Physiotherapy is a health care profession directed at evaluating, restoring and maintaining physical function. Also known as physical therapists, physiotherapists have a detailed understanding of how the body works and are specially educated and trained to assess and improve movement and function, and relieve pain. Physiotherapists promote good health by encouraging their clients to improve and increase control over their own lives. There are more than 12,000 physiotherapists licensed to practice in Canada. A physiotherapist's role in your health care Physiotherapists provide valuable health care for people throughout their lifespan - from birth to old age.
Physiotherapists enter the profession with a university degree.
There are 13 university-based physiotherapy academic programs in Canada. Students also serve clinical internships. Graduates earn a Bachelor's degree in physiotherapy upon completion of their courses. Most Canadian university programs also offer further study at the post-graduate level. The purpose of regulation is to ensure a standard of service to the public.