selection for clinical placements. Registrants must have their Physical Therapy degree credentialed by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) and meet UBC eligibility criteria as an Unclassified Student in order to enroll in the academic credit course that includes a clinical placement. Additionally, to be eligible for clinical placements, registrants must demonstrate safety and competence by passing the Baseline and Final Exams, completing all coursework and attending clinical labs, where they will be assessed by UBC faculty.
Can I complete my clinical placements somewhere close to where I live?
We do our best to accommodate students close to their location when possible. However, placement availability depends on preceptor capacity, so we cannot guarantee a specific location.
What are the requirements to receive a letter of completion at the end of the program?
Full participation in all program components (both virtual and in-person) is required in order to receive a letter of completion. This letter is necessary for those seeking reimbursement through the bursary.
What if I need to book flights, can I find out what time the events are happening as soon as I register?
Please contact the Physio Refresh Program Operations Manager at physio.refresh@ubc.ca to confirm your event time and date, so that you are able to make your travel plans.
Why does the program end on the same day as the national exam?
Your access to the online content remains open until the national exam date – if you need to review material the night before the exam, you are still able to access all of the online content.
Who do I contact with more questions?
Contact the Physio Refresh team at physio.refresh@ubc.ca