Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists who work in B.C. will provide services to enable clients to achieve and maintain optimal health outcomes, by working independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Physiotherapists may:

• Perform assessments on client’s physical status, functional abilities, needs and goals,
• Establish a physiotherapy diagnosis and prognosis,
• Develop and implement an intervention strategy,
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention,
• Communicate with the client/family and health care team members, and
• Contribute to the organization and delivery of physiotherapy services, initiatives, research, and education.

Generally, Canadian-trained physiotherapists must have completed a two-year Physiotherapy Master’s degree program and must successfully pass the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE), administered by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR), and the Alternate Clinical Evaluation BC (ACEBC), administered by University of British Columbia’s Department of Physical Therapy. In January 2026, CAPR is launching a new single national licensure exam, the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE), which will replace the PCE and the ACEBC. Registration for all 2026 exam dates will open in July 2025. 

Physiotherapy is a regulated profession in Canada, and to practice in B.C., physiotherapists must be licensed with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.  

Physiotherapist work across the health system in B.C., and are currently being hired in:

• Senior’s care, including home and community care, long-term care, and assisted living;
• Primary care networks and Urgent and Primary Care Centres
• Hospitals and acute care services
• Rehabilitation services

British Columbia’s publicly funded health authorities offer comprehensive compensation packages for regular-status employees, including employer-paid benefits.

• Wages: $42.56 – $52.95 CAD per hour (as of April 1, 2024), plus applicable shift premiums.
• Paid Vacation Time: 4 weeks per year, after first year of employment
• Pension Plan
• BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
• Extended Health Care
• Dental Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Employee and Family Assistance Plan

• The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) is the national credentialing body that provides a pathway for internationally educated physiotherapists to complete their credential assessment in Canada.  
• To become licensed in B.C., internationally educated physiotherapists must first apply for the CAPR Education Credential and Qualifications Assessment.  
• Internationally educated physiotherapists whose education has been deemed to be substantially equivalent to a Canadian physiotherapy education are eligible to register for the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE).  
• After successful PCE completion, internationally educated physiotherapists are eligible to register for the clinical qualifying exam, known as the Alternate Clinical Evaluation (ACE-BC).  
• After passing the ACE-BC, internationally educated physiotherapists are eligible to apply for full licensure with the CHCPBC.  
• Internationally educated physiotherapists who wish to work in B.C. may be eligible for the Internationally Educated Physiotherapist Credential Assessment and Education Bursary Program, to assist with the costs associated with becoming licensed to work in BC. Interested applicants can find more details through the Allied Health Jobs BC website.