OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY & PHYSICAL THERAPY

Description

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InCanada,physicaltherapyisarecognizedhealthprofessionrootedinthesciencesof movementthataimstomaintain,enhance,andrestorethefunctionofmultiplebodysystems.Physical therapistsorphysiotherapists(PTs)operateasautonomousprimarycareprofessionals,actingas membersandleadersofhealthcareteams.Assuch,theworkofaPTmayinvolveclientsofallagesin avarietyofsettings,primarilyprovidinghealthservicesrangingfromhealthpromotionand prevention,toacutecare,rehabilitation,anddisability/diseasemanagement.Occupationaltherapy focusesonenablingandincreasingtheparticipationofindividualsintheirdailylifeactivities.

Occupationaltherapists(OTs)useasystematicapproachthatinvolvesassessingaclient’s functionalcapacityintheiractivities(e.g.self-care,work,study,andleisure),implementing interventionstoimprovetheirfunction,andevaluatingoutcomes.TheprimaryconcernofanOTisthe treatmentandpreventionofoccupationaldysfunction.However,OTsarealsotrainedtoassist individualswithmentalillnessesandemotionalproblems,includingstress

ThephysicalandphysiologicaltherapeuticinterventionsusedbyPTsandOTsdiffer,but preservedineachroleisanapproachtoimprovethequalityoflifethroughholisticintervention

Expected Earnings

Salaries of PTs vary between and within Canadian provinces as well as with experience and employment settings. PTs in the previous year saw earnings range from $40,547 to $81,700, with a median of $61,942. The salaries of OTs also vary between and within provinces. However, a survey conducted by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) found that career mobility was limited only by time and personal commitments In the past year, OTs earned between $43,994 and $81,300, with a median of $61,262

Future Prospects

Expansions in the scope of practice of PTs over recent decades have encouraged Canadian universities to offer entry-level Master’s Programs. A MSc. has become fundamental for advanced consultant and management positions, both areas that graduates can pursue. PTs also have the option of becoming designated clinical specialists in a number of areas through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA). Most universities also offer doctoral or doctoral stream programs. PhD preparation is required for educators and researchers in physical therapy, which provides them with the opportunity to partake in knowledge generation and dissemination, as well as observe its translation into clinical practice

Occupational therapy practice has been greatly influenced by changing trends in health and societal needs of the Canadian population. Occupational therapists now assume roles as managers, researchers, program developers, educators and clinical specialists. However, an increasing number of OTs choose to work in private practices where they typically earn higher incomes than in publiclyfunded hospitals. Target areas for career mobility in occupational therapy include, but are not limited to, home modification, ergonomics, assistive technology, research, consulting for retail businesses, work in long-term care settings, and teaching health professionals in various higher education programs

Admission Requirements

Universities that offer graduate-level programs in occupational therapy and physical therapy require students to complete a four-year undergraduate degree as the minimum academic requirement for entry. Although no standardized testing is required, admissions processes, prerequisite courses, and minimum required grade point averages differ between institutions. For more information on academic requirements, consult individual university websites for details. As a starting point, prospective applicants should consult the Instruction Booklet published by the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (ORPAS) in 2015. ORPAS provides a centralized application for all rehabilitation science programs in Ontario. Additional helpful resources include the Directory of Occupational Therapy provided by the CAOT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists) and Physical Therapy Programs in Canada provided by the Canadian Council of Physiotherapy Education Programs