Physical Therapy – Future Health Science Professionals Committee

Clinical Involvement

Clinical involvement is a crucial part of the health science journey, as it will help you to explore and confirm your interest in the profession and demonstrate a commitment to serving others. While there is not a required number of clinical hours for the physical therapy school application, you should plan to spend a significant amount of time outside of class gaining experience in clinical settings to strengthen your application.

Application Process

Below is a list of action steps to plan for when you are applying to medical school. This is a simplified version of a multifaceted process, so we recommend consulting the Professional Health Program Application Process section of our website.

Application System
- In Ontario, ORPAS is the main Application system used for Ontario Physiotherapy Schools
- Applications across the rest of Canada are done through the individual institution.
- Click here to learn more about the application process for physiotherapy schools in Canada
Entrance Exam
- The majority of PT schools in Canada require you to take the CASPer test.
- some schools require MMIs, the CAP, or the Kira Talent Interview.
Selecting Schools
- It is important to select schools that are not only a good fit for your academically, but also a good fit for your values, skills, and interests that will help you become the professional you want to be. Take time to research programs prior to the application process. Here are some factors you should consider:
  - Admission Requirements
  - Institutional mission, goals, and values
  - Size of cohort
  - Location
  - Your professional interests as it aligns with the school’s mission and training
- It is recommended to apply to 5-7 physiotherapy schools
Reference Letters
- Confirm your letter writers at least 3 months before you plan to apply. You should determine specific letter requirements and quantities from your programs of choice. Letters are most commonly required from at least one of the following categories:
- Science Faculty
- Non-Science Faculty
- Faculty Advisor
- Employer
- Physical Therapist
- Healthcare Provider
- Volunteer Supervisor
Timeline
- The application process to PT schools will be approximately 8-10 months throughout the academic year and varies depending on what each school requires.
Personal Statement
- This is a distinctive part of your application to physiotherapy school. Click here to learn tips on how to write personal statements.

Academic Prerequisites

Pre-requisite course requirements vary widely by individual school.

For Canadian schools, you should determine specific requirements for programs of choice using the:

For American schools, you should determine specific requirements for programs of choice using the:

PTCAS Program Directory

Course	Required for Canadian Schools?	Required for American Schools?
Anatomy & Physiology	Yes	Yes
Statistics	Yes	Many
Psychology	Most	Many
English	Many	Yes
Humanities & Social Sciences	Many	Some
Biomechanics	Some	None
Biology	Some	Yes
Physics	Some	Yes
General Chemistry	None	Yes

*Some physiotherapy schools may require different courses. You can check which schools require different courses here.

Respiratory Therapy

Careers in Physical Therapy

Clinical Involvement

Application Process

Academic Prerequisites