Cégep de l’Outaouais to offer Physiotherapy Techniques program starting in 2027

Drazen Seslija

Cégep de l’Outaouais has taken a significant step in developing its health training programs with the announcement of the Physiotherapy Techniques program, to be offered starting in the fall of 2027. Anticipated for several years in the region, this new program will allow students to train directly in the Outaouais region in a field where there is a significant demand for skilled workers. The goal is to contribute to the training of a qualified next generation while encouraging future professionals to remain in the region.

The program's implementation will be made possible by a total investment of $2.84 million. Cégep de l’Outaouais will invest $1.24 million, while $1.6 million will come from the health network through the CISSS de l’Outaouais and the Fondation Santé Outaouais.

This funding will notably allow for the redevelopment of LABoite, the Cégep’s innovation and learning space, to create specialized facilities that meet the requirements of physiotherapy training. The project also includes the creation of a teaching clinic and new experiential learning environments for students.

According to project leaders, these new facilities will allow future graduates to develop their skills in a context that closely resembles the realities of the professional world. The teaching clinic will also offer new service and learning opportunities within the college community.

The Cégep already offers several health-related programs, including nursing, respiratory therapy, dietetics, and biomedical analysis. The addition of Physiotherapy Techniques will enhance this specialized training offering.

For those involved in the field, this new program represents an investment in the future of the Outaouais health network. By training the next generation of physiotherapy technicians locally, the region hopes to better meet the growing demand for rehabilitation and physiotherapy services while promoting talent retention within its territory.