NOC Version: NOC 2021 Version 1.0
Position Summary for Physiotherapy Assistant NOC Code (NOC 32109)
Physiotherapy assistant NOC code (32109) describes a specialized role within Canada’s therapy occupations that supports physical health outcomes through structured, evidence-based care. Professionals in this field work directly with patients in clinical and community settings, applying treatment activities that are carefully planned by regulated practitioners. Their contribution is practical and precise, requiring close attention to medical instructions, patient safety, and measurable progress over time.
Across hospitals, clinics, long-term care environments, and community health centres, this occupation plays a steady role in restoring functional movement and daily capability following injury, illness, or surgery. The work is inherently physical and patient-focused, combining technical skill with clear communication and empathy. Each session is part of a broader medical plan, where consistency and accuracy are essential to achieving positive outcomes within a defined period, often measured over weeks, months, or a full year of care.
Classified under NOC 32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment, this role is grounded in federal standards outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0. Entry into the field typically involves completion of a post-secondary year-based program that emphasizes anatomy, movement science, safety protocols, and clinical practice. In some settings, exposure to related assessment areas—such as hearing or other sensory screening contexts—may occur through interdisciplinary medical teams.
For employers, students, and internationally trained workers conducting a search for clear, government-defined career pathways, NOC 32109 provides an authoritative framework. It ensures consistency across education, employment, and immigration processes, while supporting a growing sector of Canada’s health system that depends on skilled technical roles delivered with professionalism and care.
Job Titles Specific to Physiotherapy Assistant NOC Code in Canada
Common job titles included under this NOC code include:
- Physiotherapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
- Physiotherapy Technician
- Rehabilitation Assistant
- Physical Rehabilitation Therapist
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapy Aide
These titles may vary by province, employer, or healthcare setting, but all fall within the same occupational classification framework.
Main Responsibilities of Physiotherapy Assistants (NOC 32109)
Core Duties
Physiotherapy assistants perform some or all of the following tasks under the supervision of licensed physiotherapists and/or occupational therapists:
- Carrying out treatment programs such as thermotherapy, hydrotherapy, traction, electrotherapy, and therapeutic exercises
- Assisting patients with mobility, positioning, and functional movement during rehabilitation sessions
- Monitoring patient responses to therapy and documenting progress
- Preparing, cleaning, and maintaining therapeutic equipment and treatment areas
- Supporting patients in developing independence in daily activities
- Reinforcing exercise routines and postural guidance as prescribed by therapists
- Collaborative Care
Physiotherapy assistants work closely with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, ensuring that treatment plans are followed accurately and safely. While they do not diagnose or independently design treatment programs, their technical expertise and patient interaction are vital to successful rehabilitation outcomes.
Work Settings for Physiotherapy Assistants
Professionals under physiotherapy assistant NOC code 32109 are commonly employed in:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centres
- Extended care and long-term care facilities
- Community health centres
- Private physiotherapy clinics
- Educational and research institutions
Professionals working under physiotherapy assistant NOC code are embedded in a wide range of structured care environments where therapy-based support is delivered as part of coordinated health services. Across hospitals, extended care facilities, and community health centres, this role supports patients with varying levels of physical ability, often as part of long-term or transitional care plans. These settings emphasize consistency, safety, and close collaboration with regulated practitioners within clearly defined occupational frameworks.
In educational, research, and private clinical environments, the work may also intersect with assessment, data collection, or program-based delivery models. Exposure to diverse patient populations—including individuals with sensory considerations such as hearing-related challenges—requires adaptability and strong communication skills. For those conducting a career search, these varied work settings highlight the flexibility of this occupation, offering opportunities to apply core abilities across multiple health occupations while remaining grounded in nationally recognized training standards and program structures.
Employment Requirements
Education
- Completion of a two-year Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) college program, or
- Completion of a two-year Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant program, including supervised practical training
Training
- Supervised clinical or practical training is required to ensure competency in therapeutic techniques and patient care
- Regulation and Certification
- Physiotherapy assistants are not independently licensed practitioners, but they must work under the direction of regulated health professionals
- Employers may require additional certifications depending on the healthcare setting
Skills and Competencies
- Strong understanding of therapeutic modalities
- Ability to follow detailed treatment plans
- Physical stamina and manual dexterity
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Empathy and professionalism when working with patients of all ages
Government Resources and Occupational Information
Professionals working under physiotherapy assistant NOC code 32109 can rely on official government resources to remain informed about occupational standards, credential recognition, workplace safety, and career pathways.
National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0 provides authoritative role definitions, duties, and employment requirements.
Statistics Canada’s Trust Centre outlines how occupational and workforce data is collected, protected, and used, ensuring privacy and transparency.
These resources are especially important for individuals considering employment, training, or immigration under this NOC category, as they provide verified and up-to-date information directly from federal authorities. They will make your search that much easier.
Median Hourly Wages by Province
The table below summarizes median wage estimates for physiotherapy assistants across Canada. These figures are based on the most recent Labour Force Survey data and Job Bank wage reports (updated through late 2024–2025).
| Province / Territory | Median Hourly Wage ($/hour) |
|---|---|
| Canada (National) | $26.85 |
| Alberta | ~$25.41 |
| British Columbia | ~$25.00 |
| Manitoba | ~$21.17 |
| Ontario | ~$23.00 (Toronto area median) |
| Quebec | ~$26.50 (regional estimate) |
| Nova Scotia | No specific median published — local postings often around $25–$30/hr |
Note: Wage data for some smaller provinces and territories (such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon) may not be published separately due to data limitations. In many cases, regional labour surveys and job postings suggest similar ranges, but official median data are not always available at the provincial or territorial level.
Career Progression and Additional Information
With experience and additional training, rehabilitation assistants may specialize in specific therapy areas
In most provinces, occupational therapy assistants (OTA) and physiotherapy assistants (PTA) are trained through combined OTA/PTA programs
The role offers a stable career path within Canada’s growing healthcare and rehabilitation sector
With experience and additional training, individuals in this field can expand their responsibilities and develop specialized expertise in particular therapy areas. In addition to technical skill, career growth often involves exposure to interdisciplinary medical teams, where collaboration with professionals addressing hearing, mobility, or other functional needs enhances practical knowledge and ability.
Many programs are structured around a year-based curriculum that combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical practice, allowing graduates to enter the workforce with a strong foundation in core health occupations. For those conducting a career search, the clearly defined national classification provides guidance on recognized roles, potential pathways for advancement, and opportunities to transition into senior or supervisory positions within medical and community health settings. This structured progression ensures both professional development and the ongoing ability to contribute meaningfully to patient-centered care.
Why Physiotherapy Assistant NOC Code 32109 Matters
Within Canada’s evolving landscape of health occupations, NOC Code 32109 holds growing importance as the country responds to demographic change and increasing demand for structured, patient-centred care. As the population ages and chronic conditions become more prevalent, medically guided movement support and functional care have become essential components of long-term health planning. This occupation exists at the intersection of hands-on practice, clinical oversight, and measurable outcomes.
Clearly defined under federal classification standards, NOC 32109 offers a stable, government-recognized pathway for employment, professional growth, and immigration eligibility. It allows employers, educators, and candidates to align expectations around scope of practice, education, and workplace responsibility. For individuals completing a relevant college program—often spanning one or more years—this clarity supports smoother transitions from training into the workforce.
The role is firmly embedded in medical environments where collaboration matters. Professionals in this field frequently work alongside teams addressing a wide range of patient needs, including mobility, sensory processing such as hearing-related considerations, and overall functional capacity. Their contribution is cumulative: progress is built session by session, year by year, within structured care plans.
For international candidates and domestic job seekers alike, the standardized definition of NOC 32109 simplifies the search for accurate information, credential recognition, and career planning. Ultimately, this occupation matters because it strengthens Canada’s health system by supporting continuity of care, improving patient outcomes, and sustaining a workforce trained through clearly defined, nationally recognized programs.
