The Bottom Line
- CPSO describes Practice Ready Ontario (PRO) as a PRA program for internationally trained family physicians aiming for independent practice certification in Ontario.
- CPSO states the PRA program assesses candidates under supervision over 12 weeks and that successful candidates must complete a three-year Return of Service (ROS) agreement in a community identified by the Ministry of Health.
- Your strategy: treat PRO as a province-level contract: eligibility → assessment → ROS → progression. The key is feasibility and readiness, not hype.
Return-of-service is not a footnote
ROS can materially affect location, lifestyle, partner employment, and long-term plans. Decide whether you can accept Ontario’s ROS commitment before you invest heavily.
How to pursue PRO the “clean” way
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1) Confirm you fit the target profile
PRO is positioned for internationally trained family physicians. Start with CPSO’s page and align your training/practice history to what they are assessing.
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2) Build a “PRA readiness” file
Collect proof of training, scope of work, recency of practice, references, and any credential verification documents. Make each claim verifiable.
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3) Treat the 12-week period as a competency exam
This is supervised practice plus structured assessment. Your goal is safe Canadian-context practice: documentation, prescribing norms, escalation, and communication.
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4) Plan the ROS community reality
Prepare for location constraints. Decide what you can accept and what is non-negotiable before placement.
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5) Plan your progression beyond PRA
PRA is a gateway. Build a plan for full licence progression and practice stability (billing systems, EMR onboarding, peer support).
Ontario PRO “do not apply until” checklist
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Practice
Test your knowledge
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