What is the difference bewteen a Physiotherapist and a Physiotherapy Technologist?
The main differences between the two professions, Physiotherapy (PT) and Physiotherapy Technology (PRT), which both fall under the domain of the OPPQ include:
*Level of education
*Scope of Practice (and Reserved Acts)
*Where in Canada PT and PRT professional standing is recognised
Level of Education
The Physiotherapy Technology Diploma can be completed in three years in Quebec at the CEGEP level as a technical program. The program in English is only offered at Dawson College. For more information on the program and its prerequisites, follow this link Dawson College Physiotherapy Technology
The undergraduate degree, B.Sc. Physical Therapy (or B.Sc. PT)requires 6 years of post-secondary education with, three years at university. This degree can be pursued at McGill University as well as at Université de Montréal, and Université Laval, and . This level of education will affect the scope of practice (and reserved acts) as well as where the graduate can conduct her or his practice. However to become a practicing physiotherapist, it is now a requirement to complete the post-graduate master's degree.
The post-graduate degree, Master of Science (Applied) in Physiotherapy, requires 8 - 9 years of post-secondary education and is offered at McGill University, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke and Université Laval. This level of education will broaden a practitioners scope of practice, therefore the reserved acts.
Scope of Practice
A PRT cannot make a medical diagnosis, thus cannot accept a patient for treatment without a diagnosis from either a Medical Doctor (MD)or a PT. The PRT also requires access to the medical history of the individual before being able to accept him or her as a patient.
In addition to this, the OPPQ has restricted what each level of practitioner can do with a patient; these are called Reserved Acts.
The PRT practitioner is legally permitted to conduct wound care and electro modalities on a patient. The PT (M. Sc.), along with other medical professionals (MD, Nurse) is permitted to conduct the following interventions: a medical diagnosis, a medical diagnosis for legal purposes, restraints, suctioning, and perineal therapies. In addition to the interventions previously mentioned, the PT (M. Sc.), along with other professionals (chiropractor, acupuncturist) is permitted to conduct dry needling as well as manipulations*.
*Please note that the videos presented here are not exhaustive in their representation of the techniques, but merely examples.
Where in Canada can PT and PRT professionals practice?
Quebec is the only province in Canada that permits PRT professionals to practice. However, you can apply to have your credentials assessed in other provinces in order to become a Physiotherapy Assistant.
PT professionals who are part of the OPPQ can practice anywhere in Canada as well as internationally.
