Are jobs better in UK or Canada?

[aravindrphysio]

Hello folks. I am new here and this is my first post.

I am planning to pursue my Masters abroad and have found couple of universities in UK and Canada. The courses available in UK are clinical oriented while those in Canada are more of research oriented. I find myself more inclined to joining the programs in UK; however i am told that in UK, the cost of living is rather high ( I plan to practise after my studies). I am aware of the fact that the UK Pound values at almost twice that of the Canadian/US Dollar.

Anybody who has some clear idea regarding this, please do reply to this post.

Thank you.

[Pico]

I worked in England for 3 years before I moved to Canada 2 years ago. If I could o make the choice again, I would not come to Canada to work as a physio.

There are many rotational positions in the UK. When you are more experienced and if you decide to work in a certain area, then you can look for a status position. For physio who have less experience and want to learn in different areas, positions offering rotations can definitely give more opportunities for physio to learn in different areas. In Canada (BTW, I register in Ontario), there are almost no rotations offered if you work in a hospital. Once you get stuck in a certain area/specialty, it's very difficult to change as most places want 'recent' experience. It's comparatively easy to find a job in clinics as the government is cutting down most OPD in hospitals; however, it's not uncommon to hear that many clinics are 'money-oriented'. It seems not easy to find a 'good' clinic to work.

Since around 2004, even UK physio graduates cannot find a job. Many graduates actually have to work as a PTA before they can find one. Unless you are UK citizens or permanent residents, I don't think it will be easy to get a job there because physio is no longer on the shortage list. I went there with a work permit when physio were still in shortage, although I still register with the HPC, I don't think I will be able to get a work permit to work there again as officially the company or hospital has to try to hire local ones before they turn to overseas candidates.

There are a few good things to work in Canada though. Honest, people here are nicer. Money-wise, it's good too. The salary here is at least 1/3 more than when I was in the UK.

To study, there are more relevant programmes and more clinically related onces in the UK. In Canada, there are comparatively less programmes related to physio or rehab.

BTW, it depends on where you were first qualified. To register in the UK, you may be able to register directly. To register in Canada, you will have to undergo accreditation and pass the national exam here which is a very lengthy process. Besides, after you pass the exams, to register in Canada (I am not sure if it's just in Ontario or the whole Canada), the first criteria is you have to be a citizen or PR.

It all depends what you want and what you like. To me, I love my job in England. I regret that I didn't do a good research before I came to Canada.

[physiobob]

I would definately study in Canada. Much better, much cheaper and a great place to relax at the same time.

In terms of work I have both worked and studies in both areas. I am actually Australian trained and now live in the UK. It is true that the sterling is a great currency to earn however the cost of living in the UK means to save anything you have to live in the middle of now where. Forget living in London and saving a lot of money.

I think your question relates to where is best to study rather than where is best to work. In terms of content, quality of student live and cost of living while doing so I would choose Canada.

Post study registration however is also a consideration as the posting above mentions. This might be the end goal and so that should direct the answer if that is the case.

[vishalsfx]

hi...
I am in soup which country do i prefer for higher studies... I am interested for US , Canada, UK and Newzealand which is the best country for higher studies and settling or earning...

[Pico]

In Canada, you won't be able to find many post-graduate courses related specifically to physiotherapy. There are courses related to public health and community health. You almost won't find courses e.g. MSc of sports physiotherapy, neurorehabilitation, manipulative therapy, etc. As far as I know, in Ontario, there is only MSc of Maunal Therapy in the University of West Ontario and it started just in 2007 if I am correct. There is study on sports physio but it's more like continuous learning courses rather than a master degree.

I don't know about US but I am not interested in working in the US as a physiotherapist at all; therefore, I never look into studying there. However, I do have a friend who studied Doctor of Physiotherapy which is not research base and doesn't have to be a physio first before you study the so-called 'Doctor' of physiotherapy.

In UK, Aus and NZ, there are more courses like MSc of sports physiotherapy, neurorehabilitation, manipulative therapy, etc.

Of course, it doesn't matter if you want to gain an MPhil rather than an MSc. For an MPhil, what you need is to find a boss i.e. supervisor and do a research on the topic you are interested in.

Therefore, it depends what higher education you actually wants to study. Then, look into the universities which provide those programmes. BTW, remember that even you study the programme and gain the degree doesn't mean that you can register automatically in that country. You still have to go through the respective registration process before you can work there.

[vishalsfx]

thanks for your valuable reply....
i hav gone thru The University of Western Ontario they are offerin manual therapy...which is 1 year course...do u think it is valuable course...??do i get jobs there atleast part time...???
i would like to know also about newzealand...they are asking for registeration by their board...is it possible....is it possible to do my higher studies there??do you know any 1 doin masters there...???

[Pico]

As far as I know, the manual therapy course in U of West Ontario offers part-time programme. However, I am not sure about how easy to get into the programme as this is the first and only one in Ontario and I guess it is rather competitive. Of course, if you enrol as an overseas applicant, it may also be different as overseas applicants pay more for the university fee.

I don't know anybody studying in NZ. You need a registration to study there. But such registration is different from a full registration to work there. I don't think it's difficult to get registration for studying and you'd better check on the NZ board. But still, as such registration is different from a full registration, if you eventually want to work there, you need a frull registration in NZ.

If I were you, I would consider what to study first, then check which university will provide such programmes. Of course, has to budget the fee and living costs. I assume overall, NZ, Canada and Aus will be cheaper than UK and US. Honest, if I want to have post-graudate study really related to physio, Australia will be my first choice.