Policy statement: Reciprocity – mutual recognition

Many physical therapists choose to seek practice opportunities at some time in their professional careers in a country other than the one in which they qualified, and the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) supports the opportunities this provides. It also recognises the value of

Reciprocity: Means that one country recognises the physiotherapy credentials/qualifications of another. Although this type of recognition facilitates professional mobility, it can only exist when two or more registering authorities agree that their qualifications are substantially equivalent.

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, where one country recognises the

Physical therapy —services for individuals and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. Physical therapy is described more comprehensively in WCPT’s Description of Physical Therapy.

The professional title and term used to describe the profession's practice varies and depends largely on the historical roots of the profession in each country. The most generally used titles and terms are 'physical therapy’, ‘physiotherapy' and ‘physical therapist’, ‘physiotherapist’.

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qualifications of another. Although this type of mutual

Recognition: Formal acceptance of a student’s knowledge, skills, or former academic studies and the granting of advanced standing or credit. The term may also apply to formal acceptance of an educational institution by another institution or public authority. Recognition relates more to acceptance and equivalency, i.e. determining a relationship of parity between one system, jurisdiction, or institution and another with respect to the value and significance of courses, diplomas, certificates, licenses, and/or degrees.

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facilitates professional mobility, it can only exist when two or more legislative/regulatory/recognition authorities agree that their physical therapy qualifications are substantially equivalent and that there are enough similarities or minor differences in professional practice to ensure protection of the public.