What do I need to practice physical therapy in Canada?
To learn more about physical therapy, including its scope of practice, you are encouraged to browse resources on the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) website.
To practice as a physiotherapist/physical therapist in Canada, you’ll need:
Completion of a Canadian-accredited physical therapy program.
Completion of the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) written component.
License or registration with the associated regulator/governing body where you would like to practice.
(Canadian Physiotherapy Association, n.d.)
If you are planning to or have completed education outside of Canada, requirements may vary. Please see the Canadian Physiotherapy Association website for more information.
How do I apply?
To apply to a physical therapy program, you may apply:
Through Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (ORPAS) for Ontario physical therapy/physiotherapy (PT) programs.
Through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) for physical therapy programs in the U.S.
Through individual program websites for programs not found within ORPAS or PTCAS.
The application process may consist of the following components:
Personal information
Personal statement
Autobiographical sketch (ABS)
Referees/letters of reference
Transcript(s), including prerequisites (if applicable)
Standardized test results (i.e. Casper)
Interviews and/or assessments (program-specific)
References
Canadian Physiotherapy Association. (n.d.) Becoming a PT or PTA. https://physiotherapy.ca/advocacy/about-physiotherapy-in-canada/becoming-a-pt-or-pta/