Every Ontarian has the right to receive safe, ethical and high-quality health care. Patient/client safety is the core in maintaining the quality of care. It is a collective effort and responsibility for every health-care practitioner and organization like the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (CKO).

What is profession-led regulation and CKO?

CKO is the regulator for kinesiology practice in Ontario. It is one of 26 health profession regulators in Ontario. Under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and the Kinesiology Act, 2007, the Ontario government has granted Kinesiologists in Ontario the privilege of profession-led regulation, which is carried out by CKO. In exchange, kinesiologists must follow the rules set by CKO to protect and serve the public interest. 

Since its proclamation in 2013, CKO has been fulfilling our public protection mandate by:

• Setting requirements to become a kinesiologist so that only qualified individuals can practise,
• Investigating complaints and making decisions in the public interest,
• Requiring kinesiologists to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date; and
• Developing standards and guidelines to ensure professional practice and conduct.

What is Kinesiology and what do kinesiologists do?

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement, performance and function. The practice of kinesiology incorporates the sciences of biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, and considers neuroscience and psychosocial factors.

Kinesiologists use evidence-based research to treat and prevent injury and disease, and to improve movement and performance. Kinesiologists work with people of all ages and physical abilities in many settings to help them achieve their health and wellness goals and improve their quality of life.

How is CKO different from associations?

Although regulators and professional associations play an equally important role in our health-care system, they have different focuses and priorities. Simply put, CKO is a health regulator that protects the public by regulating kinesiology practice. CKO sets the rules for kinesiology practice and is guided by a Council that make decisions in the public interest. Associations, on the other hand, promote and advocate for their members and the profession. They are guided by a board of directors that is accountable to members of the associations.

As a health regulator, CKO partners with a variety of external stakeholders to ensure and promote public protection, such as associations, educators, employers, insurers and the Ontario government.

Learn more about the differences between CKO and associations here