The Master of Science (PT) prepares students in their eligibility to be registered practicing physiotherapists in Canada. This program meets Canadian professional accreditation and practice standards.
This program is a full time, 25 month long, entry to practice masters level program. Its curriculum is based on the principles of problem based, small group, self directed learning. All courses are required and follow sequentially over six units of study. There are no electives. Students should anticipate needing to travel in order to meet academic requirements for both clinical practice and components of the academic courses.
Year 1 (September - August) introduces students to the fundamentals of musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological physiotherapy practice.
Year 2 (September - September) will develop advanced skills and knowledge in these areas applied to practice in both institutional and community settings, and with clients who have complex multi-system movement problems throughout the lifespan.
All Units (I-VI) have a Problem-based Tutorial course, a Clinical Laboratory Course in the thematic area of study, and a seminar course. All Units are followed by a clinical practice experience/course. There are opportunities for national and international clinical placements later in the program.
Year 1 (Units I - III) consists of 3 units of study comprising 600-level courses. There is a Fundamental Knowledge for the Physiotherapy Practitioner course which runs across the 3 units. Unit I is an introductory 14 week unit which includes two weeks of clinical experience. Units II and III are designed so that there is an 8 week period of academic study, followed by 6 weeks of clinical practice.
Year 2 (Units IV-VI) consists of 3 units of study comprising 700-level courses. A Research and Evidence-based Practice course runs across the 3 units. Units IV and V consist of 8 week periods of academic study followed by 6 weeks of clinical practice. Unit 6 is a 14 week academic unit focusing on advanced study, integration and professional transition, followed by a final 6 weeks of clinical practice.
Clinical Education
Students participate in 7 clinical practice experiences/courses during the program of which most are 6 weeks in length. Students apply physiotherapy assessment and management skills with clients who may present with musculoskeletal, neurological and/or cardiorespiratory conditions related to complex health problems in a variety of health care environments.
Prior to completing the full time two-year program, students will gain experience in musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory practice settings. Placements are available in: hospitals, private practice, industry and community. During the clinical placement students are teamed with a practicing therapist who guides their learning as they work together providing assessment and intervention to clients.
Students should anticipate needing to travel to complete their assigned clinical education during the program.
Clinical Practice will provide students with:
- Experience and training in real practice environments
- More hands on learning opportunities
- The opportunity to learn practical skills in both clinical and research environments, locally, across Canada and Internationally.
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