Training Women for a New “Women's Profession”: Physiotherapy Education at the University of Toronto, 1917–40

In 1929 the University of Toronto inaugurated a two-year diploma course in physiotherapy. This decision, the university stated, had come “in response to requests of organizations and individuals interested” in the establishment of such a course. Indeed, the course resulted from the sustained efforts of a group of energetic women during the previous decade. These women were committed to building a new “women's profession” in the health sector. In Canada the occupation of physiotherapy emerged from the Great War, as part of the federal government's commitment to the rehabilitation of returning wounded and disabled soldiers. Founded in 1920, the Canadian Association of Massage and Remedial Gymnastics (CAMRG) was a direct outgrowth of the communication links, social bonds, and relationships that were formed by those pioneer practitioners who served during wartime, the large majority of whom were women. The CAMRG leaders then set out to establish high educational standards for practitioners. Hence, they promoted the creation of a university-level course, which was perceived as a direct path toward professional status.