Practice Standards and Guidelines survey series #2: Titles & Designations – Survey Response

To help identify learning opportunities and facilitate communication between kinesiologists and CKO,  CKO launched a series of Practice Standard and Guideline surveys in March. The second survey was about the Practice Guideline – Use of Titles and Designations. This survey was published in the April issue of @ CKO, the College’s official e-newsletter.

We received many responses from kinesiologists across the province:

• 33.33% of respondents were from Central West Ontario
• 9.52% of respondents were from Central Ontario
• 9.52% of respondents were from Eastern Ontario
• 14.29% of respondents were from Northern Ontario
• 23.81% of respondents were from Western Ontario
• 9.52% of respondents were from Central East Ontario

We are pleased to provide a report on the survey results. Some of the highlights:

• 95.45% of respondents correctly understood that proper use of the title “Registered Kinesiologist”:
  • Assures the public that the person using the title is accountable to the College;
  • Provides some information and sets some expectations about the person using the title; and
  • May serve as evidence that the person using the title has demonstrated that they have the necessary educational background, knowledge, skill and judgement to practice the profession safely and ethically.

• Kinesiologists should remember that, as members of the College, they are permitted to use the following titles:
  • Registered Kinesiologist in the General Class
  • Registered Kinesiologist in the Inactive Class
  • Registered Kinesiologist
  • R.Kin
  • R.Kin (Inactive)

To enhance public protection by reducing potential confusion, other titles (including, for example, “R.Kin (Retired)” or “Applied Kinesiologist”) are not permitted in Ontario.

There are many distinct areas of practice under the scope of practice for kinesiology that may have their own unique titles and designations. These titles and designations may also help the public understand a kinesiologist’s area of focus or expertise. However, “kinesiologist”, “registered kinesiologist” or “R.Kin” must be used after your name in practice. You may then list any other titles or designations. It is the title kinesiologist that assures the public that you are qualified to practise and that you are regulated.

Kinesiologists who may wish to use other credentials and designations in addition to the protected title (for example, in advertising or elsewhere) should review the Practice Guideline – Use of Titles and Designations and can consult the College with any questions.

In response to some specific questions and feedback from the survey:

• Patients/clients and the general public who may wish to learn more about the profession of Kinesiology in Ontario and the College’s regulatory work may find some helpful information on the College’s website:
  • About Kinesiology – College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (coko.ca)
  • Understanding Regulation – College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (coko.ca)

We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to respond, and we look forward to your continued engagement with this survey series!

Questions and/or feedback about the survey, and Practice Standards and Guidelines?

Email: professionalpractice@coko.ca