Physical Therapy

Program Overview

Quick Facts

Master of Science in Physical Therapy

Program Description

24-Month Option

The MScPT is a 24-month professional program leading to entry to practice. The program is accredited by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC) and more information about accreditation is available on the Department of Physical Therapy's website. Graduates will be eligible to write the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE), administered by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators, which qualifies them to practise physical therapy in Canada. Graduates will be eligible to register in the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the Colleges of Physiotherapy in all Canadian provinces.

12-Month Option

Admissions to the 12-month advanced-standing option have been administratively suspended.

The Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Advanced-Standing Option allows eligible physical therapists with a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy to acquire the master's degree in an online environment with on-campus residency. There is a strong focus on research and best practices integrated throughout the program.

MScPT Program (24-Month Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Physical Therapy's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants are considered if they hold an appropriate bachelor's degree with high academic standing from a recognized university, with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

• Prerequisite courses include human vertebrate physiology (0.5 full-course equivalent [FCE]); human anatomy (0.5 FCE); life and/or physical sciences (1.0 FCE); social sciences, and/or humanities, and/or languages (1.0 FCE); and statistics or research methods (0.5 FCE). A minimum grade of B– (or 70%) in each of these courses, as per the grade recorded on the transcript, is required.

• Proficiency in the English language must be demonstrated by all applicants educated outside Canada whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English. The department prefers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):

  • Paper-based test: a minimum score of 600, with 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE) and 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE)

  • Internet-based test: a minimum score of 100/120 overall, and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

  • TOEFL candidates must request that results be sent to institution code 0982.

  • Results are due by March 1 of the application year.

• Complete a mandatory, computer-based situational judgment test (CASPer) to assist with the selection process. CASPer assesses for non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that are important for successful students and graduates of the program. Please refer to the Physical Therapy website for details on how the results are used in the admission process.

• Applicants can apply online using the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (ORPAS). Visit the Physical Therapy and the ORPAS websites for more information regarding application requirements and document submissions including the CASPer test, Computer Administered Profile, confidential assessment forms, reference letters, prerequisites, etc.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete 18.75 full-course equivalents (FCEs) over two years of continuous, full-time study.

• Included within the program structure are 30 weeks of full-time clinical internships.

• Students are required to complete all courses included in the required course list below.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years

MScPT Program (12-Month Advanced-Standing Option)

Admissions have been administratively suspended.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Physical Therapy's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants who are eligible physical therapists will be considered if they have completed an appropriate bachelor's degree in physiotherapy with a minimum mid-B average in the final year.

• Applicants must have successfully completed the national Canadian Physiotherapy Competency Examination (with the exception of individuals licensed to practise in Quebec) and be licensed for independent practice in Canada with a provincial regulating body.

• Proficiency in the English language must be demonstrated by all applicants educated outside Canada whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English. The department prefers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):

  • Paper-based test: a minimum score of 600, with 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE) and 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE)

  • Internet-based test: a minimum score of 100/120 overall, and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

• Applicants apply using the SGS Online Admissions Application system. Visit the Physical Therapy website for more information on application requirements and document submissions.

Program Requirements

• Students must complete this program option in an online environment with mandatory on-campus residency requirements.

• Students must attend unit 6 PHT1006Y (0.75 FCE) and unit 12 PHT1012Y (1.0 FCE) in on-campus residency periods.

• Students must complete unit 10 PHT1010Y, a group research project, via online format (0.75 FCE).

• Students must complete PHT1016H Evidence Based Practice in Physical Therapy (0.5 FCE).

• Complete an elective course (0.5 FCE) either online or on campus.

• For information on units of instruction, please visit the Physical Therapy website.

• Students must complete the program option in an online environment. In addition, there are two mandatory on-campus residencies, whereby students must be on campus full-time and consequently in geographical proximity to be able to participate fully in the University activities associated with the program.

Program Length

3 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years