Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists play a vital role in B.C.’s health system, helping individuals maintain, restore, and improve their physical function and mobility.

About physiotherapists

Physiotherapists work with patients to enhance their movement and overall quality of life, particularly after injury, surgery, or the onset of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiovascular systems. The ultimate goal of physiotherapy is to enable individuals to achieve optimal physical function, whether in daily activities, work, or sports.

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.
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Generally, Canadian-trained physiotherapists must have completed a two-year Physiotherapy Master’s degree program and must successfully pass the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE), administered by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR).  

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.  

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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

For support and resources to assist in your job search, visit Allied Health Jobs BC and register today. 

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

  • Wages: $45.15 – $56.17 CAD per hour (as of April 1, 2026), 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
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  • 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 BC, 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 Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE) 
  • After passing the CPTE, internationally educated physiotherapists are eligible to apply for full licensure with the CHCPBC.  
  • Internationally educated physiotherapists who wish to work in BC 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. 
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B.C. news for physiotherapists

New UBC Surrey facility trains future healthcare workers

More students will be able to train for in-demand healthcare careers, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and midwifery, at a new UBC training facility in Surrey. The new learning space will help prepare more healthcare workers to serve growing communities across B.C. and improve access to care.

Learn more about new healthcare training in B.C.

Allied health programs expanded on Vancouver Island

Students can now train for careers in physical therapy and speech-language pathology on Vancouver Island through expanded UBC programs delivered in partnership with UVic. Training closer to home will help prepare more allied health professionals to work in local communities and improve access to care across the region.

Learn more about allied health training on Vancouver Island

New supports for allied health, clinical support workers will boost workforce

People accessing health care will benefit from a stronger workforce as the Province further invests in recruitment, retention and training initiatives for allied health and clinical support workers.

Learn more about what B.C. is doing to improve cancer care

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