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Physiotherapists

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October 17, 2024 — Physiotherapists or physical therapists (PTs) are regulated, evidence-based, primary health care professionals who aim to prevent, assess and treat the impact of injury, disease and/or disorders in movement and function. PTs work to promote optimal mobility; help improve physical activity and overall health and wellness; prevent disease, injury and disability; manage acute and chronic conditions; manage activity limitations and participation restrictions; improve and maintain optimal functional independence and physical performance; rehabilitate injury and the effects of disease or disability; and educate clients and plan maintenance and support programs to prevent reoccurrence, re-injury or functional decline.Reference1

Use the sections below to learn about the supply, education, employment and distribution of PTs across the country.

Key findings

In 2023,

  • 20,675 physiotherapists (PTs) were employed in direct patient care in Canada.Footnote i This number increased by 862 between 2022 and 2023 (an annual growth rate of 4.4%). 
  • In the jurisdictions where place of work data was available, the majority of PTs were employed in community health (65.4%) or in hospitals (27.2%). 
    • In 2023, the number of PTs employed in direct care roles increased by 665 in community care (+5.3%) and 156 in hospitals (+2.9%).
  • The overall supply of PTs licensed to practise in Canada was 29,153, an increase of 3.9%. A similar annual growth rate was observed in 2022.
  • Over the past 5 years, the average annual growth rate of internationally educated PTs was 9.0%. In 2023, internationally trained PTs accounted for 24.2% of the PT supply (7,049).
    • The 3 provinces with the highest proportions of internationally educated PTs were Ontario (34%), British Columbia (33%) and Alberta (30%).
  • More than 70% of PTs were female. About 48% of the PT supply was younger than 40.

Featured material

Quick Stats

This interactive tool is ideal for workforce planners, health service managers and analysts who want to create customized visualizations.

Explore and compare the supply, workforce, inflow/outflow and provincial and territorial trends of Canada’s physiotherapists.

Download Quick Stats(XLSX)

Data tables

These tables are meant for analysts, researchers and those who want to explore and analyze the raw data.

Access 10 years of supply, workforce, employment, education and demographic trends for Canada’s physiotherapists.

Download data tables(XLSX)

Methodology notes

These notes are meant for all data users.

They summarize the sources, definitions, strengths and limitations of the data available.

Download methodology notes(PDF)

Reports

The state of the health workforce in Canada, 2023

ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨has compiled the most recent data (up to 2023) on selected health professionals to illustrate the current state of the health workforce, with a special focus on primary care. 

Read report

The state of the health workforce in Canada, 2022

This report provides an overview of 4 key areas: health workforce supply and distribution, internationally educated health professionals, workplace measures and specific population needs.

Read report

ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ workforce in Canada: In focus

Learn about the impacts of COVID-19 on physiotherapists and how these professionals helped shape Canada’s response to the pandemic.

Read report

Databases and data sources

ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Workforce Database

ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨collects record-level, standardized, comparative data on the supply, demographics, geographic and distribution characteristics, and education and employment details of PTs in Canada. To find out more about CIHI’s PT data, visit the ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Workforce Database metadata page.

Reference

1.

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Canadian Physiotherapy Association. . Accessed October 26, 2023.

Footnote

i.

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Excludes Quebec and the Yukon, as primary area of practice data for PTs was not submitted to CIHI. Excludes Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut due to data availability.

 

How to cite:

Canadian Institute for ºìÁì½í¹Ï±¨ Information. Physiotherapists. Accessed January 7, 2025.

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