Overview
Physiotherapists assess clients and plan and carry out individually designed treatment programs to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning and mobility, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunction in clients. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, industry, sports organizations, rehabilitation centres and extended care facilities, or may work in private practice.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Assess clients' physical abilities using assessment procedures such as functional ability tests and make a physiotherapy diagnosis
Establish treatment goals with clients based on diagnosis
Develop and implement physiotherapy treatment plans including therapeutic exercise, manipulations, massage, education, electrotherapy hydrotherapy and other modalities
Evaluate effectiveness of treatment plans and modify accordingly
Provide advice on exercise and strategies to implement at home to enhance and or maintain treatment
Communicate with referring physician and other health care professionals regarding clients' problems, needs and progress
Maintain clinical and statistical records and confer with other health care professionals
Develop and implement health promotion programs for clients, staff and the community
May conduct research in physiotherapy
Provide consulting or education services as required.
Physiotherapists may focus their practice in particular clinical areas such as neurology, oncology, rheumatology, orthopedics, obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics, in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary disorders, burns or sports injuries or in the field of ergonomics.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$48,136
$96,104
$135,230
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
984expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A master's degree in physiotherapy and a period of supervised practical training are required.
A licence or registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces and territories.
Completion of a physiotherapist competency examination is required in all provinces and territories.
Additional information
Progression to management positions, such as director of physiotherapy, is possible through experience and additional training.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Physiotherapists in B.C.
- Registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC - Physical Therapists
Registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC - Physical Therapists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as a physical therapist in B.C., you must register with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Eligibility is achieved through completion of an approved post-secondary program, successful writing of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination, and a clinical assessment.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.