It is common for professions to define certain areas of practice within the profession as a specialty. This means that the profession has determined that an area of practice is distinct and well-defined, and requires in-depth knowledge and skills beyond those commonly possessed by all practitioners.
Specialties and kinesiology
At this time, the profession of kinesiology has not defined any specialties. While many kinesiologists may focus their own practice in a certain area (e.g. cardiac rehabilitation, ergonomics, etc.), this does not mean that the area is a specialty.
The College does not define or create specialties within kinesiology; this is the role of the profession. The College’s role in this process is to authorize the use of a specialty title when it is necessary for public protection. You can learn more about the requirements for authorization of a specialty in the College’s Specialties Assessment Framework.
Accreditation of a specialty training program
Organizations who wish to submit a proposal to have their program approved by the College should carefully review the Specialties Assessment Framework and the Policy- Authorization of a Specialty Title.
Review of proposals
All proposals for authorization of a specialty title are reviewed by the Specialties Committee. When considering these proposals, the Committee’s guiding principle is whether there is sufficient risk of harm to the public posed practitioners of the proposed specialty to warrant additional regulation. The Committee must confirm that all other options have been explored and that additional regulation is the only option.
This requires the Committee to determine (a) whether the practice of the proposed specialty should be regulated differently from how others in the profession are regulated; b) why other measures such as the Practice Guideline- Use of Titles and Designations, have not been effective in allowing kinesiologists to communicate their expertise through the use of recognized titles and designations; and c) that creation of a specialty is the appropriate route to ensure protection of patients/clients.
After its deliberations, the Committee will make a recommendation to Council. Council must engage in an open and thorough consultation process to get feedback and ensure that the profession recognizes the specialty as a part of the profession. Depending on the recommendation, the College will draft a new regulation or proposed changes to current regulations. All new or amended regulations must first be posted for feedback and all regulations require review and approval from the Ministry of Health.
Questions
Questions about the specialties process can be directed to the Registrar/CEO at (416) 961-7000 ext. 100