Master of Health Sciences in Physiotherapy

University of Ottawa

Physiotherapy is a self-governing profession that promotes fitness, health and wellness. The profession provides frontline client-centered healthcare services to help clients maintain and improve their functional independence and prevent and manage pain, physical limitations, disabilities, and limits to participation in their activities (Canadian Physiotherapy Association, 2000). The goal of the physiotherapy program is to train bilingual physiotherapists who can serve francophone clients in Ontario and French-speaking communities across Canada and to foster excellence in research and teaching.The program supports a client-centered approach and focuses on integrating evidence-based results from research on clinical decision-making. The conceptual framework of the program is based on the human movement sciences (kinesiology and pathokinesiology) and the clinical sciences and incorporates the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework as the standard for describing and measuring health and disability.The MHSc in Physiotherapy program runs over six consecutive terms, i.e., two years of full-time study. Students must complete 60 course units and 1,025 placement hours. These mandatory placements can take place in Ottawa-area hospitals, schools and rehabilitation centres or at locations outside the National Capital Region.The program follows the national physiotherapy curriculum guidelines established by the Canadian Council of Physiotherapy University Programs. Upon completing their education, graduates who wish to register with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario must successfully complete the Canadian physiotherapy competency examination (Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators).Since the mission of the physiotherapy program is to train bilingual professionals able to serve Francophone populations, the program is only offered in French. However, assignments and exams can be written in either French or English. While French is the language of instruction, some clinical placements, however, take place in French, Bilingual and English settings. Students must therefore have a working knowledge of English.