Physical Therapy

Career Paths

| 14 March 2019

Physical therapists (physiotherapists) improve a patient’s quality of life and address movement and function that affects patients’ daily lives. While physiotherapists commonly have a clinical practice, the field also includes opportunities in research, education, consultation, and administration. There are a range of areas to specialize in too after graduation from a physical therapy professional program.

The Bachelor of Health Sciences degree program offers excellent preparation for students interested in a career in physical therapy (also known as physiotherapy). The courses offered provide students with differing perspectives across the spectrum of health sciences concentrations, and our graduates are well-prepared to apply for admission to Masters of Sciences in Physical Therapy (MSc(PT)) programs or similar programs both inside Canada and internationally. The information below provides an overview of the admission process to physical therapy programs in Canada, and students are encouraged to do their own research into the specific physical therapy programs in which they are interested.

Some of the following courses are common prerequisites for physical therapy programs:

Principles of Psychology (PSYC 100)
Introduction to Statistics (BIOL 243/STAM 200)
Human Anatomy and Morphology (ANAT 100)
Principles of Mammalian Physiology I (PHGY 215)
Principles of Mammalian Physiology II (PHGY 216)
Introduction to Literary Study (ENGL 100 or 200)
Fundamentals of Effective Writing/ Fundamentals of Academic Essay Writing (WRIT 120 / WRIT 125)

Some schools require a “social science” or “humanities” course. There are many options at Queen’s, including Philosophy (PHIL 259), Music (102, 171, 289), History (124, 125) Economics (ECON 111, 112), and Religion (RELS 131). Please visit Queen’s Arts and Science Online for more information about these courses.

Before the Application

Do What You Love

If you do, you’ll tend to thrive! Choose a university program that interests you since you will usually attain better marks learning something that fascinates you. Be aware that you do not have to be enrolled in a health sciences program in order to apply to MSc(OT) or similar programs. Some (but not all) schools require specific prerequisite courses, however, they can be completed in conjunction with any degree program.

Research The Profession

What is physical therapy? What do physiotherapists do? Visit the Canadian Physiotherapy Association to learn about this profession.

Consider shadowing or conducting information interviews with physiotherapists and physical therapy students. Know the realities of the day‐to‐day work and how it fits with what you know about yourself. Be realistic and informed by exploring other career options in addition to the role of the physiotherapist.

Meet The Prerequisites

Know what courses are required and obtain them at any time before you apply. To enable you to apply to many universities, you may want to consider taking the desired prerequisites for a variety of schools. Each physical therapy program has slightly different prerequisites (some do not have any!) so always check the specific schools to ensure that these general suggestions will allow you to meet the most up‐to‐date admission requirements.

Aim High Academically

Be sure to keep the doors open. The reality of professional program applications today is that undergraduate grades (even if you have continued your education beyond undergrad) are a very important part of the process.

Stay Involved

Become active in your community and with activities that mean something to you. The ability to balance academics with employment, volunteer work, sports, community and extra‐curricular interests is a trait that application committees are looking for in prospective physical therapy students. Some schools may require a minimum number of hours of volunteer work related to physical therapy (e.g. working with people with disabilities), so be sure to check whether the program for which you are applying has volunteering requirements.

Application Basics and Deadlines

Deadlines

To apply to a physical therapy program in Ontario, you must complete your application through The Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service. The deadline is typically in early January for fall entry of that same year. Schools outside of Ontario each have their own dates and deadlines, as do those outside of Canada.

Transcripts

Whether you are applying through a central application service like ORPAS or directly to the school, you will need to arrange for transcripts. All the transcripts from high school and any post‐secondary programs you have attended have to be sent directly from those institutions to the schools to which you are applying. There is generally a fee associated with this so, factor that into your application budget. If required, contact your current and former educational institutions early to avoid last‐minute problems at deadline time.

Autobiographical Sketch/Resume/CV

Many schools will ask for an itemized list (with descriptions) of activities. This can include employment, volunteer work, education, awards and accomplishments, extra-curricular, research and other activities. You may also be asked to include the name and contact information of a person who can verify the activity. Be sure to use current contact information for the verifier so that the schools can easily connect with them, if needed.

Personal Submissions/Supplementary Materials

Some schools will ask applicants to submit answers or essays to general or specific questions about their goals, experiences and fit with the program. If you’re applying to Ontario schools, all of these requirements will be found within the ORPAS online application. This part of the application can be an extremely time‐consuming part of the application process, so it is wise to start early and have others read your writing along the way. Flawless grammar and spelling are essential. Pondering the personal statements portion of the application sometimes highlights for students that they may be having difficulty articulating their specific reasons for choosing a career as a physiotherapist and defining what makes them different from other well‐qualified candidates. Tell succinct but vivid stories that enable the reader to get to know you and to see your potential as a physiotherapist.

References

Some schools will require that you provide written recommendations. In Ontario, referees are asked to complete a Confidential Assessment Form (which you download from the ORPAS online application). If you are given the option of who to choose, choose referees carefully. It is important to distinguish between “I am willing to write you a reference”, and “I am willing to write you a positive recommendation”. Try to solicit references from people who know you in different contexts (as opposed to 3 teachers, for example) and who will write about specific and positive qualities you possess. Choose people who know you well. Set up an appointment to discuss your goals, your recent activities and to help them remember specific incidences in which your best qualities stood out. Thank them in writing afterwards and let them know your progress.

Interviews

After succeeding at the initial application stage, you may be invited to attend an interview at the school. You will perform much better if you are well prepared, so be sure to practice!

Applying Out-Of-Country

Because of the competitive nature of physical therapy programs in Canada, some applicants consider attending a program internationally. There are many factors to consider when making this decision including increased tuition and living expenses, and the challenges of living in another country.

Funding

The process of applying to and paying for a professional program can quickly become onerous. ORPAS application service fees are $190, plus an institutional fee of $90 for each university selection, as of this writing. There are also costs for transcripts ($12) and travel expenses for interviews.

Physical therapy programs vary in tuition rate. Check your school’s website for up to date information. Some schools offer bursaries specifically for physical therapy students. Be sure to contact Student Awards at the university to which you are applying to find out about these opportunities.