A Quality Assurance (QA) program is essential to protect the public. The QA program is educational in nature and designed to help kinesiologists keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date, which helps ensure the public receives competent, professional, ethical and quality care and services.

Registered Kinesiologists are required to demonstrate a commitment to continuous quality improvement and COKO is required to support Registered Kinesiologists in these efforts. COKO measures the impact of its QA Program and uses findings to make improvements that benefit the public. There are five components to the QA Program:

• Self-assessment
• Peer and practice assessment (PPA)
• Continuing professional development (CPD)
• Mandatory e-Learning Modules
• Peer Circles

COKO also monitors Registered Kinesiologists’ compliance with the program components, and provide support to those who require competency enhancement. 

The foundation of COKO’s Quality Assurance Program is based on the Essential Competencies of Practice for Kinesiologists in Ontario. The document defines the knowledge, skill, judgment and attitudes required to practise in the public interest.

The Essential Competencies help Registered Kinesiologists:

• understand practice expectations throughout their career;
• plan continuing professional development and ongoing competence; and
• meet the profession’s expectations to ensure the delivery of competent, safe and ethical care.

The performance indicators within the Essential Competencies help COKO measure the competence of Registered Kinesiologists through the self and peer and practice assessments. Together with the practice standards, the Essential Competencies allow COKO to clearly communicate the requirements of being a Registered Kinesiologist.

Practice Standards and Guidelines

Another way COKO protects the public is by developing and maintaining Practice Standards and Guidelines. The Practice Standards are the minimum standards Registered Kinesiologists must follow to practise kinesiology in Ontario. The Practice Guidelines help Registered Kinesiologists understand their responsibilities and how to make safe and ethical decisions in their practice.