Career Profile: Physiotherapist


Suffering injuries is common for most athletes and Osita Hibbert was no exception. However, the injuries she incurred as a young athlete were a blessing in disguise, as it was her physiotherapist who influenced her career path.


After completing a kinesiology degree from Simon Fraser University, Hibbert continued her studies in the health sciences field, eventually completing a Masters in Physiotherapy at the University of British Columbia.


Currently a physiotherapist at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster and Vancouver General Hospital, Hibbert is directly involved in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries due to a variety of medical conditions. Fortunately for Youthink, Hibbert was able to take some time to share with us what working as a physiotherapist is like.


YT: What is a typical workday like for you? 

OH: There is no such thing as a typical workday as every day is different. The variety is what makes our profession so interesting. I suppose a typical day would consist of initially liaising with other members of the modern health care team. I would then assess my patient’s current levels of neurologic, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal function. Following which, I would take my findings and develop an appropriate treatment plan to restore movement and/or limitations to mobility and promote optimal function. Whatever the case, I would monitor my treatment plan and adjust it accordingly.


YT: What training is necessary to become a physiotherapist?

OH: In addition to academic courses at the graduate level, you must complete multiple clinical internships in recognized health care facilities. All practicing physiotherapists must be licensed to practice through provincial legislation. Following graduation, candidates must pass the Physiotherapy National Examination, which has both written and practical components.



YT: Can you work abroad with your training? 

OH: There are many opportunities to travel abroad as a physiotherapist: the USA, Europe, Australia, Caribbean, to name just a select few. The licensing will vary from country to country and may require physiotherapists to write a country or state specific licensing exam.



YT: What is the salary range for a physiotherapist?

OH: The salary range for a physiotherapist is based on the Health Sciences Association collective agreement. The salary range is $29.90 per hour to $37.29 per hour for entry level physiotherapists. For senior therapists in our field, the range is $38.67 per hour to $48.24 per hour.


YT: How difficult is it 
to not get emotionally 
caught up in your 
patients’ struggles?

OH: It can be very difficult and almost impossible to not have any emotional response to the struggles of our patients. A good therapist always takes the time to get to know their patients, and if it means taking a few moments to hear someone vent or have a good cry, I believe those are moments well spent. This doesn’t mean we internalize all of their struggles, but we can be sympathetic and understanding that they may be going through more than just the injury that presents itself. 


YT: What is the best way to get into the field?

OH: Contact a physiotherapist and try to set up a shadow experience or volunteer. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association website is a wonderful resource. 



YT: How do you foresee the future of physiotherapy? 

OH: The future is bright. As the population continues to age, live longer and have less active lifestyles, the need for physiotherapists will be there. The growing demands in some areas of Canada are superseding the number of physiotherapists, so employment prospects are excellent.