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Physical / Occupational Therapist Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Physiotherapist Assistant, Rehabilitation Assistant, Therapist Assistant
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Physical therapist assistants’ duties vary depending on the position. They may work in outpatient clinics with clients who have musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiorespiratory (heart and lung) issues. They may work in schools and preschools to help children develop physical and social skills. They may work in extended care settings with geriatric clients. Or they may work in hospital settings with patients who have a variety of disorders or injuries, or who have undergone surgery. Whatever the setting, they work under the direction and supervision of physiotherapists.
Physical therapist assistants implement treatment plans designed by physical therapists for individual clients and groups. They may:
Physical therapist assistants also perform clerical tasks and adjust and monitor equipment. They may:
Physical therapist assistants work in a variety of settings including private practices, hospitals, continuing or long-term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and private homes. They generally work weekdays but may also work evenings and weekends.
Health-care settings can be high-stress environments. The work can be physically demanding. Physical therapist assistants help clients transfer, stand, walk, and exercise. They may be on their feet for long periods of time. They may need to move heavy equipment. To avoid injury, they must use proper methods for lifting and moving.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying information to assist patients as directed by health care professionals
Interest in assisting patients by helping elderly and incapacitated patients to dress and undress, by accompanying patients to treatment rooms and by supporting them in other activities
Interest in handling to prepare and maintain work materials and supplies; and in assisting patients in the use of therapeutic equipment
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Physical therapist assistants need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 175 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 28, 2023 and Dec 27, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Clean and maintain equipment | 130 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Carry out treatment programs, under the direction of physiotherapists and/or occupational therapists, to rehabilitate patients with various injuries or disabilities | 121 |
| Attention to detail | 92 |
| Physiotherapy | 89 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 86 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 85 |
| Tasks: Document patient rehabilitation progress | 82 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 80 |
| Tasks: Schedule and confirm appointments | 75 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 67 |
Employers generally prefer to hire graduates of related post-secondary diploma programs.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is not required as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, voluntary certification with the Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta (ThAAA) is available. To register, applicants must attend a recognized program in Canada or work as a physical therapist assistant for at least 3,000 hours under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Physical therapist assistants work in:
Some positions involve working as an occupational therapist assistant as well as a physical therapist assistant.
Without further education, advancement opportunities for physical therapist assistants are limited.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
2016 NOC: 3237
82.5% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wages in private practice tend to be lower than those in public service settings such as hospitals.
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $43.71 | $24.13 | $19.92 |
| Overall | $17.00 | $47.94 | $27.61 | $23.36 |
| Top | $17.00 | $49.35 | $29.26 | $24.95 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $46,713 |
|---|---|
| Educational Services | $40,044 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $46,793 |
College of Physiotherapists of Alberta website: www.cpta.ab.ca
Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta (ThAAA) website: thaaa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
