Statement RE: March 20, 2021 National Competency Exam Cancellation

March 25, 2021

The Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists was notified on Saturday, March 20, 2021, that due to technical challenges, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) was forced to cancel the clinical component of the Physiotherapy Competency Exam, scheduled on March 20th and 21st, 2021.  The NSCP has been contacted directly by affected individuals and is aware of the recent media reports, social media campaign and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA)’s position statements circulated on March 21, 2021. 

Seven registered Physiotherapy Residents in Nova Scotia were participating in the exam that was cancelled on March 20th.   The NSCP acknowledges, the immense impact the cancellation has had on candidates and their families who have invested their time, energy, and effort to prepare for this day.  Licensing exams are stressful enough even under ideal conditions.  

The NSCP is working with our partners and stakeholders including CAPR, other provincial physiotherapy regulators, our Board of Directors, and the Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association (NSPA -the provincial chapter of the CPA) to gather information, explore options and make decisions about next steps.  

Some reports have indicated that this exam cancellation has presented an incremental barrier for public access to Physiotherapy services.  As the regulatory body for Physiotherapists in Nova Scotia the NSCP’s primary mandate is safety of the public and will ensure this focus is maintained through this difficult period for our current and future registrants.  To clarify for our local situation - exam cancellations have not limited licensing to practice in Nova Scotia.  Affected registrants have previously had their sponsored status’ extended until the end of the pandemic.  The NSCP would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the various clinical sponsors for their ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of Physiotherapists and extending their commitment to this essential role during the pandemic.       

We will provide ongoing communications as we learn more and will keep you apprised of the situation.  

Job Posting - Interim Executive Director for the Nova Scotia Regulated Health Professions Network

The Nova Scotia Regulated Health Professions Network is recruiting for the position of Interim Executive Director. The Executive Director (Interim) has responsibility and accountability for providing direction, communication and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Network.  Click here for details.

College Announces Decision Regarding Daniel Purcell, PT

March 10, 2021

On February 17, 2021, the Hearing Committee of the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists (the “NSCP”) accepted a Settlement Agreement advanced by the NSCP and Daniel Purcell, and recommended by the Investigation Committee of the NSCP pursuant to Section 50 of the Physiotherapy Act.

The Settlement Agreement contained agreed facts, the allegation against Mr. Purcell, the admissions of Mr. Purcell, and the agreed disposition.

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CPA Supporting PCE Candidates: Physiotherapy Competency Exam Space Exchange

The first edition of the virtual version of the clinical component of the PCE is being delivered Sunday, March 21 - Monday, March 22, 2021 for candidates who have been waiting for the exam. The virtual exam has a number of space requirements which student, new grad, intern, and resident physiotherapists may not have access to. In order to ensure candidates have access to the required space the CPA (Canadian Physiotherapy Association) has created a Facebook group to facilitate a voluntary space exchange between CPA members and exam candidates.  CPA considers this a public Facebook page and therefore is not just limited to their members.

How It Works

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