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Education and Regulation
Education
Canada’s health care system faces many challenges and complexities. Similarly, Canadians face challenging and complex health care issues themselves, particularly as our population ages and issues of mobility, chronic disease management, and management of disease and disability become increasingly important.
The education of entry-level physiotherapists in Canada is designed to ensure that physiotherapy graduates have the required competencies to meet the challenges of the future. All physiotherapists have what is referred to as an entry-level degree – that is, a degree that provides them with the necessary skills to enter the profession. At most universities in Canada (including Nova Scotia’s Dalhousie University), an entry-level Master’s degree (MScPT) is required for entry into the profession. However, the switch to a Master’s degree happened only recently and most physiotherapists working in Nova Scotia will have an entry-level Bachelor’s Degree (BScPT). Both entry-level degrees (BScPT and MScPT) provide therapists with the necessary skills and qualifications.
Dalhousie University, located in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, offers the only physiotherapy program in Atlantic Canada. Dalhousie’s program (as with most programs in Canada) is offered as an entry-level Master of Science degree. In order to apply for admission to master’s entry-level programs, applicants must complete an undergraduate degree, with specific pre-requisites. Prospective Dalhousie School of Physiotherapy students are encouraged to visit the School’s website, http://www.physiotherapy.dal.ca, for more information on pre-requisites, deadlines, and campus life.
The Canadian Physiotherapy Association maintains a listing of all schools in Canada offering physiotherapy programs. Prospective students are advised to contact schools directly for current information on entrance requirements.
Regulation
Individuals must be registered with the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists in order to work as a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia. The College is responsible for ensuring the continuing competency of Nova Scotia’s physiotherapists, for administering complaints made against physiotherapists by members of the public, and for ensuring that appropriate educational, corrective or disciplinary action is taken in situations where the safety of the public may be placed in jeopardy.
Practising physiotherapy, using the title “Physiotherapist” or “Physical Therapist”, or leading someone to believe that you are qualified as a physiotherapist while not registered with the College is a serious offence. If you are new to Nova Scotia and wish to work as a physiotherapist, please contact the College to determine the necessary steps to become licensed. The College contact information can be found on their website: http://www.nsphysio.com.
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