FAQ
The aim of the Physiotherapy Technology Program is to graduate future physiotherapy technologists who are able to intervene in cases relating to geriatric, orthopaedic, neurological and cardiopulmonary problems, acting within their scope of practice.
Upon completion of the degree, students will have the knowledge to: understand the information contained in the client’s file, collect data, develop an intervention plan (when indicated), implement the intervention plan, adapt the intervention based on the client’s needs/response (when indicated), maintain the client’s file, and collaborate with other health care providers.
Graduates of the Physiotherapy Technology Program, who attain membership within the professional Order (l’Ordre Professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec), become licensed to work as a physiotherapy technologist within the province of Québec.
- A Diploma of Secondary Studies (DES) or academic background judged equivalent to the DES
- Sec V Physics 553-504
- Eligibility to take College English 603-101 and Basic French 602-100 (testing may be required)
- Video statement
Please note:
Following admission to the Physiotherapy Technology Program, all students must submit an immunization record in order to complete the clinical education component of the program which begins in year 2. Newly admitted students will receive further information regarding immunizations during the first semester of studies.
If you have completed the program pre-requisites more than 5 years ago, you will be required to demonstrate your competency in these areas by either passing pre-admission tests with a satisfactory grade or by taking refresher courses.
All pre-requiste courses must have been completed, or be in progress, during the time of application to the program.
No, students are admitted to the program only in the fall.
You can complete pre-requisite courses and/or improve your language skills by registering in the appropriate courses through the Continuing Education department at any CEGEP or through an Adult Education centre.
Speak to your high school guidance counselor for advice, and definitely come to Open House (usually the third Sunday in October, check the website for specific date), Information Evening in February before the March 1 application deadline, or take a College Tour. If you are a current Dawson student, go speak to an Academic Advisor.
Individuals who hold a similar degree from other countries can request a professional assessment of their file through l’Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec. For more information, please contact the Order directly http://(www.oppq.qc.ca).
You cannot finish in less than 3 years, but having a D.E.C. will enable you to lighten your course load. You will be given credit for the general education courses and complementary courses you have already completed, but you must follow the specific course sequence for the program in each semester.
Even students who already have a D.E.C. find it difficult to work more than 10 hrs per week.
Immunizations, which are recommended by the Department of Public Health for health care professionals and students, must be completed before entering the clinical environment.
At least as many hours as you spend at the College.
No, you must take all courses in each semester as per the program grid. Failing one discipline course will place you in a four year program. The College as well as the program have specific standing and advancement policies.
Check the Dawson College website to find out about the many services available including the Mentor program, the peer and faculty tutoring , Academic Advising, the Academic Skills Centre, Counselling and Career Planning and Financial Aid.
To practice as a physiotherapy technologist, graduates of a physiotherapy technology collegial program must become members of l’Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec. To become a member but you may need to pass the French proficiency test from the “Office québéquoise de la langue française. Students are exempt from this OQLF exam if:
- they have studied full time for at least three years at a French institution, at the secondary or post-secondary level (high school, cegep, or university) or
- they have passed mother-tongue French exams in secondary four or five in Québec or
- they received a secondary education diploma in Québec after the 1984-1985 school year
No. The Physiotherapy Technology program leads to a diploma of collegial studies and, upon enrollment into the Order, to the title of Physiotherapy Technologist. A physical therapy degree, in Canada, leads to a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy, and upon enrollment into the Order, to the title of Physical Therapist.
No. Although both are part of the same Order, each has different scopes of practice; that is, the level of responsibilities differ and not all of the professional activities performed by the physical therapist can be performed by the physiotherapy technologist. For more information, consult the OPPQ website.
In January of 2011, an article on the Jobboom website stated that there are currently 2,200 physiotherapy technologist in Quebec. According to the article, about half of those are employed by the public sector and the pay scale for physiotherapy technologist in the public sector starts at $21.19 an hour. Physiotherapy technologists are in high demand in the labor force. In December of 2009, Service Canada reported that the outlook for employment in physical rehabilitation is good. “Over the last few years, there have been barely enough graduates with a Diploma of College Studies (DEC) in Physiotherapy Technology to meet the demand.” (http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/3235.shtml)
