The College recognizes that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the new variants in Alberta continue to present uncertainties and challenges for MRTs and ENPs. We are aware it has caused unexpected changes to employment opportunities and areas of practice, which is worrying.

Regulated members continue to provide essential services to the public with professionalism, expertise and empathy during the global pandemic that still continues one year later. Regulated members have had to learn and develop skills or competencies that cannot be taught through formal continuing education — they have been learned through experience and practical application.

The pandemic has forced learning to occur differently and has resulted in greater understanding and skill development for all members. We are all hopeful that as the vaccination rollout continues, these changes will be shown to be temporary as life returns to normal, even a “new normal.”

The College’s Council, Competence Committee and Registrar have considered this constantly evolving situation very carefully. For the 2020-21 Continuing Competence Program (CCP) cycle, they have agreed to the following.

Members are required to complete one hour of learning for every month they hold general registration during the current CCP cycle (September 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021), up to a maximum of 12 required hours.

Regulated members will automatically be granted one more hour for each month in recognition of the time they are spending managing, adapting and updating their skills during the COVID-19 pandemic. These additional hours do not need to be logged in My CCP and will bring the total learning hours to 24 for those registered for the full cycle.

Given the College mandate to serve the best interest of the public, this adjustment recognizes the unique hardship presented by the pandemic while acknowledging that it is still important for members to maintain competence in their area of practice. Please remember that College courses, including the Regulation Education Module, and the AFRHP Protecting Patients from Sexual Abuse and Misconduct course are free and may be counted for up to four hours each towards a CCP cycle.

Please feel welcome to contact our Professional Practice Advisor, Linda O’Hara, at lohara@acmdtt.com if you have any questions about the CCP.