Physiotherapists and physiotherapy technologists (Phys. T.) are the two types of health professionals who work in physiotherapy.
In Quebec, these are the only two types of physiotherapy professionals recognized by the professional system. They treat physical disabilities and impairments and work to restore your full range of motion so you can go about your daily life. Physiotherapists and Phys. T. also help people manage pain, prevent injuries, work to educate the public, and promote health.
A new professional title
The professional title physiotherapy technologist (Phys. T.) replaced the former title physical rehabilitation therapist (PRT) as of September 2020. More information
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists work with patients of all ages who have problems with their muscles, bones, joints, neurological system (brain, nerves, spinal cord), respiratory system (lungs), circulatory system (blood vessels), or cardiac system (heart).
Physiotherapists have a deep understanding of how the human body works, so they can assess the nature and cause of your problem. They identify the problem by assessing your physical abilities, including your joint mobility, strength, muscle tone and endurance, reflexes, and posture.
After making a diagnosis, your physiotherapist will develop and implement a treatment plan to suit your needs. Physiotherapists can also give you helpful tips on posture and healthy living and show you exercises to improve your physical fitness
Did you know?
You don’t need a prescription or doctor’s note to see a physiotherapist.
A video is worth a thousand words
Watch profiles on Marie-Ève, a physiotherapist at Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus; Jean-François, a physiotherapist at the Apex Physio in Montcalm; Raymond, a physiotherapist at Clinique Stadium PhysioOstéo; and Julie, a physiotherapist at INS Québec’s sports medicine clinic.
How do you become a physiotherapist?
To become a physiotherapist, you need a master’s degree in physiotherapy from a Canadian university. To practise in Quebec, you also need to become a member of OPPQ and speak enough French to effectively practise the profession.
Five universities in Quebec have a physiotherapy program:
- Université de Montréal
- Université de Sherbrooke
- Université Laval
- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
- McGill University
For more information, read our pamphlet on physiotherapy.
What about graduates from outside Canada?
People with degrees from outside of Canada must apply to have their degree or training recognized before they can practise physiotherapy in Quebec. For more information on applying for equivalency, visit the “Become a Member” section
Did you know?
Before 2009, you did not need a master’s degree in physiotherapy to become a physiotherapist. You only needed a bachelor’s degree.
We’re looking for skilled professionals!
Since physiotherapy is always evolving, professionals need to continually update their expertise and skills through continuing education and research activities.
These skills and expertise make them an effective and indispensable part of our healthcare system.
Physiotherapy technologists
Physiotherapy technologists (Phys. T.) work with patients of all ages, including athletes and people injured at work. They deal with problems affecting muscles, bones, joints, the neurological system (brain, nerves, spinal cord), the respiratory system (lungs), the circulatory system (blood vessels), and the cardiac system (heart).
Like physiotherapists, the primary objective of Phys. T. is to help you get back on your feet and regain your independence as quickly as possible.
Phys. T. step in after a physiotherapist or physician has assessed a patient’s condition. They collect and analyze the information on the patient’s chart in order to develop, implement, and monitor the treatment plan. Phys. T. can also give you helpful tips on posture and healthy living and show you exercises to improve your physical fitness.
A video is worth a thousand words
Watch profiles on Geneviève, a Phys. T. at Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke; Francine, a Phys. T. at CSSS Thérèse de Blainville; and Nadine, a Phys. T. at Hôpital Jean-Talon.
How do you become a physiotherapy technologist?
To become a physiotherapy technologist, you need a diploma of collegial studies (DEC) in physiotherapy techniques from a Quebec cégep. To practise in Quebec, you also need to become a member of OPPQ and speak enough French to effectively practise the profession.
Eight cégeps in Quebec offer a Phys. T. program:
- Cégep de Chicoutimi
- Cégep de Sherbrooke
- Cégep Marie-Victorin
- Cégep Garneau
- Collège Ellis
- Collège Montmorency
- Centre matapédien d’études collégiales
- Collège Dawson
For more information, read our pamphlet on physical rehabilitation therapy.
What about graduates from outside Canada?
People with degrees from outside Canada must apply to have their degree or training recognized before they can practise physical rehabilitation therapy in Quebec. For more information on applying for equivalency, visit the “Become a Member” section.
We’re looking for skilled professionals!
Since physiotherapy is always evolving, professionals need to continually update their expertise and skills through continuing education and research activities.
These skills and expertise make them an effective and indispensable part of our healthcare system.