Commissioner's Message
Hon. Jean Augustine, PC
I am pleased that regulatory bodies are making steady progress in creating fairer, faster licensing in their professions. For example...
- The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario worked on a national process to streamline the assessment of internationally trained general dentists. In spring, dentists trained outside Canada have two routes—not just one—to get their licences.
- The College of Chiropractors of Ontario uses a national board to run exams for internationally trained chiropractors. In November, 2009, in response to our Study of Qualifications Assessment Agencies, the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board decided to exempt some candidates with more than three years of work experience from the exam about chiropractic knowledge. It has also rescheduled exams to make them more convenient.
- The College of Dietitians of Ontario is consulting about changes to its registration regulation. It is proposing four new 'classes' of certificate, including one to allow applicants to practice in areas of demonstrated competence while completing further training. It is also looking into ways to better acknowledge dietitians' previous education and work experience.
- The College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario, like most regulatory bodies, requires competence in English or French. The College studied its requirements and changed them to make it easier for aspiring radiation technologists to meet the standard.
- In 2008, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario proposed new 'pathways' into the medical profession for doctors trained overseas. They have shortened the process for doctors from other provinces, the U.S. and eight 'approved' jurisdictions and are proposing individual assessments for doctors trained in other countries. The pathways are a good first step.
For further information about these initiatives, please contact the regulatory bodies directly.
