Supporting (re) Entry to Professional Practice: The SEPP Project

BACKGROUND: During the past decade, there has been an increasing awareness of the challenges affecting internationally educated professionals seeking registration in Canada. PURPOSE: To describe a project designed to support entry or re-entry to active practice for occupational therapists and physiotherapists who were internationally educated or seeking a return to practice after a prolonged absence. METHODS: The major objectives of the project were to develop and evaluate a mentoring network model to support therapists entering or re-entering professional practice in Ontario. Online and other resources were used to enhance professional knowledge and build mentored networks. Supervised placement opportunities were also sought for many participants to meet their learning and integration needs. RESULTS: The project achieved its major objectives and highlighted the challenges faced by individuals seeking to (re)enter professional practice in Ontario. IMPLICATIONS: Project outcomes have wide applications across many health professions.