What is unique about a Masters program through the School of Rehabilitation Sciences?

McMaster has an online course-based masters in the Rehabilitation Sciences Program, which has been operational since 2004. This program is offered in partnership between McMaster and University of British Columbia, and allows students who are professionals to have the lives they want.

Students look favourably upon their graduate work in Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster, and feel their experience has changed their professional lives immensely:

Janet Law was the first graduate of the McMaster M.Sc. (RS) course based online program. She started taking courses in September 2004 and graduated in May 2007. Being in the early stages of her career, Janet thought it was important to develop her clinical experience. The flexibility of online learning allowed her to work full-time, in two different jobs, AND study at the same time. Janet is now excellent at multi-tasking!

Having accepted a position as an advanced practice physiotherapist at Scarborough Hospital (Ontario), she is setting up the Orthopaedics Assessment Centre and taking another McMaster course: Musculoskeletal Health Assessment and Diagnostics for Advanced Practice Therapists.

Impact on Practice

Janet describes several benefits to obtaining her master's degree: “ I am more familiar with literature searches and statistical terms. [When] I was at a presentation on a new outcome measure developed for upper extremity functions for stroke patients, I was the only one at my table who understood the validity check for the new outcome measure. I am also able to critically appraise journal findings and change my practice accordingly. The self-reflection skills I learned from the courses support my professional and clinical skills development. Getting a master's degree also helped me to get my new position as an advanced practice physiotherapist!”

Student Larry Kelly discusses his motivation for choosing online learning for his profession:

I began university courses when I was a staff nurse, first by correspondence and later in an online program. I was part of a new wave of working professionals who wanted to pursue continuing education but was looking for convenience, new methods of study and flexibility.

I completed a baccalaureate of nursing degree from Athabasca University and then entered the Master of Health Studies (Administration) at Athabasca . Upon entering the Graduate program I immediately appreciated the diversity in professional backgrounds and wealth of knowledge and experiences of my classmates. I had found my niche in terms of meeting and learning with and from professionals from across Canada and beyond, however the curriculum was not meeting my need to truly appreciate and understand rehabilitation. I am fortunate to now be a part of an education program that is focused on research and best practices in a rehabilitation context. My goal is to find a deeper and richer understanding of collaborative rehabilitation practice and to help focus the practice environment on one that is evidence based. I also have an opportunity to understand teams' shared problem solving and decision-making processes.

Student Natalie Gamache Hutchison describes how much she enjoyed the RS Online Program:

"It is a phenomenal program.  The assignments, readings, modules, content, instructors - are all of such high quality and so applicable to practice.  I found the learning was more meaningful because I was working at the same time, and because I've had clinical experiences as an OT for the last almost 7 years that I could relate the material to.  I strongly recommend the program to my colleagues - I feel it really enhances the quality of practice." 

Online education programs are an avenue that provides flexibility and convenience in the quest for continuing education.