Physio.niha | Nihama Parmar Shaikh

This week’s spotlight features physio.niha. Nihama moved to Canada for higher education after completing her bachelor’s from India. She also runs an Instagram handle with 20k+ followers, where she helps them understand the process of transitioning to Canada. Read this spotlight to understand her journey.

What is your name, job title, and workplace?

Hello, My name is Nihama Parmar Shaikh, Currently, I am a resident/intern physiotherapist working in an Orthopaedic setting in Hamilton ON, Canada.

What is your educational background?

I studied BPT from Gujarat University and Diploma in health wellness and fitness from Mohawk College Canada.

Why did you decide to pursue a Diploma in Health wellness and fitness in Canada?

I was interested in fitness at that time due to my job in a weight reduction clinic in Ahmedabad. I feel like this program will give me good exposure to the fitness and wellness industry.

Did you go through any counselor?

Yes, Care immigration in Ahmedabad.

Tell us more about your course

It was good to study at Mohawk, The college had a big campus, with friendly people. I got to work on skills that I didn’t learn in my physiotherapy college such as interpersonal skills, self-promotion, effective communication, and demonstration in addition to cuing to clients basically all industry-ready skills. 

What did you like about your course?

The Placement option to work as a PTA was helpful. Initially, I got hired as PTA after graduation. Currently, working as PT, part time at the same clinic.

What you did not like about your course?

It was quite expensive, about $36000 for 2 years.

 How difficult was it for you to complete the course?

It was easy theory-wise. However, practicals & assignments are time-consuming since you are managing work-study and life on your own.

How much were the overall expenses? (Tuition + Cost of living)

My parents paid – first set fees $8000 along with 1 year of living expense $10000. Rest 3, I managed by working part-time – that is earning approximately $1000 to $1100 monthly and up to $2300 in a 4 month summer break halfway in the course.

What are the job prospects in Canada after your course?

After the health wellness and fitness course, you can get hired for personal training, group fitness classes, gym management positions, admin positions, etc. The pay rate would be $17 to $30 or higher depending on the role and experience.

How difficult is it to obtain a work permit in Canada?

Once you study here in Canada for 2 years then you are eligible for a 3-year post-grad work permit.

What was the process like to obtain a license in Canada?

To obtain a PT license in Canada there are 3 steps – Credentialing process, the Written Exam, and the Clinical exam

How long did it take you to start working in Canada?

Once you obtain your PT license that is enough to get a job. However, the way you practice and your skills matter. That decides your pay scale and how long you stay there.

 Tell us more about your brand physio.niha?

I used to get a lot of questions from fellow physios coming to Canada about the PT licensing process. More than that I myself have experienced a lot of trouble while getting one. In order to help people coming to Canada who are physios to begin their career hassle free, I came up with the idea of educating them through YouTube videos. Soon began to share free resources on my Instagram page, physio.niha and website as well.

With an increased number of queries, I end up spending 3-4 hours a day on my Instagram handle, physio.niha.

Eventually, in order to respond to such a high number of queries I needed to value my time and I started to take minimal fees. I am so grateful to be able to create such a platform that connects physios all over the world.

What are your future plans?

My immediate current plan professionally is to improve my skills and find my interest in any speciality. I did a pelvic health level 1 course earlier this year, and Soon planning to take up a concussion course.

Personally, I am trying to find work-life balance, and nurturing relations with my family back home which is tough when you are on a different continent.

What is the advice you would give to PT students who want to relocate to Canada?

Things will not be easy outside your home country – preparing for the licensing exam is tough if you are in a foreign country away from your parents or when you yourself are a parent. 

Do these two steps before your leave your home country

Step 1 – Credentialing- submitting documents to CAPR 

Step 2 – Written PCE – from your home country through remote proctoring

At least start the process, you don’t have enough time to finish it in your home country.

Feel free to reach out to me so that I can help you to get through your licensing process in the least possible time and effort using my experience and expertise.

Where can people reach you?

You can reach me on: Instagram (physio.niha), YouTube, and Website