Physiotherapy is a medical profession that focuses on people who experience difficulties in independent movements and mobility. The role of physiotherapists is to alleviate the pain associated with these difficulties. They endeavor to improve the overall well-being and fitness of the concerned patients. Since there is a desperate need for physiotherapy, the profession has become known as the most sought-after in the world. So, if you ought to study physiotherapy in Toronto, you need to gain formal training and possess the necessary educational qualifications for prospective physiotherapists in Canada. These include:
- A master’s degree in physiotherapy from an accredited institution in Canada.
- An undergraduate degree in a similar field, along with all the prerequisites. It is for candidates who want to go for a master’s course.
- Successful passing of the physiotherapy national exam to determine the competency of all the graduating physiotherapists.
Instead of a master’s degree program, the minimum entry level for prospective physiotherapists is the undergraduate degree program. It is because of the more sophisticated demands of the Canadian population from today’s physiotherapists. Those who graduate from accredited physiotherapy programs and courses and have a master’s degree must have undergone numerous courses. These courses include subjects like pathology, anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology. Moreover, understudy physiotherapists in Canada must complete at least 1000 clinical hours via hands-on learning. These course programs also include lab work, clinical placements, and group work.
However, the entry-level requirements for a physiotherapy course differ slightly from those who study outside the country. All these graduates must undertake the PCE (Physiotherapy Competency Exam) certification to be eligible for the master’s course. The exam is organized by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators, who also evaluates the qualification of international physiotherapy graduates.
Therefore, before registering for a master’s program in physiotherapy, prospective candidates need to have the accreditations required by the institution. They can check whether or not they qualify for an institution’s accreditation is by visiting the official website of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. It is the top body for all under-study and practicing physiotherapists in Canada. The umbrella body also provides accreditation for various practicing institutes offering physiotherapy courses across the country.
As per their official website, currently, there are 14 practicing institutes in Canada that provide credible educational programs. These include:
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- University of Manitoba
- University of Western Ontario
- McMaster University
- Universite Laval
- Dalhousie University
- Universite de Montreal
- Universite de Sherbrooke
- University of Toronto
- Universite d’Ottawa
- University of Saskatchewan
Moreover, after graduating from college, the new physiotherapy graduates choose their specialization from the three distinct practice areas. These three-course branches include orthopedics, neurology, and cardiorespiratory.
- Orthopedics deals with medical problems concerned with back pain, sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, and strain injuries.
- Neurology deals with issues like cerebral palsy, stroke, head, and spinal cord injuries.
- Cardiorespiratory-based physiotherapists deal with medical conditions like pneumonia, asthma, cardiac rehabilitation, and cystic fibrosis.
Physiotherapy in Toronto is an upward trend and is the fifth most popular profession in the country. Some work in their private clinics, while others disperse their services in public hospitals. Such prospects make it a lucrative job that offers people to change other people’s lives for the better.
Why is there a growing demand for physiotherapy in Toronto?
As per Industry Market Research, the physical therapy industry has been growing consistently. The following are some reasons that support its growth and the demand for physiotherapists in Toronto.
- Increased recognition for the profession: Physical therapy is not a relatively recent development; however, it has received excellent notion these days. Physiotherapy is more than treating sore backs or sports injuries but possesses more power. It leads to the growing demand for those working within the profession.
- Aging populations: With lower mortality rates, the combined senior and global geriatric population, by 2050, will be 2.1 billion people. Old age leads to aches and pains, and the increased need to live a happy and healthy life requires physiotherapists that could help live an active lifestyle. Physical therapy is a way to make things possible for older adults and enhance their living standards.
- Medical rehabilitation is necessary: As modern medicine medicines become the only means to survive a severe illness, managing pain and rehabilitating those in recovery is imperative. The development of drugs treating deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS means that such patients can now live happy and healthy lives. But these drugs can also have possible side effects that might require treatment from physiotherapists.
- The career scope is much rewarding: With many physiotherapist graduates leaving their home country to work in places like the US and Canada, demand for physical therapists is exceptionally high in these countries. It also means that maybe the scope for careers in physical therapy in the less developed world might be higher, making it even more rewarding.
Physiotherapy in Toronto FAQs
So, before you start looking for options in this field, the following are few FAQs you need to know about a physiotherapist.
Where do physiotherapists work?
Once you have been accredited as a physiotherapist, your employment will vary from working within a public health unit, owning your practice, or working with a sports team or an organization that requires the assistance of a physiotherapist.
How long does it take to become a physiotherapist?
Typically, an undergraduate degree will take 3-4 take with full-time studying. However, an undergraduate degree doesn’t guarantee a successful practice. You might need to go for a master’s degree; however, that is not compulsory.
What are additional skills required to become a good physiotherapist?
As with any other medical career, care and empathy are as crucial as domain knowledge. You need to know what people are suffering from, but you also need to empathize with them and show them respect as they go through the treatment. The role also requires a great deal of patience since you might be dealing with patients that are pretty ambivalent towards their treatment initially.