Member FAQs

All members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) that join with an Ontario address automatically become members of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association.  The provincial and national portions of your membership fees are indicated when you join. When you join CPA, you also join OPA, uniting over 16,000 physiotherapy professionals from coast to coast. 
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Physiotherapist Membership 

For physiotherapists licensed to practice in Ontario and/or holding a professional degree in physiotherapy from a Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada university program. 

For Practicing Clinicians: 

Practicing A: You are working full-time as a physiotherapist (i.e., more than 15/hours weekly). 

Practicing B: You are working part-time as a physiotherapist (i.e., less than 15/hours weekly). 

New Graduate: You have just completed an entry-level master’s degree from an accredited Canadian program and have been a CPA student member for a minimum of two years previously (eligible in the first year of practice or portion thereof). 

Other Physiotherapist Membership Types: 

Non-Practicing: You are working in research, administration, management, or teaching. 

*Any leave DOES NOT qualify for non-practicing. If you are on leave, please contact the CPA at 1-800-387-8679 or information@physiotherapy.ca. 

Outside Canada: Eligible for physiotherapist membership but resides outside Canada. 

Graduate Student: You have completed an entry-level master’s degree and are currently enrolled in a full-time clinical master’s and/or thesis-based Master’s and Doctorate program (proof of current enrolment required). 

Retired: You are permanently retired from significant employment in physiotherapy AND are age 55 or over AND have at least 20 years of CPA membership, or with a World Physiotherapy member organization, within the past 30 years. 

Maternity/Paternity/Sick/Caregiving Leave: A full member who will be, or who plans to be, on maternity/paternity/caregiving leave for at least three consecutive months of the current/upcoming membership year (membership year = Oct 1st to Sept 30th of each year).

Please contact a Member Service Representative at CPA to assist with your membership sign-up/renewal at information@physiotherapy.ca or 1-800-387-8679. 

Physiotherapist Assistant Membership 

For individuals who have completed a formal education program for Physiotherapist Assistants accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program or those who have successfully completed the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s approved Observed Performance Criteria Process. 

Consult the following to learn about the PTA membership process: Observed Performance Criteria Process

Student Membership 

CPA membership is free for: 

• Physiotherapy students enrolled in a Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada recognized program, or a recognized international credential bridging program. 

• Physiotherapist Assistant students enrolled in a recognized formal education program (programs with accreditation or candidacy status). 

Affiliate Membership: For those who are not eligible for one of the approved physiotherapist or assistant categories, but who support the goals and objectives of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. If you are interested in becoming an Affiliate Member, please contact CPA. 

Depending on the membership tier you qualify for, annual fees for your combined OPA/CPA membership range from $0 to $547.50.

Find out more

Check out OPA’s page on financials for detailed information on how your membership dues are spent.  

Membership fees in 2023: Where do your membership dollars go? 

• 1. OPA staff: $500K 
•  2. Marketing the profession: $137K 
• 3. Lobbying & consulting: $106K 
• 4. Office and conference space: $78K

All OPA members are welcome to volunteer. There are about 100 members who volunteer each year for the Association and make an extraordinary impact on the work and relevance of OPA to its members. Members can apply to volunteer on committees, participate with local districts and/or join their executive! Members are also invited to apply annually for the OPA Board of Directors. 

Learn more about volunteering

Check out our small but mighty staff team’s profiles and contact information. If you are not sure who to contact, email us at physiomail@opa.on.ca or call us at 416-322-6866. 

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