Physiotherapist

Working in Ontario

Physiotherapists in Ontario work with their clients to restore functioning and prevent disability from disease, trauma or injury. Physiotherapists are also involved in consulting, educating individuals and groups, and in research. In Ontario, physiotherapists work as primary health care providers.

To practise physiotherapy in Ontario you must obtain a Certificate of Registration from the Ontario College of Physiotherapists. If you are an internationally trained physiotherapist and want to register in Ontario, you can contact the college directly, or view the career map in the ‘Tools and Information’ section of this page.

Tools and Information

The Ontario Government has partnered with the Ontario College of Physiotherapists of Ontario to create a Career Map for internationally trained physiotherapists. The Career Map explains in detail every step of the registration process including language requirements, labour market conditions, the credential assessment process, licensing fees and other important information.

Getting Help

Entry to practice requirements: You can find information on how you can practise as a regulated physiotherapist in Ontario on HealthForceOntario.

Bridge training programs: If you are qualified in your profession but new to Ontario, you may benefit from a bridging program. Bridging programs help qualified immigrants move more quickly into their professions without duplicating what they have already learned.

Ontario Internationally Educated Physiotherapists Bridging Program (OIEPB)

University of Toronto

This program helps internationally educated physiotherapists to obtain licensure and employment in their field. It includes both on-line and on-campus face-to-face delivery. Participants also have access to clinical skills lab and gain Canadian work experience through a clinical internship.

The program includes occupation-specific language assessment, occupation-specific language training, workplace culture and communication training, occupation-specific employment services and exam preparation for the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). Participants can also complete a self-assessment and develop an E-Portfolio.

Website: www.physicaltherapy.utoronto.ca/events/iept.htm
E-mail: iept@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-946-8560
Location: Toronto

HealthForceOntario offers a number of services to health professionals, including a recruitment centre and jobs listing service.

Regulatory Body

College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
375 University Avenue, Suite 901
Toronto, ON M5G 2J5
Phone: 416-591-3828
Toll Free 1-800-583-5885
Fax: 416-591-3834
Email: info@collegept.org
Website: www.collegept.org

Learning More

To learn about occupations in Canada, visit the Working in Canada website. This site will help you identify the name of your occupation in Canada. It will also give you important information about your profession in many regions of Canada, including job duties, skill requirements and wage rates. To learn about your occupation, visit the website and click the ‘Start’ button on the main page.

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What is a temporary work permit and how can I get one?

Temporary work permits are used to give you permission to work for a specific period of time with an employer in Ontario. You must obtain this permit before entering Canada. Your Canadian employer will be required to consult with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. You may also be interested in the Ontario's Multinational Employee Transfer.
How do I find a job in Ontario?

You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool. You may also benefit from labour market information that will provide you with current market trends. Employment Ontario funds a variety of services to help you in your job search. Jobs are also advertised in newspapers, on websites and through local employment agencies.
How can I get my education, professional credentials and skills assessed?

You can find information on education and credential assessment on our site and learn about Ontario's professional licensing bodies. You may also want to know about apprenticeship program to work in the trades and about bridge training programs to enter the Canadian market.
Where can I get job-specific training?

The Ontario government supports Bridge Training programs to help newcomers get their license or certificate in their profession or trade, so that they can work in Ontario. Find out more about these job-specific training.
What jobs and professions are in demand in Ontario?

You can use the Working in Canada tool for wage information, job demand and skills requirements in Canada. You can also find labour market information for Ontario including current market trends.
What should I do if an employer wants to hire me to work in Ontario?

You must either be a permanent resident or have a work permit in order to work in Ontario. You are also required to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It may also be necessary to have your international academic credentials assessed and recognized.
What are my rights in the Ontario workplace?

The Employment Standards Act, 2000, known as the ESA, is a law that sets minimum standards in employment for fair workplace practices in Ontario. You can find Employment Standards information on many languages. You may find the frequently asked questions and the Guide to the Employment Standards Act published on the Ministry of Labour's site very useful.
Where can I get information on professional associations and regulatory bodies?

In Ontario, each regulated profession has its own regulatory body. You will find informaton on regulated professions and their regulatory bodies on our site by choosing your profession in the left navigation bar.
Where can I go to improve my English?

Basic English language assessment and instruction for adults is available in Ontario. School boards also deliver English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for children and non-credit programs for adults. Use our language class wizard to find an English language training program near you.
What programs are available if I want to upgrade or improve my education?

Adults who want to earn a high school diploma in Ontario may do so by attending classes through local school boards. Adults may also earn a high school diploma by studying at home through the Ontario Government's Independent Learning Centre. Universities and community colleges accept mature post-secondary students and will often offer continuing education programs.