Future job prospects in this occupation are average. A growing and ageing population will require more health services, which will result in an increased demand for physiotherapists. Demand will increase due to greater health awareness and interest in preventative measures among British Columbians. Job openings will also arise from the need to replace experienced workers who retire. Further, as this occupation is generally dominated by women, this profession experiences a significant percentage of physiotherapists taking maternity leave each year.

Industry sources report that the current supply of new graduates in the occupation is insufficient to fill the current and emerging vacancies as physiotherapists retire. British Columbia relies on graduates from other provinces and countries to meet the need.

While there are shortages throughout the province, vacancies in the northern regions, on the mainland and some areas on Vancouver Island are generally more difficult to fill. As employers in under-served regions of the province tend to experience difficulties in hiring these professionals when vacancies occur, the B.C. provincial government has offered loan forgiveness to physiotherapist graduates who commit to work in these regions.

For more details on the loan-forgiveness program, please view the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, StudentAid BC website at: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc/repay/repaymentassistance/loanforgiveness.htm#overview.

The range of techniques and services provided by physiotherapists is constantly changing due to new information, technology, service demands, and settings. New technology and information may result in workers in this field taking on more specialized roles. This will also have an effect on educational requirements, as increased training will be necessary.

Estimated Employment in 2010	2,630
Projected New Jobs (2010 to 2015)	470
Projected Openings due to Retirements (2010 to 2015)	230

 

Future Job Prospects

Average

Physiotherapists tend to work/travel in their early career, or work with travelling sports teams. New graduates tend to work in a variety of settings in order to determine their area of special interest prior to committing to a full-time position.

By continuing professional development, physical therapists can move into specialized areas that target specific populations or dysfunctions. Geriatrics, orthopaedics, burns, paediatrics, and neurology are some examples of these specific fields of practice.

Physiotherapists are noted for their continual learning through professional development courses. With over 30 areas of specialization, there are many avenues of post-secondary education to gain expertise in. Most private practice physiotherapists begin by working in clinics as associates, and may become owners of clinics later in their careers as they develop clinical expertise and business acumen.