31202

Physiotherapists

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Health

3 › 31 › 312 › 3120

Definition

Physiotherapists assess clients and plan and carry out individually designed treatment programs to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning and mobility, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunction in clients. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, industry, sports organizations, rehabilitation centres and extended care facilities, or may work in private practice.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Assess clients' physical abilities using assessment procedures such as functional ability tests and make a physiotherapy diagnosis
Establish treatment goals with clients based on diagnosis
Develop and implement physiotherapy treatment plans including therapeutic exercise, manipulations, massage, education, electrotherapy hydrotherapy and other modalities
Evaluate effectiveness of treatment plans and modify accordingly
Provide advice on exercise and strategies to implement at home to enhance and or maintain treatment
Communicate with referring physician and other health care professionals regarding clients' problems, needs and progress
Maintain clinical and statistical records and confer with other health care professionals
Develop and implement health promotion programs for clients, staff and the community
May conduct research in physiotherapy
Provide consulting or education services as required.
Physiotherapists may focus their practice in particular clinical areas such as neurology, oncology, rheumatology, orthopedics, obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics, in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary disorders, burns or sports injuries or in the field of ergonomics.

Example job titles

•physical therapist
•physiotherapist
•registered physiotherapist
•research physiotherapist

Overview

Physiotherapists in Canada, classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 code 31202, play a vital role in the healthcare sector by assessing patients and designing personalized treatment plans to restore physical function, improve mobility, and manage pain. As a TEER 1 occupation, physiotherapists are highly sought after across Canada and typically find employment in hospitals, community health centres, private clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and extended care homes.

To qualify for Canadian immigration under NOC 31202, candidates must meet specific professional and educational benchmarks. Applicants must hold a university degree in physiotherapy along with a period of supervised practical training. Regulating practice is a provincial responsibility; therefore, registering with a provincial or territorial regulatory body is mandatory to practice as a physiotherapist in Canada. This process usually requires passing the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). Highly qualified candidates can leverage Federal Express Entry pathways—such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or targeted Healthcare category-based draws—as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to secure permanent residency.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official, up-to-date program requirements, always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) websites.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.