February 29, 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.1
Use the sections below to learn about the supply, education, employment and distribution of PTs across the country.
Key findings
In 2022,
- 19,798 PTs were employed in direct patient care in Canada.Footnote i This number increased by 755 between 2021 and 2022 (an annual growth rate of 3.8%).
- In the provinces where place of work data was available, the majority of PTs were employed in community health (64.9%) or in hospitals (27.5%).
- In 2022, the number of PTs employed in direct care roles increased by 677 in community care (6% increase) and by 43 in hospitals (0.8% increase).
- There were 28,038 PTs licensed to practise in Canada, an increase of 3.8%. A similar annual growth rate was observed in 2021.
- Internationally educated PTs accounted for 23% of the supply (6,469) in 2022. The supply of internationally educated PTs increased, with an average annual growth rate of 10.7% between 2018 and 2022.Footnote ii
- The provinces with the largest proportions of internationally educated PTs in their supply were Ontario (32%), British Columbia (32%) and Alberta (29%).
- 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.
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.
Methodology notes
These notes are meant for all data users.
They summarize the sources, definitions, strengths and limitations of the data available.
Reports
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.
Health 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.
Databases and data sources
Health Workforce Database
CIHI 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 Health Workforce Database metadata page.
References
1.
Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Physiotherapy in Canada. Accessed October 26, 2023.
Footnotes
i.
Excludes Quebec, as primary area of practice data for PTs was not submitted to CIHI. Excludes P.E.I., the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut due to data availability issues.
ii.
Excludes the Yukon due to data availability issues.