Jennifer’s Journey to Becoming a Registered Physiotherapist in BC
Jennifer D’souza, a dedicated healthcare professional from Mumbai, India, spent over a decade building a fulfilling career in Bangalore as a Physiotherapist, Lecturer, and Researcher. When her move to British Columbia, Canada became a reality, she knew she wanted to continue practicing in her field—but also knew it would take careful planning, patience, and persistence.
Rather than waiting until she arrived to begin preparing, Jennifer registered for the Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) program. She completed Job Search Strategies, Workplace Communication, Canadian Workplace Integration, and worked one-on-one with an employment counsellor to refine her resume and better understand Canadian employer expectations.
“When you move countries, it’s so important to be mentally prepared and understand the culture you’ll be integrating into,” Jennifer shares. “SOPA gave me the tools to do just that. The mentoring, courses, and job search guidance helped me communicate more effectively, refine my resume, and prepare for the licensing journey ahead.”
“It’s really important to do your groundwork before you move. Get started on credentialing and exams early, and prepare your resume in advance. That way, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and make your transition smoother once you land,”
After arriving in BC, Jennifer focused on the credentialing process to become a Registered Physiotherapist. She passed both the written and clinical exams while staying involved in the healthcare community by volunteering as a health coach. She also used networking and social media to connect with HR professionals in various health authorities, so she’d be ready to apply once she was licensed.
Exactly one year after arriving in Canada, Jennifer achieved her dream – she became a Registered Physiotherapist in BC and now works in a role that aligns perfectly with her experience and passion.
“It’s really important to do your groundwork before you move. Get started on credentialing and exams early, and prepare your resume in advance. That way, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and make your transition smoother once you land,” she advises other newcomers.
What helped most in her job search?
- Attending SOPA workshops on resume writing, Canadian workplace culture, and communication
- Volunteering in a health-related role to stay active in the field
- Proactively networking through LinkedIn and with HR professionals
- Starting the licensing process before moving to Canada
Special Comments from Jennifer
“Anna was always so positive and supportive. She regularly checked in and genuinely cared about my progress. Her encouragement and guidance throughout the process meant a lot to me.”
— Jennifer D’souza
Feedback from the SOPA BC Team
“Jennifer was a truly outstanding client to work with. From the beginning, she was clear about her goals and remained focused, even while managing professional responsibilities back in India. She engaged fully with all aspects of the SOPA program — from resume development to cultural integration — and never hesitated to reach out, ask questions, or reflect on feedback. Her knowledge, open-mindedness, and proactive attitude made it easy to believe in her success. Now, seeing her working as a Registered Physiotherapist in BC fills me with pride. It was an honor to support her on this journey.”
— Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
Story prepared by Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC