Too become a physiotherapist in Canada, you certainly have to remain focused throughout what can be a long journey. Canada, which I believe is one of the world leaders in physiotherapy, requires an undergraduate degree prior to a masters level degree in physiotherapy. Many people pursue an undergraduate in kinesiology (or the equivalent) prior to getting their masters, as this is often the most closely related undergraduate degree. Just as the competition for your undergraduate degree can be tough, the process to be accepted into physiotherapy can be difficult as well. Many schools offering physiotherapy, consider your undergraduate marks, previous experience and volunteer work, as well as your scoring in an interview process. Once accepted, physiotherapy is typically a 2 year course covering orthopaedics, neurological, and cardio respiratory rehabilitation. The whole post secondary process takes approximately 6 years culminating in a practical and written exam that once passed, allows the therapist to licence provincially.
For many therapists, this 6 year process is often just the beginning of what is a career of learning. Pursuing further education is imperative to becoming a leader in this field. Post graduate work in manual and manipulative therapy, acupuncture, IMS, and sport physiotherapy all require significant time and effort after graduation. It is these types of courses that separate the good clinicians from the average clinicians.
At South Simcoe Physiotherapy, all of our therapists have pursued education well beyond the minimum standard. Courses such as manual and manipulative therapy, acupuncture, IMS, women’s health just to name a few. When choosing your physiotherapist, make sure that you are choosing one that is qualified to give you the care you deserve!