In Kenya, all practising physiotherapists must be registered and licensed by the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya (PCK). The process is regulated under the Physiotherapists Act No. 20 of 2014, which ensures that physiotherapists meet the necessary standards of education and competency before being allowed to practice. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the registration requirements for physiotherapists trained both within Kenya and abroad.
Registration Requirements for Physiotherapists Trained in Kenya
For physiotherapists trained in Kenya, registration and licensing are straightforward once specific requirements are met. Here’s how you can register as a physiotherapist in Kenya:
1. Completion of Training and National Examination
- After completing your training from an approved physiotherapy institution in Kenya, you must sit for a national council examination administered by the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya.
- Candidates who pass this examination can then proceed to apply for registration and licensing.
2. Submission of Application Forms
- After successfully passing the council’s examination, you must submit a completed registration and licensing application within 30 days from the release of your results.
- The application process is conducted online, and all required documents must be uploaded during this stage.
3. Issuance of Registration Certificates and Licenses
- Upon submitting the application, the council will issue your registration certificate within 30 days.
- Your practice license will be issued within 48 hours after the application is processed.
Key Documents Required for Registration in Kenya
To successfully register as a physiotherapist in Kenya, you must provide the following documents:
- Minimum Academic Qualifications:
- You must have completed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum grade of C plain or an equivalent qualification.
- Personal Identification Documents:
- A certified original copy of your ID or Passport.
- Two coloured passport-size photographs.
- Professional and Academic Certificates:
- Certified original copies of all professional and academic certificates earned during your training.
- Council Examination Results:
- Evidence of passing the council’s pre-registration examination.
- Accredited Training Institution:
- You must appear on the list submitted by the deans of accredited physiotherapy schools in Kenya.
- Internship Completion:
- A duly filled, stamped, and signed internship completion assessment form.
- Payment Proof:
- Evidence of payment for the registration fees as required by the council.
Registration Requirements for Foreign-Trained Physiotherapists
For professionals who obtained their physiotherapy qualifications outside Kenya, the registration process involves additional steps to verify the quality of their training and suitability for practising in Kenya.
Key Requirements for Foreign-Trained Physiotherapists:
- Proof of Qualification:
- You must provide proof of qualification that shows you are eligible to practice physiotherapy.
- Accredited Training:
- Provide proof that you received training from an institution recognised by the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya.
- Authority to Practice:
- You must demonstrate that you were authorised by a recognised institution in your home country to engage in physiotherapy practice.
- Other Supporting Documents:
- The council may request additional documentation or conduct inquiries into your suitability to practice physiotherapy in Kenya.
- Official Translation:
- If any of your documents are in a language other than English, you must provide an official translation of these documents.
Written and Practical Examination
- If the council is satisfied with your qualifications, you will be required to sit for a written and practical examination.
- Depending on your performance, you may be invited for an oral interview and could be placed on a practicum for a period determined by the council. This practical placement will familiarize you with the Kenyan health system.
Issuance of Registration Certificates and Licenses
- After completing the necessary examinations, interviews, and practicum (if required), you will be issued a registration certificate and a practice license, allowing you to legally work as a physiotherapist in Kenya.
Contact Information for the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya
For further inquiries or assistance with the registration process, you can contact the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya through the following channels:
- Location: Ministry of Health Headquarters, Cathedral Road, Room 213, Nairobi.
- Phone: 020 440 4110
Conclusion
The process of becoming a registered physiotherapist in Kenya ensures that all professionals meet the necessary standards of education, training, and competency. Whether trained locally or abroad, you must fulfill specific requirements and submit appropriate documentation to the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya. By following this guide, aspiring physiotherapists can successfully navigate the registration process and practice legally within the country.
