Practicing as a physiotherapist

Overview

Important: The information on this page is intended to provide you with the basics of the credentialing process. It is your responsibility to contact your provincial regulatory body to ensure you are familiar with the process to return. While we review this content on an annual basis, it is subject to change at any time. Please ensure you review all information provided by the regulatory bodies for the most up-to-date information. OzTREKK is not responsible for your credentialing process.​

All the physiotherapy programs OzTREKK features are accredited in Australia, so you could practice immediately in Australia, or return to Canada as many students do.

To practice physiotherapy in Canada, you must register with your provincial physiotherapy regulatory body. The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) recognizes degrees from Australian universities, as long as you meet the requirements including completion of a minimum number of clinical hours.

Steps to Practice

In order to return to Canada, you must first complete a course called “The Context of Physiotherapy in Canada,” offered at the University of Toronto, which has an online course that you can complete before leaving Australia.

Once you complete the course, your next step is to apply to the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR)  to have them assess your qualifications based on two criteria:

1. Education (degree at an accredited university)
2. Supervised clinical hours (minimum of 1,025)

Once the Alliance successfully assesses your credentials, you would need to complete the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) like any other physiotherapy graduate in Canada prior to provincial registration:

  • Have credentials assessed by the CAPR
  • Write the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE)
  • Register with the provincial regulatory body where you intend to practice

Step #1: Credentialing requirements

  • A qualified physio degree (notarized copy)
  • A minimum of 1,025 hours of supervised clinical practice, including 100 in musculoskeletal, 100 in neurological, and 40 in cardiorespiratory
  • Pre-approved Canadian Health Courses (online)
  • Valid ID
  • Fluency in English (granted based on degree)
  • Cost: $1,486 assessment fee plus courier costs

Step #2: Physiotherapy Competency Exam

Each provincial regulatory board is now responsible for the administration of clinical assessment of their physiotherapy applicants prior to full licensure. In most cases, the written portion of the PCE must have been successfully completed, and the candidate must be registered as a provisional practitioner within their province.

Here are the entry-to-practice pathways for each province, where available:

Provincial Regulatory Authority Clinical Assessment
Ontario CPT Ontario Clinical Exam – Touchstone Institute in Toronto
BC CPTBC Alternate Clinical Evaluation BC (ACEBC) – UBC
Alberta  CPTA Post-Graduate Clinical Examination – UofA
Sask SCPT Practice-based Assessment
NB CPTNB Practice-based Assessment
NS NSCP Interim Competency Evaluation
PEI PEICPT Alternate Plan Exam
NLB  NLCPT Still listing CAPR PCE – Clinical
Yukon – professional licensing Still listing CAPR PCE – Clinical
MAN  CPM Still listing CAPR PCE – Clinical
PQ  OPPQ A competency assessment & French language exam may be required

 

Step #3: Applying for provincial licensure

  • Each province and territory has its own requirements (similar but varying), conditions and fees
  • Often looking for PCE completion, criminal record check, professional history, English proficiency, and professional insurance

You are encouraged to contact the regulators directly so you’re 100% clear on the accreditation process. You can contact the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators or your provincial authority with any detailed accreditation questions.

Track Your Hours

While OzTREKK is here to answer any questions you may have to the best of our ability, you will need to be proactive in clarifying requirements with the provincial regulatory body where you intend to practice and tracking your hours in the program to make sure you will meet them.

The CAPR recommends using their self-assessment module to check your eligibility and identify the best pathway to practice.

Practicing in Australia

Similar to other professional programs in Australia, there is no exam to pass after graduating to be eligible to become licensed to practice. Graduates may register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (PBA) to practice within 12 months of graduating.

You will need to submit proof of ID, insurance, English, clean criminal history check, and pay the fee.

 

Registration to practice in Australia

Australian-educated physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia before they can practice. You can apply for registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) about 4 to 6 weeks before graduation.

As of July 20, 2020, all of OzTREKK’s physiotherapy programs (undergraduate or post-graduate) are recognized as accredited by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

To register to practice in Australia, you can register online.

Graduates must register within 12 months of graduation. When you renew each year after that, you’ll be asked about your recent practice. If you don’t meet the standard, you’ll need to provide more information.

1. In the online portal, create a profile and prove your identity.
2. When you register, you’ll be asked about criminal history, health impairments and English proficiency.
3. Agree to abide by the Code of Conduct which means that you will provide safe and ethical care to patients.
4. Complaints can be made against your conduct, performance or health.
5. Declare to let the board know if your criminal record changes and to keep track of your continuing professional development.
6. Pay the fee.

 

Fees for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia

Item National fee ($) Rebate for NSW registrants ($) Fee for registrants with principal place of practice in NSW ($)
Application fee for general registration 123 0 123
Application fee for limited registration 123 0 123
Application fee for non-practicing registration 123 0 123
Application fee for fast track application 60 0 60
Registration fee for general registration 144 40 104
Registration fee for limited registration 144 40 104
Registration fee for non-practicing registration 26 1 25
Late renewal fee for general registration 30 0 30
Late renewal fee for limited registration 30 0 30
Late renewal fee for non-practicing registration 5 0 5
Replacement registration certificate 20 0 20
Extract from the register 10 0 10
Copy of the register (if application is assessed as in the public interest) 2,000 0 2,000
Verification of registration status (Certificate of Registration Status) 50 0 50

 

Registration Standards

There are 5 Registration Standards:

1. Physiotherapy Continuing Professional Development Registration Standard

Continuing professional development is the means by which members of the profession maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence, and develop the personal and professional qualities required throughout their professional lives.

You don’t need to meet this standard when you apply for registration in Australia for the first time as a physiotherapist.

2. Physiotherapy Criminal History Registration Standard

Criminal history is defined in the National Law as

  • every conviction of the person for an offence, in a participating jurisdiction or elsewhere, and whether before or after the commencement of this Law;
  • every plea of guilty or finding of guilt by a court of the person for an offence, in a participating jurisdiction or elsewhere, and whether before or after the commencement of this Law and whether or not a conviction is recorded for the offence;
  • every charge made against the person for an offence, in a participating jurisdiction or elsewhere, and whether before or after the commencement of this Law.

This standard applies to all applicants for registration and all registered health practitioners. It does not apply to students.

3. Physiotherapy English Language Skills Registration Standard

English language competency must be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

  •  English is your primary language and you have undertaken and satisfactorily completed all of your primary and secondary education, which was taught and assessed solely in English in a recognized country, and
  • tertiary qualifications in the relevant professional discipline, which you are relying on to support your eligibility for registration under the National Law, which were taught and assessed solely in English.

This standard applies to all applicants for initial registration. It does not student or non-practicing registration.

4. Registration Standard: Professional Indemnity Insurance Arrangements

Professional indemnity insurance arrangements are arrangements that secure for the practitioner’s professional practice insurance against civil liability incurred by, or loss arising from, a claim that is made as a result of a negligent act, error or omission in the conduct of the practitioner. When you practice as a physiotherapist you must be covered by your own or third party PII arrangements that meet this standard.

This standard applies to all registered physiotherapists except those with student or non-practicing registration.

5. Registration standard: Recency of practice

Recency of practice means that a health practitioner has maintained an adequate connection with, and recent practice in the profession since qualifying for, or obtaining registration.

You don’t need to meet this registration standard if you are a recent graduate applying for registration for the first time.

Practicing in USA

Based on our knowledge, all OzTREKK-featured physiotherapy programs will allow you to practice as a physiotherapist after you’ve completed the required steps for licensure.

Licensure is required in order to practice as a physiotherapist in the United States, and each licensing authority has its own eligibility criteria for licensure and for taking the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

As there are variations between states, you’re encouraged to reach out to your state licensing board for the details. Have a look at the following websites for more information:

Many of OzTREKK’s Australian universities have American students studying physio; however, those looking to practice in America will want to pursue a Doctor of Physiotherapy offered by Bond University, Macquarie University, Monash University, or the University of Melbourne.

OzTREKK strongly recommends you contact the American Physiotherapy Association to ensure you’re clear on the process to return to practice in the US.

FAQs

Can I apply if I’m only 17?

Yes, but you’ll require parental or guardian consent (signature). OzTREKK will provide the necessary documentation for this signature.

If you won’t be 18 when your program starts, you’ll be required to show that you’ll be living with an approved guardian until you turn 18. If you don’t have an approved guardian in Australia, you may need a family member to apply for a guardian visa to accompany you. This guardian visa should be obtained as part of the student visa application

 

Where can I see what grades have been considered competitive in the past?

Please visit our Eligibility page for past competitive scores.

Can my entire application be submitted through OzTREKK?

Absolutely. We will manage and submit your application(s) on your behalf and communicate any updates from the universities. We’re here to be an advocate for you, and to walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

OzTREKK will keep you on track with application deadlines, interview dates, and any applicable events. We’ll supply you with a step-by-step list of what you’ll need to submit, and when.

Should you have any questions along the way, just send us an email or book a chat! That’s why we’re here!

Are there any scholarships for international students?

Scholarship options in Australia are usually limited for international students as they tend to be reserved for those undertaking postgraduate research degrees; however, we can advise you where to look and whether specific programs have a history of offering scholarships.

Occasionally, scholarships are granted to high achievers—those with very high marks. In previous years, we have seen $5000- to $10,000-scholarships given to OzTREKK students.

Check out OzTREKK’s Financing page to learn more about scholarships and paying for your degree.

Do you have course outlines on file? 

Before sending us outlines, check to see if we’ve already got them. We can save you a lot of time and ensure we’re submitting good outlines on your behalf. Outlines must be within 2 years of the time you took the course (as listed on your transcript).

I received a low mark on my prerequisite course. Will this impact my application? 

To meet the prerequisite subjects, you need to have been granted the credit (passed); the grade isn’t considered in the prerequisite assessment.

What does “rolling admissions” mean?

Rolling admissions means the university assesses applications as they are received, or on a “first come, first served” basis. As soon as they’ve met the quota and the program is filled, they close the applications. So, for a program that has rolling admissions, the earlier you apply the better!

How does OzTREKK know if my application will be competitive?

The majority of Canadians applying to full-degree programs in Australia (i.e., not study abroad courses, which usually only last a semester or two) apply through OzTREKK. They’re studying medicine, dentistry, law, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc.

Since they’re using OzTREKK’s services, this gives us a good idea of the starting point of a competitive application each year, allowing us to help you determine which universities/programs are most likely to present you with a letter of offer!

You can get started on determining your chances by reviewing the admissions requirements on each program page. Then, visit our GPA Conversions and Eligibility pages for details and suggestions to help you get into the program of your dreams. Of course, OzTREKK is always here to help if you have questions.

Which is the best Australian physiotherapy school?

Australia is world-renowned for its leading-edge physiotherapy research and practice. OzTREKK partners with 8 graduate-entry physiotherapy programs, all of which are highly sought after by Canadian university graduates with academic backgrounds in kinesiology, health sciences, and human kinetics. There really is no “best” physio program, only a “best” physio program for you!

Start by reviewing each physiotherapy program’s description. If you’re wondering if you’re eligible—and if you’re competitive—start by sending your university transcripts to us at rehabsci@oztrekk.com. Together, we can cut right through to your best options.

What is a 5.0 GPA in Australia?

Unlike in Canada, GPAs in Australia are simple. They are standardized, so they mean the same thing to everyone.

In Australia, a 5.0 / 7.0 would roughly translate to a 2.7 / 4.0 or approximately 70% – 72%, but keep in mind all universities assess slightly differently.

Learn more on our GPA Conversions page where we list the most common Canadian GPA scales to their corresponding Australian GPA grade.

Which prerequisites do I need?

Prerequisite courses vary by university and by program. We’ve listed university- and program-specific requirements on each program’s page under “Admissions Requirements.”

How do universities calculate GPA?

Calculations differ by university, but most use cumulative (all units within a program) or weighted GPA (typically last 2 or 3 years of study). See GPA Calculations for more information.

What are official transcripts, and how do I send them?

Currently, our Australian universities require original transcripts to assess your application—certified by OzTREKK, which means we have to put our stamp on paper. Literally.

Usually, students order transcripts from their high school, college and/or university and have them mailed to our office. Alternatively, you can pick up your transcripts and mail them to OzTREKK, as long as they remain in their original, sealed envelopes.

You will need to submit final transcripts (showing your degree/diploma is completed) from every institution you have attended. We only require one copy of each transcript, even if you apply to multiple universities or programs.

OzTREKK educational services
301-1 Sherbrooke St. E.
Perth, ON K7H 1A1 CANADA

Alternatively, your high school, college and/or university can email them to transcripts@oztrekk.com.

P.S. Try sending your documents via FedEx and Purolator, especially when you need your documents to arrive at our office ASAP. If you use Canada Post’s courier Xpresspost, please don’t request a signature, as this can add unexpected delays!

As soon as your transcript arrives, we’ll let you know!

You don’t meet the University of Melbourne’s physio prerequisites

The University of Melbourne’s Doctor of Physiotherapy prerequisites require you to have approved courses in human anatomy and human physiology to be eligible to apply.

1. Check Melbourne’s prerequisites
To see if your courses meet the prerequisites, please go to the University of Melbourne’s prerequisites page. Select the drop-down menu titled “List of assessed subjects” and click “International” to download the current list of subjects. Please note this list is updated regularly.

2. Have your courses assessed
If you can’t find your human anatomy and human physiology courses on this chart, you’ll need to have these courses assessed by submitting a Prerequisite Subject Assessment Form, including full course outlines for each course you want assessed. You are encouraged submit this form well in advance of applying so you can plan accordingly.

3. Enroll in the missing prerequisite(s)
Melbourne will allow students to take non-award courses during the application season to make up the prerequisites they are missing. This means you can submit your application early in the year with your interim transcript and proof of enrollment into the prerequisite course. Before enrolling in any prerequisite course, we advise checking with either your admissions officer or the university to make sure the course will satisfy the prerequisite. Usually, Melbourne requires students to complete the course(s) by November.

If you have not completed the prerequisite course by the time offers are issued, then universities will issue a conditional offer. After you’ve successfully completed your required anatomy / physiology course(s), your final transcript can be submitted, and the conditions will be lifted.

You don’t meet the physio prerequisite requirements

Many Australian graduate-entry physiotherapy programs require you to have completed specific undergraduate subjects.

1. Find out if you have the right combination of prerequisite courses
Contact us! We can help you find out which physiotherapy programs might work for your prereqs, and it helps us process your application(s) much faster!

2. Enroll in the missing prerequisite(s)
Most Australian universities will let students take non-award courses during the application season to make up the prerequisites they are missing. This means you can submit your application with your interim transcript and proof of enrollment into the prerequisite course. Before enrolling in any prerequisite course, we advise checking with either your admissions officer or the university to make sure the course will satisfy the prerequisite.

If you haven’t completed the prerequisite course by the time offers are issued, then universities may issue a conditional offer. Please note that not all universities will issue conditional offers and it may vary for each program. It’s always best to check with your admissions officer to see if you course of interest will give conditional offers.

#OzTREKKTip: With our years of experience working with physiotherapy programs, we have found students sometimes lack a qualifying anatomy prerequisite. The best anatomy courses to consider deal with musculoskeletal or gross human anatomy components. BIOL 3701 at Thompson Rivers University is a good online course to take. If you have specific questions about which courses to take, please email rehabsci@oztrekk.com.

Your undergraduate degree isn’t in a relevant discipline

Some graduate-entry Australian physiotherapy programs require a student to have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as kinesiology, health sciences, or human kinetics.

Take an undergraduate physiotherapy program
If you haven’t completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, you may be eligible to apply to a 4-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy program. Have a look at our physiotherapy programs page for more information. If you have questions about this option, please email rehabsci@oztrekk.com.

How do I know if I have enough qualified physio clinical hours?

To begin the process of certification, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) requires that the applicant show evidence of having completed 1,025 hours of supervised clinical education with at least 100 of these hours in musculoskeletal, 100 in neurological, and 40 in cardiorespiratory conditions.

As long as you graduate from one of the Australian university programs that OzTREKK features, it is expected that you will fulfill your 1025 clinical hours as they are worked into the program; however, we still encourage all students to keep track of their hours because it is ultimately your responsibility to record and report.

A good start would be to speak with your faculty advisor to inquire about clinical hours; they will have resources to help you. For more information, please visit our Practicing physiotherapy in Canada page.

How long does it typically take after graduation to start practicing physiotherapy?

The process can take up to two years as the timing of the exams can make the process very protracted; however, you are permitted to work under supervision between the written and clinical portions of the PCE exam. Get more information about the process on our Practicing physiotherapy in Canada page.

What are course outlines and how should I submit them to OzTREKK?

A course outline includes all the necessary information about a university course. It will include the course title, the year, the learning goals, the professor’s contact information, reading materials and most important, a weekly learning schedule. This will help the universities to see what you studied on a week-to-week basis and assess if you have covered the material they expect you to know.

  • Year and semester date
  • Faculty contact information
  • Course description
  • Hours of study
  • Textbook information
  • Detailed list of topics that are covered in the course; usually found in a detailed lecture schedule or list of chapter readings

Please note, one-paragraph course descriptions will not suffice. The university would like to see course outlines like those handed out at the beginning of the semester, which outline all topics covered within the course. If you do not have copies of these on hand, contact the faculty from which you undertook these courses, as they usually have copies on file.

These course outlines must be attached to the email in PDF (do not send PDF links) and labelled in the following manner:

CAPS 391 Human Anatomy I UBC F2015 (COURSE CODE)(Name of Course)(University)(Semester & Year)

When you do this, it helps us be more efficient and move your application(s) at lightning speed.

What if my transcripts / documents are not in English?

If your documents are not in English, you must provide full translation of each document, either prepared by your university or by a registered translator. You must not translate the documents yourself.

Please note OzTREKK must receive the official translation directly from the university or translator in order to certify the document. Please read How Do I Send My Transcripts for more information.

Can I work as a physiotherapist in the USA after I graduate?

Based on our knowledge, all OzTREKK-featured physiotherapy programs will allow you to practice as a physiotherapist in the US after you’ve completed the required steps for licensure.

Licensure is required in order to practice as a physiotherapist in the United States, and each licensing authority has its own eligibility criteria for licensure and for taking the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

As there are variations between states, you’re encouraged to reach out to your state licensing board for the details. Have a look at the following websites for more information:

Many of OzTREKK’s Australian universities have American students studying physio; however, those looking to practice in America will want to pursue a Doctor of Physiotherapy offered by Bond University, Macquarie University, Monash University, the University of Melbourne, or the University of Sydney.

OzTREKK strongly recommends you contact the American Physiotherapy Association to ensure you’re clear on the process to return to practice in the US.

I don’t have all the prerequisites. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, if you do not have the required prerequisites, you are not eligible to apply. If you are missing a course or two, you can enroll in those courses before applying and we will submit your interim transcript with your application. Otherwise, you are welcome to send in a course outline you feel covers the required content. If you’re unsure, please contact OzTREKK for details.

Can I work as a physiotherapist when I return to Canada?

You are encouraged to contact the regulators directly so you’re 100% clear on the accreditation process. You can contact the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) or your provincial authority with any detailed accreditation questions.

All the physiotherapy programs OzTREKK features are accredited in Australia, so you could practice immediately in Australia, or return to Canada as many students do. The process to stay in Australia is very simple.

To practice as a PT Canada, you must first complete a course called “The Context of Physiotherapy in Canada,” offered at several universities in Canada, including the University of Toronto, which has an online course that you can complete before leaving Australia.

Once you complete the course, your next step is to apply to the Alliance (CAPR)  to have them assess your qualifications based on two criteria: education (degree at an accredited university) and supervised clinical hours (minimum of 1,025). There are five criteria, but the other ones are less complex: identification, English language, and your understanding of the practice in Canada (the course mentioned).

After Alliance successfully assesses your credentials, you would need to complete the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) like any other physiotherapy graduate in Canada prior to provincial registration.

Learn more about the process on our Practicing physiotherapy in Canada page.

What is the difference between a Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) and a Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT)?

The main difference between DPT and MPT is the length of the program. The Master of Physiotherapy programs are typically two years in length and are similar to the graduate-entry programs we have in Canada.

Doctor of Physiotherapy programs are typically three years in length and therefore cover more coursework and practicum hours than the two-year programs. Furthermore, they tend to provide students with the opportunity to explore more advanced practice (e.g., emergency medicine, sports physiotherapy, etc.) and usually include a research project.

The title of the program is deceiving, as it is not a “doctorate,” but is, in fact, a master’s-level degree. Although the programs are different in length and have different titles, graduates of both programs are eligible to apply to become a physiotherapist in Canada.

What is considered a competitive GPA for physio programs?

For graduate-entry physio programs (master or doctor), anything above a 75% cGPA is considered competitive for most of our physiotherapy programs. If you have a cGPA of 70% or lower, we would not recommend applying.

For undergraduate-entry physio programs, most eligible candidates have a university degree with an overall average of approximately 85% – 95%, with studies in math, science, and English. Varies by university. Keep in mind entry is competitive and meeting minimum GPA requirements does not guarantee entry.

How do I know if I meet the prerequisite courses for physiotherapy?

It is important to ensure you have taken courses that cover all the prerequisites before applying to any university program. Some universities list pre-approved courses while others require applicants to submit course outlines. Your course does not need to have the same name as the prerequisite e.g., “neuroscience;” it just needs to cover the right material.

#OzTREKKTip: The most crucial prerequisites for physiotherapy programs are human anatomy and human physiology. The universities want to see more than one semester of these courses and want you to have extensive knowledge in these areas prior to your arrival in Australia. There will not be any review courses and we have heard from former OzTREKK students that they were not prepared and wish they would have reviewed their anatomy courses more thoroughly.

Another important note is that many students try to apply with combined courses (e.g., anatomy & physiology part 1 & 2).

Whenever courses are combined, e.g., anatomy & physiology (parts 1 and 2), it is equivalent to taking a half a semester of each anatomy and physiology. So even if you took both part 1 and part 2, it would only be equivalent to taking one semester of anatomy and one semester of physiology.

If you are missing any prerequisites, you are encouraged to enroll in those courses before applying so we can include your interim transcript with your application.

Read What I wish I knew before studying physiotherapy for some OzTREKK student tips!