In September 2026, PIE-OT Turned Two!
What began in September 2024 as an ambitious vision has grown into a proven pathway for internationally-educated occupational therapists (IEOTs) pursuing licensure in Canada. In just two years, PIE-OT has supported over 50 learners from around the world as they transform years of clinical expertise into successful outcomes, helping them navigate the licensure process with confidence, competence, and a strong sense of belonging.
As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that our impact extends far beyond examination success. Every learner who successfully completes the SEAS competency assessment contributes to a stronger and more diverse occupational therapy profession. They bring valuable perspectives that enrich cultural responsiveness, enhance patient care, and inspire future cohorts of internationally educated professionals. Their successes create a ripple effect that continues to expand opportunities for IEOTs across Canada.
Looking Ahead
Having successfully delivered seven cohorts, PIE-OT continues to grow in both reach and impact. With each new cohort, we remain committed to supporting IEOTs as they navigate licensure, develop professional confidence, and contribute their expertise to the Canadian healthcare system.
What has been most inspiring is not simply the number of learners supported, but the remarkable community that has emerged. PIE-OT has become a space where knowledge, encouragement, mentorship, and professional connections flourish, creating lasting benefits for participants long after the programme concludes.
Two Years of Impact: What Our Participants Say
As PIE-OT celebrates its second anniversary, participant feedback provides compelling evidence of the programme’s impact. Analysis of open-ended feedback collected across cohorts reveals a remarkably consistent message: PIE-OT helps internationally educated occupational therapists develop confidence, strengthen their clinical reasoning, better understand Canadian occupational therapy practice, and feel supported throughout a demanding licensure journey.
Participants consistently highlighted the programme’s unique blend of self-paced learning, live tutorials, case-based discussions, mock interviews, mentorship, and peer learning opportunities. Many described PIE-OT as the bridge between their international experience and successful integration into Canadian occupational therapy practice.
One participant reflected:
“The overall support of [the facilitators] was amazing. Their guidance throughout the program has been exceptional. Whether it was through insightful feedback on assignments, one-to-one advising sessions, live tutorials, or constant encouragement, I always felt supported and well-directed.”
Others emphasized the importance of the learning environment that PIE-OT has intentionally cultivated:
“Whenever questions arose, facilitators took the time to provide clear, comprehensive explanations. Their collaborative approach made a significant difference. I never felt left on my own to figure things out.”
Beyond the curriculum itself, participants repeatedly spoke about the value of connecting with colleagues who share similar experiences and aspirations.
“I appreciated getting a chance to meet others who have gone through and are going through the same process I am.”
The programme’s educational design also received overwhelming praise. Learners highlighted the flexibility of the modules, the practical relevance of the case discussions, and the opportunities to apply Canadian occupational therapy frameworks and competencies in meaningful ways.
As one participant shared:
“The learning materials and pre-recorded lectures are very well organized. They cover all the necessary information I need in order to prepare for the competency assessment. The mock interview was very effective in helping identify my learning needs and preparing me for the actual exam.”
What is perhaps most remarkable is that when participants were asked how PIE-OT could be improved, the most common recommendation was not redesign, but expansion. Learners consistently asked for more case studies, additional mock interview opportunities, more tutorials, and more opportunities to practise clinical reasoning and competency-based responses. In other words, they wanted more of what was already working well.
Many participants also acknowledged the significant personal challenges they faced while completing the programme, including full-time work commitments, family responsibilities, time-zone differences, and assessment-related anxiety. Yet these challenges were frequently accompanied by appreciation for the flexibility, responsiveness, and encouragement provided by the PIE-OT team.
Taken together, this feedback speaks to something larger than examination preparation. In only two years, PIE-OT has established itself as a vital catalyst for professional integration, workforce readiness, mentorship, and community building. The programme has become a place where IEOTs not only prepare for assessment, but also rediscover confidence in their professional identity and see the tremendous value they bring to Canadian healthcare.
These accomplishments belong first and foremost to our participants. Their resilience, dedication, generosity, and achievements continue to enrich occupational therapy practice across Canada and strengthen a profession that thrives on diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
Here’s to two years of learning, growth, and impact, and to many more years of empowering internationally-educated occupational therapists to thrive in Canada.