Saskatchewan JobFutures

Nature of Work

Physiotherapists plan and carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunctioning in patients. Physiotherapists are employed in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres and extended care facilities. They may also work in private practice.

Nature of Work

Physiotherapists plan and carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunctioning in patients. Physiotherapists are employed in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres and extended care facilities. They may also work in private practice.

Duties

Physiotherapists may focus their practice in particular clinical areas, such as neurology, oncology, rheumatology, orthopaedics, obstetrics, paediatrics, geriatrics or in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary disorders, burns or sports injuries. Consequently, their specific work duties may be quite varied. Nevertheless, there are several duties common to most physiotherapists. These include assessing patients' physical abilities through evaluative procedures, such as functional abilities tests.

Physiotherapists are also generally responsible for planning and implementing such physiotherapy programs as therapeutic exercise, manipulations, message, education, the use of electro-therapeutic and other mechanical equipment and hydrotherapy. This work involves maintaining clinical and statistical records and conferring with other health care professionals.

Some physiotherapists conduct research in physiotherapy and act as physiotherapy consultants and educators.

Example Titles

• registered physiotherapist
• research physiotherapist
• physiotherapist
• physical therapist

Training Paths

U of S offers a Bachelor of Science degree program in Physical Therapy. Applicants to this program are required to complete two years of pre-physical therapy at either provincial university. SIAST offers related training for physical therapist assistants. SIAST offers related training in the Occupational Therapist Assistant/ Physical Therapist Assistant program.

Trends and Outlooks

The employment prospects for this occupation are: good

The number of physiotherapists employed in Saskatchewan increased by 30% between 2001 and 2006. Whether or not employment continues to increase at this rate, prospective physiotherapists can expect some employment opportunities in the next few years due to retirement or other turnover in the provincial labour market. In addition, these are occupations that will be in increasing demand as Saskatchewan's aging population requires more acute health care. It must be remembered, however, that this is not a large occupation in Saskatchewan--just over 600 physiotherapists were employed in the province in 2006. Consequently, the employment forecast (however positive) will not result in many new and replacement positions during this period.

Physiotherapists are well paid in Saskatchewan. In 2005, the average full-time income in this field of work was $51,240 per year, well above the provincial full-time average for all occupations ($42,298 per year) from the same year. Many, of course, earn more or less than the average income. In 2005, full-time physiotherapists earned as much as $72,214 and as little as $21,167. Physiotherapists in Regina and Saskatoon generally earn more than their counterparts elsewhere in the province.

Roughly 63% of all physiotherapists in the province worked full time in 2005. While not unheard of, self-employment is rare in physiotherapy. As well, work is neither seasonal nor sensitive to overall economic conditions.

In keeping with national trends, the vast majority of physiotherapists in Saskatchewan are women. In 2006, only 21% of all physiotherapists in the province were male. Roughly 65% of all physiotherapists worked in or around Regina or Saskatoon in 2006.

While an aging Saskatchewan population will increase the demand for physiotherapists in the years ahead, spending restraints and government cutbacks may reduce the employment opportunities in this field. As the new millennium progresses, the best opportunities for physiotherapists are likely to be found in the private sector.

Professional Associations

Practising physiotherapists in the province must be registered with the Saskatchewan College of Physical Therapists in order to practice in Saskatchewan. Applicants for registration with the College must be graduates of an accredited university, college or school physical therapy program or have in the field of physical therapy. Graduates of unaccredited programs can become registered through an examination process if the College is satisfied with their training and experience. Application and other required fees are payable directly to the College. For more information, contact:

Saskatchewan College of Physical Therapists

Box 7385

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

S7K 4J3

Telephone: (306) 931-6661

Fax: (306) 931-7333

Related Occupations

• Directors of physiotherapy (in 0311 Managers in Health Care)
• Physical rehabilitation technicians (in 3235 Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment)