Participation in the CRTO’s Professional Development Program (PDP) is a fundamental component of professional practice for Respiratory Therapists and a legal requirement tied to each Member’s certificate of registration. While the majority of CRTO Members consistently meet their PDP obligations within the established timelines, the number of Members failing to comply with clearly communicated deadlines has steadily increased over the past several years. Of particular concern is the rise in cases of complete non-compliance, including instances involving multiple unmet PDP requirements, which have necessitated referral to the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC). These compliance failures generate significant administrative and regulatory costs.

To ensure fairness and avoid passing these costs on to compliant Members through increased registration fees, the CRTO has deliberately decided to recover costs directly from Members who fail to meet their PDP obligations.

PDP Fees

• PDP Late Submission Fee
  The CRTO PDP consists primarily of the following components:
  • Launch RT Jurisprudence Assessment – to be completed by all new CRTO Members.
  • RelevanT eLearning Module – to be completed annually by all CRTO Members (Active and Inactive).
  • PORTfolio^OM – to be completed by all Active CRTO Members every 5 years, or as required by the CRTO Quality Assurance Committee (QAC).

  A $25 late fee applies when any of the above requirements are not submitted by the established deadline. For more information on how and when this late fee is applied, please refer to the CRTO’s Professional Development Program Policy.

• PDP Practice Assessment
  If a Member fails to comply with the requirements of the CRTO’s PDP, despite numerous reminders, the QAC can require them to undergo a Practice Assessment. The cost of a Practice Assessment is $500, paid for by the Member.
  
  
• PORTfolio Coaching Session
  If a Member fails to meet the criteria for a successful submission of their PORTfolio, they will be required to participate in a coaching session with a trained RT Assessor. Failure to attend a mandated Portfolio coaching session without providing at least 48 hours’ notice to the CRTO will result in a $25 fee, paid for by the Member.
  
  
• Specified Continuing Education or Remediation Program (SCERP)
  CRTO Members whose knowledge, skill, and judgment have been assessed and found to be unsatisfactory may be directed by the Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) to participate in a SCERP. This remediation process is intended to serve as an educational opportunity, helping Members strengthen their knowledge, skills, and professional judgment. Failure to attend a mandated PDP SCERP without providing at least 48 hours’ notice to the CRTO will result in a fee of $100, paid for by the Member.

Please note that it is a condition of every certificate of registration that Members pay any fees required under the By-laws. Failure to do so can ultimately result in the suspension of a Member’s certificate of registration.

The PDP is designed to support the continuous quality improvement of all CRTO Members. Ongoing growth through professional development enhances Members’ ability to provide safe, competent and ethical patient/client care. For more information, you are welcome to contact Professional Practice or the Office of the Registrar.

 

Frequently Asked Questions