Therapists to Therapy Assistants: Experiences of Internationally Educated Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.

ABSTRACT: Background: In Canada, internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) and occupational therapists (IEOTs) may work as occupational/physical therapy assistants (OTAs/PTAs) while pursuing Canadian licensure. This experience presents personal and professional opportunities and challenges. Purpose: We explored a) the barriers and facilitators experienced by IEPTs and IEOTs working as OTAs/PTAs while pursuing licensure in Canada and b) how might their professional identity changes during this period. Methods: In this cross-sectional qualitative study, we sampled IEPTs and IEOTs working as assistants using online focus groups. Reflexive thematic analysis of data was used to generate themes. Findings: Fourteen IEPTs or IEOTs participated reporting barriers including

SUBMITTER: Lopez A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11898375 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature