About COKO
The College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (COKO) oversees Registered Kinesiologists and the practice of kinesiology in Ontario. COKO protects the public by ensuring Registered Kinesiologists are properly trained, qualified, and able to provide kinesiology care and services safely.
Mission
To protect the public through governance that ensures excellent professional practice of Kinesiologists in Ontario.
Vision
Trusted Kinesiologists providing optimal movement for Ontarians of all ages.
Values
The College is guided by its values of: Dignity & Respect, Accountability, Transparency, Excellence & Innovation, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging.
COKO receives its authority from the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), 1991and the Kinesiology Act, 2007.
Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), 1991 and the Kinesiology Act, 2007 help keep Ontarians safe when receiving care from Registered Kinesiologists. COKO works under these laws and ensures that Registered Kinesiologists:
- Meet education and competency requirements before they can practise,
- Follow high professional and ethical standards,
- Are accountable for the care and services they provide,
- Have the skills, knowledge, and judgement needed to provide high-quality care,
- Put patient and client safety first.
Regulation also gives Ontarians the right to make a complaint if they have concerns about a Registered Kinesiologist’s practice.
Governance
Similar to a board of directors, Council guides COKO and ensures it fulfills its legislated mandate by setting COKO’s strategic and policy direction and making decisions that protect the public interest. Based on Council’s direction, COKO is led by the registrar/CEO that carries out COKO’s day-to-day work.
COKO vs. Professional Associations
COKO’s mandate is to protect the public by ensuring kinesiology care is safe, ethical, and competent. We are a regulator who looks after the public interest.
Registration with COKO is required to practise kinesiology in Ontario and to use the protected titles “Kinesiologist”, “Registered Kinesiologist”, or the designation “R.Kin”. Once registered, kinesiologists are legally required to follow COKO’s standards, and professional requirements.
Professional associations support and promote kinesiologists and the kinesiology profession. Their priority is different from COKO’s regulatory role.
Professional associations may:
- Support career growth and networking
- Lobby for things like insurance coverage
- Offer professional development