Frequently Asked Questions

How much does physiotherapy school cost in Canada?

Physiotherapy school in Canada costs approximately $20,000. Tuition costs will vary slightly between physiotherapy programs.

How long is physiotherapy school in Canada?
Physiotherapy schools in Canada takes anywhere between 2 to 2.5 years to complete. The length of the physiotherapy program varies between universities.
For more info on this topic, check out our blog post called How Long Does It Take To Become A Physiotherapist In Canada?
What GPA do I need to have to get into physiotherapy school in Canada?

GPA cut-off values will vary between PT programs in Canada. The highest cut-offs usually hover within the low 3.8s and the lowest cut-offs within the low 3.7s on a 4.0 GPA scale. Given the wide range, we suggest to aim for a sub-GPA value of 3.83-3.86 in order to make yourself a competitive applicant for any physiotherapy school you apply to.

What is the difference between cumulative GPA and sub-GPA?
Sub-GPA is the calculated GPA value that corresponds to your final 20 half-courses. In most cases, this number is calculated based on the grades you received during your final 2 years of study during your undergraduate degree (i.e., 3rd and 4th year).
On the other hand, cumulative GPA is the calculated GPA value that corresponds to all of the courses you took during your undergraduate degree. This number is based on all of your grades from 1st year to 4th year of your undergraduate degree.
Do I need a reference letter to get into physiotherapy school in Canada?

Some PT programs in Canada require a reference letter. These requirements will vary between institutions.

What prerequisite courses do I need to take to get into physiotherapy school in Canada?

Generally, the most common prerequisites needed by most PT programs in Canada are anatomy and physiology, statistics and research methods, and psychology. That being said, prerequisite courses will vary between institution. To learn more about this topic, check out our blog post What Courses Should I Take in Undergrad To Get Into Physiotherapy School?

How many physiotherapy schools are there in Canada?
Do I need a kinesiology degree to get into physiotherapy school in Canada?

No. In fact, no degree in any specific field of study is required to be able to apply to PT school. The only degree requirement is that you actually have a university-level degree at a recognized institution.

Does it matter where I completed my undergraduate degree for getting into physiotherapy school in Canada?

No. The school you completed your undergraduate degree at is not factored into admissions decisions.

Do I need work and/or volunteer experience to get into physiotherapy school in Canada?

Most physiotherapy schools in Canada require you to have some form of work and/or volunteer experience in order to apply.

What is the CASPer Test?
The Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) Test is an online situational judgment test that screens for people skills. This test is required by the majority of physiotherapy programs in Canada.
For some tips on how to do well on the CASPer Test, read our blog called Tips To Crush The CASPer.
What is the Multiple-Mini Interview (MMI)?

The Multiple-Mini Interview (MMI) is a series of short, multi-station interviewed based on predefined scenarios designed to evaluate the interviewee’s critical thinking skills, ethical decision-making ability, communication skills, and the non-cognitive/humanistic skills required for success in a clinical environment. This interview style is only required for admissions into the University of Manitoba, the University of Alberta, and the University of British Columbia.

What is the Kira Talent interview?

The Kira Talent interview is an online interview that contains a combination of written and video recorded questions. This interview style is only required for admissions into McMaster University’s physiotherapy program.

What is the Computer Administered Profile?

The Computer Administered Profile (CAP) is a written exam that assesses personal characteristics, experiences, knowledge of the physiotherapy profession, and critical thinking/problem solving skills. The CAP is only required for admissions into the University of Toronto’s physiotherapy program.

Do I need a full course load during my undergraduate degree in order to get into physiotherapy school in Canada?

No. Physiotherapy schools do not require you to have a full course load during your undergraduate degree. However, we do suggest to carry a full course load (or close to it) in order to prepare yourself for the heavy course load in physiotherapy school.

How do I find work and/or volunteer opportunities related to physiotherapy?
To learn about finding work and/or volunteer opportunities related to physiotherapy check out our blog called 5 Ways To Find Volunteer Opportunities Related To Physiotherapy.
Do prerequisite courses count towards my sub-GPA?
If you take any prerequisite course within your final 2 years of study, they will count towards your sub-GPA. If you take any prerequisite course prior to your final 2 years of study, it will not count towards your sub-GPA.
For example, if you took anatomy during your 4th year, it will count towards your sub-GPA, but if you take it during your 1st year, it will not count towards your sub-GPA.
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is essentially a personal essay that aims to provide PT school admissions committees with a brief description of who you are, what you have to offer, your intentions and motivations for becoming a physiotherapist, and your life and extracurricular experiences. Submitting a personal statement is required my most PT programs in Canada.
For tips on how to write a great personal statement, check out our blog called Personal Statement Tips For Physiotherapy School Admissions.

Let’s Learn Together!

Our group of admissions experts have written articles to help you plan your journey to gaining acceptance into physiotherapy school. Browse through our catalogue of blog posts and articles to find answers to questions you may have and learn how you can become an ideal candidate for physiotherapy programs in Canada.

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