O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 W H AT I S A P H YS I OT H E R A P I S T ?

Physiotherapists apply knowledge, skills and

judgement to promote health and to assess and
break down the barriers that restrict physical
function.

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 W H AT I S P H YS I OT H E R A PY ?

• Physiotherapy focuses on evaluating,

restoring and maintaining physical function.
• Physiotherapists are physical rehabilitation
experts who assess and improve movement
and relieve pain.
• Physiotherapy treatments do not involve
drugs or surgery.

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N
 PHYSIOTHERAPISTS CAN WORK IN MANY SETTINGS, INCLUDING:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Universities & Research Centres
• Long-Term Care Homes
• Schools
• Under Developed Nations
• Community Health Organizations

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 W H AT D O P H YS I OT H E R A P I S T S D O ?

Generally, there are three main areas of healthcare

that PTs study and practice.

• Cardiorespiratory

• Neurology

• Orthopaedics

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 Cardiorespiratory PT
Physiotherapists working in a cardiorespiratory setting may see the following types
of patients:

• Heart and lung disease

• Heart and lung transplants

• Pre and post cardiac surgery

• Trauma (ICU)

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 Neurology PT
Physiotherapists in the neuro field may work with the following patient populations:

• Stroke

• Central nervous system disease

• Traumatic brain injury

• Spinal cord injury

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 Orthopaedic PT
Physiotherapists in an orthopaedic setting may work with these types of patients:

• Workplace injuries

• Athletic injuries

• Amputees

• Pre and post joint injury

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 JOB TRENDS

• Job availability is good

• Flexibility in choosing patient populations,

location and hours

• As baby boomer population ages, the demand

for physiotherapists increases

• Salary varies depending on years of

experience and public vs. private sector

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 P T E D U C AT I O N I N C A N A DA

• PTs who study in Ontario must complete a

Master of Science in Physical Therapy.

• PT programs offer hands-on learning, lectures

and small working groups.

• PTs are required to complete a minimum of

1, 000 clinical hours.

• PTs are committed to life long learning and

grow their skills through continuing education
programming post-graduation.

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 W H AT D O P H YS I OT H E R A PY S TU D E N T S S T U DY ?

Physiotherapy students take courses in:

• Anatomy

• Physiology

• Pathology

• PT assessments and treatment areas such

as:
• Paediatrocs
• Geriatrics
• Orthopaedics
• Neurology
• Cardiorespiratory
• Special population

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 WHAT IS THE PHYSIOTHERAPY COMPETENCY EXAM?

The Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) is administered by

the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators. There are
both written and clinical components of the exam. Candidates
must pass both components to register with the College of
Physiotherapists of Ontario.

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 IS PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR YOU?

Are you…

• Someone who enjoys learning?

• Someone who works well with people?

• A creative problem solver?

• A team player?

• Hardworking?

• Rewarded by helping others?

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 WHAT IS THE OPA?

The OPA is a branch of the Canadian Physiotherapy

Association. The OPA is a non-profit organization
dedicated to promoting the profession of
physiotherapy through advocacy, professional
development and career support.

ALL ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY O N TAR I O PH YSI OT H ER APY A SSO C IAT IO N

 GET IN TOUCH

416 322 6866 1 800 672 9668

55 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 210

Toronto, Ontario, M4P 1G8
opa.on.ca

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