Supervised Practice - College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba

What is Clinical Supervision

Clinical supervision is a formal mentorship process designed to enhance a candidate’s clinical knowledge, competency, and professional accountability. Under the guidance of an experienced physiotherapist, candidates develop the ability to deliver safe, ethical, and effective patient care in complex clinical settings.

Who requires Clinical Supervision

The College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba (CPM) mandates the Supervised Practice Program for the following candidates to ensure competence and safety in physiotherapy practice in Manitoba:
• New graduates from Canadian physiotherapy programs
• Internationally Educated Physiotherapists (IEPs) who meet the requirements for registration in Manitoba
• Re-entry candidates resuming professional practice
Please review the following resources for support through clinical supervision:

Document to Review

Important Notes

Physiotherapists’ Guide to Supervision of Examination Candidates

Comprehensive overview of supervised practice for all pathways (CPTE Single Exam, PBCA 2-exam, re-entry). Covers supervision models (direct → indirect), responsibilities, progression, evaluation tools (ICPT after 10 days, ACP), failure handling.

Registration and Licensing Direction (RLD) –Practice Based Competency Assessment Program

PBCA-specific (2-exam pathway only). Details eligibility, responsibilities, and evaluation components.

RLD –Supervised Practice for Examination Candidates

Applies to all Exam Candidates (new grads, IEPs, re-entry). Outlines supervision responsibilities and eligibility.

Supervision Practice Direction – Supervision

Supervision standard discusses accountability, delegation, monitoring, and public protection.

Supervised Practice Plan

Supervisor-submitted plan detailing supervision methods (direct observation, progression to indirect,) and handling unavailability. Required before candidate starts; applies to CPTE, and re-entry.

Supervised Practice Agreement – Two-Exam Pathway with the PBCA (registered on or before December 31, 2025.)

Supervisor-submitted plan detailing supervision methods (direct observation, progression to indirect,) and handling unavailability. Required before candidate starts at any employer – applies to PBCA.

Supervision Practice Agreement – Pathway with the CPTE (registered on or after January 1, 2026.)

Agreement variant for CPTE Single Exam pathway. Confirms supervision obligations, evaluations (adjusted frequency), and progression to independent practice upon clinical success.

RLD – Failure of an Entry to Practice Clinical Evaluation

Post-failure obligations and steps. Requires continued supervised practice

Initial Clinical Performance Tool

FAQ

Yes, Exam Candidates can bill independently.

Yes, please review Can Examination Candidates work alone tab.

The supervisor must assess the Examination Candidate as outlined in the Guidelines for Facility/Supervisor above. This information is also detailed in the Physiotherapists’ Guide to Supervision of Examination Candidates.

Until the Exam Candidate passes a clinical evaluation, including the PBCA, or passes the CPTE and transfers to the Active register, or until a change of Supervisor is mutually agreed upon by both Supervisor and Exam Candidate. This change must be reported to the CPM.

The Supervisor must make arrangements for supervision by another physiotherapist when the Supervisor is not available. This temporary change does not need to be reported to CPM; only PERMANENT changes in Supervisor need to be reported to CPM.

Fee schedules are not set by CPM. Each individual employer may choose to compensate how they see fit and align with Practice Direction Funding Fees and Billing.

If the Exam Candidate fails the Clinical Evaluation or CPTE, they continue with supervised practice until successful completion of an accepted clinical evaluation.