How to Become a Physiotherapist in Canada?

A licensed and experienced physiotherapist in Canada will always be in demand and earn a lot of money for their hard work. As this job is positioned in the medical field, with the focus on dealing with patient illnesses and diseases, the path to becoming a physiotherapist in Canada may not be as easy. However, with the appropriate training, education, and experience in the field — it is possible to become a successful Physiotherapist specialist in Canada.

What do Physiotherapists in Canada Do? 

In Canada, Physiotherapists provide health-related treatments for their patients. Those include and are not limited to: providing patients with training plans, managing mobility, training, and reducing pain. Staff in this workforce may provide personal consultations, restoration, and mobility improvement, assist patients during their recovery, assign treatments, and hold training, as well as work in the sphere of research and teaching related to health.

Typical Working Conditions of a Physiotherapist in Canada:

The working conditions of a Physiotherapist in Canada vary based on one’s location, that is the province, setting, and of course the ultimate job and tasks the one is performing. This means that there are many places a physiotherapist can choose to work in. Some of these locations where specialists choose to work include: home care services, clinics, development centers, retirement residents, and even hospitals helping people change their lives for the better.

Overall, as with many other health-related professions, physiotherapists in Canada who work regular shifts may choose to work overtime. These hours of work are paid at higher rates.

Physiotherapist Salary in Canada

As mentioned, all medical professions, including physiotherapists are highly respected in Canada. This is due to the fact that those individuals go through a very high level of preparation, and learning. As a result, they acquire valuable knowledge, and hands-on experience.

The salary depends on the province, but on average, physiotherapists in Canada can get $40 her hour, which makes up to about $78,000 annually. Of course, the years of experience and the position one holds influence the salary and rates one gets.

Keep in mind that this is prior to tax reduction costs. But, as valuable health workers, there are many bonuses that physiotherapists get, and one of them is access to benefits. These could include free massages, acupuncture sessions, and other health benefits.

Physiotherapist Education Requirements

To become a licensed physiotherapist in Canada, you will need to go through the appropriate training, which includes investing money and time in your education and experience.

To note, there are two main positions of physiotherapist in Canada:

• Physiotherapist – must receive a Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) 
• Physiotherapist Assistant (PTA)

Becoming a Physiotherapist Assistant (PTA)

A physiotherapist assistant performs similar tasks to the physiotherapist, but mainly under the supervision of a licensed physiotherapist.

Here is the list of titles PTA programs may have:

• Physiotherapy Assistant/Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
• Rehabilitation Assistant Program
• Therapist Assistant Program
• Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant Program

To acquire education for this position, you need to successfully finish a degree in the above-mentioned programs either in University or College.

Ontario Colleges Offering Nursing Programs 

• Centennial College
• Conestoga College
• Durham College
• Georgian College
• Humber College
• Mohawk College
• Niagara College

For more information about colleges and programs visit: https://otapta.ca/english/accreditation/affiliated-education-programs.php

Physiotherapist Licence

For one to become a qualified Physiotherapist in Canada, one must obtain a physiotherapist licence. But before that, the qualifying student must first get a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and then receive a high GPA. Then, the student is required to complete a Master’s degree in physiotherapy.

As of today, there are more than 15 English Canadian programs.

Here is the list of institutions in Ontario that provide training and education in the field:

• McMaster University
• Queen’s University
• University of Ottawa
• University of Toronto
• Western University

For institutions in other provinces visit https://www.physiotherapyeducation.ca/programs.php

Physiotherapy Competency Examination

After from the designated Master’s institution, to become a licensed physiotherapist in Canada, and be able to work, one must pass a Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). International students who have a Physiotherapy background education also must complete this examination.

Sources:
https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=physiotherapist
https://on.bluecross.ca/health-insurance/health-tips/381-the-benefits-of-physiotherapy
https://physiotherapy.ca/becoming-pt-or-pta
https://www.studioathletica.com/