Bridging the Gap: The Need for More Physiotherapists in Canada
This article on physiotherapy or physical therapy jobs in Canada talks about the growing demand for the physiotherapists and the factors contributing to the demand. The article also makes reference to verified statistics from government regulators such as Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators and StatsCan.
2/19/20242 min read
Insights drawn from the Federal Government sites - Statscan specific to Physiotherapist vacancies between 2022 and 2023:
Insights regarding job vacancies, the proportion of job vacancies, and the average offered hourly wage for physiotherapists in Canada. Here are some key points:
Job Vacancies: The number of job vacancies for physiotherapists in Canada fluctuated over the quarters, ranging from 1,765 to 2,040. The data shows some variability in the number of vacancies, suggesting potential changes in demand or hiring trends over time.
Proportion of Job Vacancies: The proportion of job vacancies remained relatively consistent across quarters, indicating a steady demand for physiotherapists throughout the year. Across all quarters, the proportion of job vacancies for physiotherapists was 100%, indicating that all vacant positions were actively being sought to be filled.
Average Offered Hourly Wage: The average offered hourly wage for physiotherapists varied from $35.70 to $40.25 across different quarters. There is a general upward trend in the average offered hourly wage over the quarters, indicating potential increases in remuneration for physiotherapy positions.
Type of Work: The majority of job vacancies were for full-time positions, comprising around 65.7% to 72.1% of all vacancies. Part-time positions accounted for the remaining job vacancies, making up around 27.9% to 33.6% of the total.
Minimum Level of Education Required: The data indicates that physiotherapy job vacancies typically require a university certificate, diploma, or degree above the bachelor's level, with proportions ranging from 53.5% to 64.7% across quarters. Positions requiring a bachelor's degree also constituted a significant portion of vacancies, ranging from 15.2% to 27.7%.
Duration of Job Vacancy: The majority of job vacancies had durations of 90 days or more, accounting for 51.4% to 61.2% of vacancies across quarters. This suggests that many physiotherapy positions remain open for an extended period, potentially indicating challenges in filling these roles.
Recruitment Strategies: Apart from generic talent sources employers use trusted referrals (one like Canadacareercenter.com) to fill the vacancies.
Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in enhancing the health and well-being of individuals across Canada. From aiding in injury recovery to improving mobility and quality of life, physiotherapists are indispensable members of the healthcare team. However, despite the increasing demand for physiotherapy services, Canada is facing a shortage of qualified physiotherapists. In this blog, we'll delve into the need for more physiotherapists across Canada and explore the journey of internationally educated and trained physiotherapists to obtain their license to practice in the country.
The Growing Demand for Physiotherapy Services
The demand for physiotherapy services in Canada is on the rise, driven by several factors. According to recent data from Statistics Canada, the number of Canadians aged 65 and older is projected to increase from 6.8 million in 2021 to 10.4 million by 2036, highlighting the growing need for rehabilitation services among the aging population. Additionally, the prevalence of chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases is increasing, further fueling demand for physiotherapy interventions.
Shortage of Physiotherapists
Despite the increasing demand, Canada is facing a shortage of physiotherapists, particularly in rural and underserved areas. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the ratio of physiotherapists to population varies widely across provinces and territories, with some regions experiencing significant shortages. The challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified physiotherapists are compounded by factors such as limited training capacity in Canadian physiotherapy programs and an aging workforce nearing retirement.
The Journey of Internationally Educated Physiotherapists
To address the shortage of physiotherapists, Canada welcomes internationally educated and trained physiotherapists to obtain their license to practice in the country. However, this process can be complex and challenging, requiring candidates to navigate through multiple steps and meet stringent requirements.
Credential Assessment: Internationally educated physiotherapists must undergo a credential assessment by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) to determine their eligibility for licensure in Canada. According to CAPR data, the number of internationally educated physiotherapists seeking credential assessment has been steadily increasing in recent years.
Bridging Programs: Depending on the results of the credential assessment, candidates may be required to complete additional training or bridging programs to meet Canadian standards and regulations. These programs, offered by universities and colleges across the country, help candidates enhance their skills and knowledge in areas such as clinical practice, ethics, and cultural competence.
Licensing Examination: Upon completion of bridging programs, candidates must pass the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) administered by the CAPR. The pass rates for the PCE have been relatively stable in recent years, with successful candidates demonstrating their clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and ability to practice safely and effectively in a Canadian healthcare setting.
Registration with Provincial Regulatory Bodies: After passing the licensing examination, candidates must apply for registration with the physiotherapy regulatory body in the province or territory where they wish to practice. Each regulatory body has its own registration requirements and processes, which may include additional documentation, fees, and assessments.
Conclusion
The need for more physiotherapists across Canada is evident, given the growing demand for rehabilitation services and the shortage of qualified professionals. Internationally educated and trained physiotherapists play a crucial role in addressing this need, but they face challenges in navigating the licensure process and meeting Canadian standards. By streamlining the credential assessment process, offering support and resources for bridging programs, and facilitating the integration of internationally educated physiotherapists into the workforce, Canada can ensure access to high-quality physiotherapy services for all Canadians.