Learning a language is a long and demanding process. The earlier you start, the better you will be equipped both to manage the requirements of having your equivalence recognized and to facilitate your immigration and integration into Quebec society.
In the equivalence recognition process, it is important to have a good knowledge of the French language in order to:
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Understand relevant documents (to be read or filled out) and information available on various websites;
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Be able to demonstrate your competencies if an evaluation of occupational therapy competencies is done;
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être admissible au programme de qualification en ergothérapie (Université de Montréal);
Be eligible for the Programme de qualification en ergothérapie bridge training program (Université de Montréal): All applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the French language at the level that the University deems to be the minimum to join the program. Consequently, a score of at least 785/990 on the Test de français international (TFI), which represents an advanced level of French language proficiency, must be obtained;
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Meet the language requirements to complete clinical fieldwork training in the Quebec health and social services network when required by the Order.
In the network, it is mandatory to offer services in French. Some institutions in the network offer bilingual services, in French and English.
Francization Program of the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion du Québec (MIDI)
MIDI helps people immigrating to Quebec to learn French by offering courses at all levels (beginners, intermediate and advanced) free of charge for CSQ holders.
IMPORTANT: Francization classroom courses lead to a level of knowledge of French that is sufficient to function in daily life (intermediate level). They are not sufficient to obtain the level recommended for an evaluation of occupational therapy competencies by the Order, for a bridge training program or for fieldwork. It is recommended that you have an advanced level of French language proficiency, including the professional vocabulary.
To complete your learning up to an advanced level of French, it is possible to take advanced online courses from MIDI, or advanced courses at universities or language schools.
USEFUL LINKS TO LEARN FRENCH
https://www.francisationenligne.gouv.qc.ca/
http://www.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/francisation/ordres_prof/ordres.html
LEARNING THE PROFESSIONAL VOCABULARY — Dictionaries and glossaries
- Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT): a bilingual index of occupational therapy terms is available
- Index international et dictionnaire terminologique de la réadaptation et de l’intégration sociale (IIDRIS)
EVALUATION OF LEVEL OF FRENCH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Being assessed on your French language skills at various times throughout your learning will help you pinpoint skills needing improvement. If you are given the results of such assessments in writing, please attach a copy with your equivalence review application to the Order, to go on your application file.
If your level of French language proficiency has not been evaluated, we recommend taking the Test de français international (TFI) as it enables you to see where you are situated in relation to the level required for admission to the bridge training program in occupational therapy, which is a score of at least 785/990 on the TFI. The test is available through ETS Canada: ETS Canada.
LEARNING WRITTEN ENGLISH
Many documents pertaining to updating your knowledge in the field, whether as part of a university course or to practice the profession, are in English. It is therefore important to be able to read English easily enough to avoid this being an obstacle to learning during your studies or your practice. So you must be able to take the time required to attain a functional level of reading English.