National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0

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National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
Introduction
Hierarchical structure

31202 - Physiotherapists

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.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • physical therapist
    • physiotherapist
    • registered physiotherapist
    • research physiotherapist

    All examples

  • Inclusion(s)

    • physical therapy clinical coordinator
    • physiotherapy clinical coordinator

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Director of physiotherapy (See 30010 Managers in health care)
    • Physical rehabilitation therapist (See 32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment)
    • Physiotherapy assistant (See 32109 Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment)

  • 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.

  • Employment requirements

    • A master's degree in physiotherapy and a period of supervised practical training are required.
    • A licence or registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces and territories.
    • Completion of a physiotherapist competency examination is required in all provinces and territories.

  • Additional information

    • Progression to management positions, such as director of physiotherapy, is possible through experience and additional training.
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