National Occupation Code (NOC): 3142

Physiotherapists assess patients 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 patients. 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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Job Duties for Physiotherapists

• Assess patients' physical abilities through evaluative procedures such as functional ability tests
• Establish treatment goals with patients 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 hydrotherapy
• 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 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.

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.

Working Conditions for Physiotherapists

Work is performed in a variety of public and private facilities, including hospitals, private clinics, home care, child-development centres, extended-care facilities, in academics and administration, and health-planning agencies. The use of ultrasound, laser, and electrical stimulation devices bears some health risks, making safety measures necessary.

Alternate Job Titles

• Clinical Physical Therapist
• Clinical Physiotherapist
• Consultant Physical Therapist
• Consultant Physiotherapist
• Physical Rehabilitation Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapy Clinical Co-ordinator
• Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist
• Physical Therapy Supervisor
• Physiotherapist
• Physiotherapy Clinical Co-ordinator
• Physiotherapy Supervisor
• Registered Physical Therapist
• Registered Physiotherapist
• Research Physical Therapist
• Research Physiotherapist
• Clinical Physical Therapist
• Clinical Physiotherapist
• Consultant Physical Therapist
• Consultant Physiotherapist
• Physical Rehabilitation Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapy Clinical Co-ordinator
• Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist
• Physical Therapy Supervisor
• Physiotherapist
• Physiotherapy Clinical Co-ordinator
• Physiotherapy Supervisor
• Registered Physical Therapist
• Registered Physiotherapist
• Research Physical Therapist
• Research Physiotherapist
• Orthopaedic & Sport Physiotherapy Fellowship
• Rehabilitation Consultant