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3 Health occupations > Physiotherapists (NOC 3142)

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Physiotherapists (NOC 3142)


Description

Physiotherapists assess patients, plan and carry out individually designed treatment programs to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunctions. Physiotherapists are employed in hospitals, clinics, industry, sports organizations, rehabilitation centres and extended care facilities, or they may work in private practice.

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Example Titles

  • physical therapist
  • physiotherapist
  • registered physiotherapist

      >> View all titles

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Classified Elsewhere

  • Directors of physiotherapy (in 0311 Managers in Health Care)
  • Physical rehabilitation technicians (in 3235 Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment)

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Duties

Physiotherapists perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Assess patients physical abilities through evaluative procedures such as functional ability tests
  • Establish treatment goals with the patient based on physical diagnoses
  • Plan and implement programs of physiotherapy including therapeutic exercise, manipulations, massage, education, the use of electro-therapeutic and other mechanical equipment and hydro-therapy
  • Evaluate effectiveness of treatment plans and modify accordingly
  • Communicate with referring physician and other health care professionals regarding patients problems, needs and progress
  • Maintain clinical and statistical records and confer with other health care professionals
  • Develop and implement health promotion programs for patients, staff and the community
  • May conduct research in physiotherapy
  • May provide consulting or education services
  • May provide acupuncture.

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Skills

Physiotherapists must have the following skills and abilities:

Essential skills:

  • be able to relate well to a wide range of people and gain their confidence,
  • ability to work independently and as a member of a team,
  • good problem-solving and decision-making skills,
  • emotional stability, maturity, integrity, reliability, realistic self appraisal,
  • ability to cope with stressful situations,
  • physical stamina and manual dexterity,
  • good listening and observational skills,
  • good verbal and written communication skills,
  • knowledge of computers.

Technical skills:

  • operation of technical medical equipment
  • administrative skills such as basic accounting, human resources and materials
  • management may be required for therapists operating their own practice

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Employment Requirements

  • A university degree in physiotherapy and a period of supervised practical training is required.
  • Completion of the Physiotherapy National Exam, administered by the Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulatory Boards is required.
  • In order to work in the Province of Manitoba physical therapists must be licensed through the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba.

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Terms & Conditions

Physiotherapists commonly work indoors during regular business hours, however many physiotherapists in private practice now see clients until 7:00 p.m., and most hospitals have coverage in the evenings and on weekends. Opportunities for part time work are available, though most physiotherapists in Manitoba work full-time (74%).

Physiotherapy can be physically demanding, and requires the practitioner to be moderately fit and agile.

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Earnings

$57,000 per annum - starting

$64,100 per annum - average

$78,000 per annum - high

Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.

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Education / Training

The University of Manitoba, School of Medical Rehabilitation, offers the following degree programs:

  • Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy) [4 years: University 1, plus 3 years], http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/units/medrehab/pt/index.html
  • The University of Manitoba, School of Medicacial Rehabilitation, also offers a Master of Science (Rehabilitation) for students with a bachelor of physical therapy or occupational therapy who are interested in a research degree, http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/units/me
  • The Special Pre-Medical Studies Program at the University of Manitoba is a two to four year program preparing Aboriginal students for entrance into medical and dental schools or other health-related faculties. Manitoba residents of Aboriginal ancestry are invited to apply to Physical Therapy through the special consideration category.
  • Brandon University, Canadian Mennonite University, University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg offer pre-requisite courses for Physical TherapyPhysiotherapy.

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Career Paths

Physiotherapists may work in community health centres, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, long term and personal care home facilities or may operate their own private practice.

A physiotherapist's practice can be focused in a clinical area such as neurology, oncology, rheumatology, orthopedics, pediatrics, geriatrics, in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary disorders, burns or sports injuries or in the field of ergonomics.

Physiotherapists may work in research, teaching and consultation.

Progression to management positions, such as director of physiotherapy, is possible through experience and additional training.

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Outlook

Employment prospects for physiotherapists are expected to be good in the period 2010 to 2014. There is currently a shortage of physiotherapists in the Province. Employment in 2010 is approximatey 665.

A growth in demand for the services of physiotherapists is to be expected as the population ages and an increasing number of individuals with disabilites or limited function require thereapy. As the need for physiotherapy services expands so does the range of treatments available. Physiotherapy services are funded by private insurance plans such as Blue Cross; government agencies for qualifying individuals such as Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, Canada Pension Plan, and Manitoba Public Insurance Commission; or by individuals. This occupation is therefore less sensitive to government fiscal policies than most other health care occupations. A number of the postings for physiotherapists advertise part time work to start.

A proportionally greater number of Physiotherapists are located in Winnipeg. They are employed exclusively in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector. The majority work in hospitals (58%), followed by community based clinics (35%) and nursing and residential care homes (8%).

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Employment by Age Group

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Employment by Industry

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Employment by Region

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Employment by Gender

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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification

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Employment by Visible Minority

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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.



Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...

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Other Related Information...

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Service Canada Province of Manitoba