Introduction to physiotherapy

Presented by Anna Wojcik B.Sc.PT Royal Victoria Hospital

Physical Therapy

therapy for the preservation, enhancement, or restoration of movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disability, injury, or disease that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and trainingcalled also physiotherapy

Merriam-Websters definition

How to become a physiotherapist?

Bachelor of Science (Physical Therapy) (nonpracticing)

90 credit program Requirement: letter attesting to 50 hours of work related to physical therapy

Masters of Science, Applied (Physical Therapy)

58-credit degree program that includes one thousand hours of fieldwork education over 5 semesters. Requirements: minimum GPA of 3.0

For undergraduates

Direct application to the Professional Masters in Physical Therapy (must complete a qualifying year)
Requirements: minimum GPA of 3.0 Letter attesting to 50 hours of work related to physical therapy

Pursuing your studies

three graduate degrees in Rehabilitation Sciences

MSc (nonthesis) MSc (thesis) PhD

many courses are available throughout the year

Different work settings

Hospitals Rehabilitation centers Private clinics Home visits (CLSC) On the road CHSLD

Different clientele

Paediatrics Geriatrics Athletes Regular adult population

Branches of physical therapy

Neurology

E.g. MNH, IRM

In hospital and private clinics

Orthopaedics

Cardio respiratory
Institut de Cardiologie de Montral Hospital

Job availability
Physiotherapists are in high demand! Part time vs. full time Contracts vs. long-term

What is the schedule like?

In private clinics: it depends on the setting, but usually 2 shifts, i.e. early am and late pm In a hospital (MUHC):
Monday to Friday (flexible hours) weekends normally off as well as holidays (13 days) 4 weeks vacation & 9 sick days

In rehab centers: similar to hospital setting

Salary

For newly qualified physical therapists the starting salary is around 36000$ annually (in Quebec) It differs in a private setting Different across Canada

Physical therapy at the MUHC on 10 Medical

Organization of my day Reading patients charts Working with the multidisciplinary team Documenting Communicating with rehabilitation centers, CHSLD, family members etc. Attending Grand rounds

Any questions

References

http://www.mcgill.ca/spot/ http://www.physiotherapy.ca/ http://www.oppq.qc.ca/ http://www.alliancept.org/