The College is a non-profit public body created by the Alberta government to regulate the practice of physical therapists in the public interest. Government makes the ‘rules’ (i.e., healthcare legislation) and the College’s job is to implement those rules for the Alberta physical therapy profession.

What we do

We are a regulator—not an educational institution. We serve the public and lead the profession. We ensure our members, i.e., regulated Alberta physical therapists, have the appropriate training and education to provide competent, quality, professional physical therapy services. We implement, administer and enforce provincial healthcare legislation on behalf of Albertans.

How we do it

Our role involves three main functions:

1. Registration - initial registration and permit/license renewal of qualified physical     therapists who met our stated requirements.

2. Professional practice - setting, evaluating and enforcing standards for:

      • Professional skills, conduct and performance.   

      • Ethical practice/delivery of physical therapy services.

      • Practitioner continuing competency requirements.    

We also develop/publish numerous communications, tools and resources to support  member awareness, understanding of and adherence to their regulatory responsibilities.

3. Complaints - receiving and acting on patient inquiries and concerns about a physical     therapist’s conduct.

In addition to our primary functions above, we also advocate for and encourage the evolution of physical therapy regulation to better meet the changing needs of Albertans and the province’s health care system.

The College is dedicated to public protection, professionalism, accountability, and Albertans’ health. If you have any questions or comments regarding physical therapy practice in Alberta or the College’s regulatory role, please feel free to contact us.