Overview

As a member of the Canadian Forces Health Services team, Physiotherapy Officers assess, educate and treat Forces members for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. They establish treatment plans for a variety of orthopaedic, cardio‑respiratory, neuro‑musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy issues. They are responsible for assessing injury and developing treatment plans with the objective of returning Forces members to active duty. They also provide advice and guidance in:

- Worksite assessments and industrial ergonomics
- Injury prevention
- Health promotion
- Sports injury education
- Pre‑deployment education
- Reconditioning programs

Work Environment

Physiotherapy Officers work in the physiotherapy clinic of a Health Care Centre with other members of the military health care team. They operate in a typical clinical environment using manual therapy and soft‑tissue techniques, and have access to physical agents such as cold, heat, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and electrotherapy modalities. Equipment includes weights, pulleys, exercise apparatus, traction tables, dynamometers, assistive devices, orthopaedic supplies, orthoses and splinting, plus advanced devices such as isokinetic‑isotonic systems, treadmills and other aerobic‑fitness equipment.

When deployed on operations, they may work in temporary facilities but continue to maintain and enhance the operational readiness of CAF members and support the health services team.

Regular Force members are assigned to a base after completion of training and may relocate. Reserve Force members work part‑time at a Reserve unit; they typically work one night per week and some weekends, with possibilities for full‑time employment.

Entry Requirements

- Must be a licensed Physiotherapist in Canada.

Subsidised Education – Entry Level Masters (SEELM)

If accepted to an accredited Master’s degree program in Physiotherapy at a recognized Canadian university,



CAF will pay successful recruits to complete the program in exchange for agreed service.

Training

Basic officer training: 12 weeks at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School covering military knowledge, leadership, regulations, weapons handling and first aid; includes a rigorous fitness component.

Common Health Services Officer (CHSO) course: eight‑day e‑learning course covering CAF policies, procedures, and HR management.

Formal preceptorship: ~30 days in Borden, Ontario, covering administrative and professional practice in a military setting.

Optional specialized courses and skilled conferences.

- Clinical skills maintenance
- Manual therapy
- Acupuncture
- Ergonomics
- Biomechanics of the foot and orthotics
- Wound and burn management
- Sport physiology

Advanced training for demonstrated ability and potential: leadership development, leadership training, and postgraduate training.

Part‑Time Options

Primarily available in the Regular Force, limited opportunities exist in the Reserve Force. Reserve members require an unrestricted license and must maintain clinical currency in their civilian workplace. Part‑time employment with the 1 Canadian Field Hospital Detachment Ottawa pays training time; may volunteer for deployment or relocation.

Full‑time part‑time positions at other units may be available; pay is 92.8% of Regular Force rates with benefits and pension plan eligibility.

Additional Information

Physiotherapy Officers may serve with the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, or Royal Canadian Air Force. They assess, educate and treat CAF members for musculoskeletal injuries with the aim of returning them to active duty.

Applicants must hold a Physiotherapy degree from an accredited program and a current license. They may be admitted directly into military training after basic officer qualification.

Contact a Canadian Forces Health Services Recruiter ( ) for further information.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Physiotherapy Officer (Surrey)
🏢 Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes
📍 Surrey