Physiotherapists
(NOC 3142)
in All HealthPhysiotherapists 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 work in hospitals, clinics, industry, sports organizations, rehabilitation centres and extended care facilities, or they may work in private practice. Physiotherapists may focus their practice in particular clinical areas like neurology, oncology, rheumatology, orthopedics, obstetrics, pediatrics, and geriatrics, or in treating patients with cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary disorders, burns or sports injuries, or in the field of ergonomics.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Health
Opportunities should continue to arise due to the needs of an aging population and a focus on health, rehabilitation and wellness in general. While most openings are in Halifax, there is typically less competition for rural positions. New graduates often work part-time positions in various specialties to increase their experience, and benefit from developing “soft skills” through interacting with patients. A large percentage of physiotherapists are employed by private health and wellness clinics, though the province-wide authority provides those within the hospital system a wide variety of specialized opportunities.
Hourly Pay
$23.65
Minimum$39.00
Median$44.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$15,942
Minimum$63,535
Median$81,361
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.70
Minimum$26.60
Median$43.30
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,740
Minimum$43,853
Median$88,944
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 work in hospitals, clinics, industry, sports organizations, rehabilitation centres and extended care facilities, or they may work in private practice. Physiotherapists may focus their practice in particular clinical areas like neurology, oncology, rheumatology, orthopedics, obstetrics, pediatrics, and geriatrics, or in treating patients with cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary disorders, burns or sports injuries, or in the field of ergonomics.
Job duties
Physiotherapists:
- Assess patients' physical abilities through evaluative procedures like functional ability tests.
- Determine 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.
- Communicate with referring physician and other healthcare professionals regarding patients' problems, needs and progress.
- Maintain clinical and statistical records and consult 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.
Sample job titles
- clinical physical therapist
- consultant physiotherapist
- physical rehabilitation therapist
- physical therapist
- physical therapy clinical specialist
- physical therapy supervisor
- physiotherapist
- physiotherapy clinical coordinator
- physiotherapy supervisor
- registered physiotherapist
Skills
- You should have an interest in health and in caring for the special needs of people. Ingenuity, initiative, and imagination are needed to adapt activities to individual needs. You should be patient, self-disciplined, and resourceful. The ability to inspire confidence and to motivate clients is important. A strong sense of responsibility, good judgement, and communication skills are also necessary. Physical stamina may be necessary.
Job requirements
- A university degree in physiotherapy and a period of supervised practical training are required.
- A licence or registration with a regulatory body is required to practice physiotherapy in Nova Scotia.
- Completion of the Physiotherapy National Exam, administered by the Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulatory Boards, may be required.
Other considerations
- A growing number of people in this group are self-employed. Movement to management positions like director of physiotherapy is possible through experience and additional training.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Health
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$58,088 median annual incomeSouthern
$63,911 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$73,252 median annual incomeCape Breton
$73,694 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$72,483 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health care and social assistance
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
45-54
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Health
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$72,557 median annual incomeMaster
$60,408 median annual incomeDiploma Above Bachelor
$54,975 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ACompared to: All Health
College Diploma
$40,033 median annual incomeBachelor
$61,668 median annual incomeMedicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Optometry
$81,191 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,829 median annual incomeMaster
$69,296 median annual incomeEducation & training
Physical Therapy
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to alleviate physical and functional impairments and limitations caused by injury or disease through the design and implementation of therapeutic interventions to promote fitness and health. They include courses in functional anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, neuroscience, pathological physiology, analysis of dysfunction, movement dynamics, physical growth process, management of musculoskeletal disorders, clinical evaluation and measurement, client assessment and supervision, care plan development and documentation, physical therapy modalities, rehabilitation psychology, physical therapy administration, and professional standards and ethics.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.