For Members
Physiotherapist Assistants (PTAs)

Supporting and Celebrating Physiotherapist Assistants in Ontario

THE ROLE OF A PTA

What is a Physiotherapist Assistant (PTA)?

A physiotherapist assistant (PTA) in Ontario is a healthcare professional who works under the direction and supervision of a registered physiotherapist. PTAs assist in implementing treatment plans prescribed by a physiotherapist. It is important to note that while physiotherapists are regulated healthcare providers in Ontario, PTAs are not regulated and do not have a protected title.

How OPA helps PTAs

Resources for Physiotherapist Assistants

Volunteer opportunities

PTAs are encouraged to join any of OPA’s 8 committees! Build your resume, network with clinicians, and enhance your leadership skills by joining a clinical advisory committee, or consider an operational committee such as education, governance, finance, or awards!

Courses

Expand your skillset by taking courses listed with OPA. Many courses are advertised for physiotherapists, but PTAs are eligible to partake in many of them. If you are not sure if a course is open to PTAs, please reach out to the listed course instructors.

Careers

Find your next opportunity on OPA’s job board! Updated regularly, these listings offer you a consolidated list of job openings across the province.

UNDERSTANDING PAY & JOB TITLES

How to research PTA jobs and salaries

There is a broad range of pay based on expertise of the PTA, setting, and location in Ontario. Search for job listings that include: “Rehabilitation Assistant”, “Rehab Assistant”, “Physiotherapy Assistant”, Physiotherapist Assistant”, “Physiotherapy Aide”, and “Community Rehabilitation Worker” to find out salaries in your area.

You can also search job portals for specific organizations to compare what compensation might look like in different settings in your location.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES

What competencies are expected for Physiotherapist Assistants in Canada?

Learn about the essential competencies (i.e., the knowledge, skills and attitudes) required by physiotherapist assistants working under the supervision of a physiotherapist in Canada at the beginning of and throughout their career.

View the Essential Competency Profile open_in_new

Liability Insurance

Why liability insurance matters for PTAs

While not mandatory, it is recommended that PTAs obtain professional liability insurance when practicing in Ontario. Although PTAs practice under the supervision of a registered physiotherapist who has a license and liability insurance, PTAs are still responsible for the care they provide. Protect yourself with comprehensive and affordable liability insurance through BMS group.

PTA Liability Insurance open_in_new

CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY

PTA Day Honours PTAs across Ontario

Every May, during National Physiotherapy Month, the physiotherapy community celebrates PTA Day on the second Tuesday of the month. It’s a chance to recognize and celebrate the valuable contributions of PTAs. We hope you joined us in this year’s celebration on May 13!

Learn More

Join OPA & CPA

We are your professional voice in Ontario

When you join OPA and CPA, you become a part of Ontario’s 5,500+ and Canada’s 16,000+ community of physiotherapy professionals and students.

There are many benefits to membership including the PTA Leadership Award, resources to help with your practice, and benefits for your practice and life.

Learn About Membership