Summary
- Degree offered: Master of Health Sciences (MHSc)
- Registration status option: Full-time
- Language of instruction: French
- Program options (expected duration of the program):
- with coursework (6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months)
- with coursework and research project (6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months)
- Academic units: Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Rehabilitation Sciences.
Program Description
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.
Consortium National de Formation en Santé (CNFS)
The CNFS is a pan-Canadian organization funded by Health Canada. It brings together sixteen post- secondary institutions offering programs of study in French in various health disciplines. It provides students of Francophone minority communities with improved access to health-related study programs. The CNFS has made it possible to add additional physiotherapy places for Francophones from provinces other than Quebec and Ontario. Students welcomed by the CNFS are encouraged to return to their home province to do their clinical rotations.
Other Programs Offered Within the Same Discipline or in a Related Area
- Master of Health Sciences Audiology (MHSc)
- Master of Health Sciences Speech-Language Pathology (MHSc)
- Master of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy (MHSc)
- Doctorate in Philosophy Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD)
Fees and Funding
- Program fees:
The estimated amount for university fees associated with this program are available under the section Finance your studies.
International students enrolled in a French-language program of study may be eligible for a differential tuition fee exemption.
- To learn about possibilities for financing your graduate studies, consult the Awards and financial support section.
Notes
- Programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.
Program Contact Information
Academic Office, Faculty of Health Sciences
125 University Private, Room 242
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1N 6N5
Email: healthsc@uOttawa.ca
For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Hold:
- An honours bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum average of B+ (75%) calculated according to the University of Ottawa guidelines.1 OR
- Be in the process of successfully completing, in a recognized Canadian university, three years at the equivalent of 15 units per term2 in an honours 4-year bachelor's degree program3, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of A (85%) after the winter term of the third year.
- Have obtained university units in each of the following subjects:
- Have completed a Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer).4
- 1
International candidates must check the admission equivalencies for the diploma they received in their country of origin.
- 2
15 units per term means 5 courses of 3 units per term (fall and winter terms).
- 3
Or equivalent or hold a CÉGEP diploma and a minimum of 2 years (60 units) of university study in an equivalent program in Quebec with a minimum cumulative grade point average of A (85%) after the winter term of the second year.
- 4
The CASPer exam can be completed in either French or English, depending on the candidate's preference.
Language Requirements
Be proficient in written and spoken French and must have a working knowledge of written and spoken English. In order to evaluate these language skills, tests in French or English are required in the official language other than that of the undergraduate degree. Visit the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.
Note(s)
- If the language of instruction during the undergraduate degree was neither French nor English, the candidate must take both the French and English proficiency tests.
- If you have completed multiple university degrees, including at least one in French and one in English, you can request an exemption from the language test by emailing healthsc@uottawa.ca. Please note that the language test requirement will remain in place unless you receive confirmation of this exemption.
- In preparation for bilingual clinical placements, the School of Rehabilitation Sciences offers an English conversation course (REA 5940). This course may be recommended or required according to the applicants’ language competencies.
- If deemed necessary, an English or French course could be added to the program of study at the time of admission and would be considered a program requirement.
Notes
- The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.
- Admissions are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.
- Equivalencies for admission prerequisites may be verified with the Academic Office of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2023-2024 calendars for the previous requirements.
Master’s with Coursework
Students must meet the following requirements:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses: | ||
| PHT 5512 | Anatomie fonctionnelle du système musculo-squelettique | 3 Units |
| PHT 5513 | Biomécanique clinique | 3 Units |
| PHT 5614 | Évaluations et interventions de base en musculo-squelettique | 4.5 Units |
| PHT 5621 | Douleur, agents physiques et modalités thérapeutiques | 4.5 Units |
| PHT 5622 | Fondements de la pratique au niveau du système musculo-squelettique | 4.5 Units |
| PHT 5623 | Évaluation, diagnostic et intervention au niveau du système musculo-squelettique | 4.5 Units |
| PHT 5631 | Fondements et pratiques au niveau du système cardiorespiratoire | 6 Units |
| REA 5703 | Pratiques professionnelles en réadaptation | 3 Units |
| PHT 6511 | Évaluation et intervention auprès de personnes ayant des affections multiples I | 2.5 Units |
| PHT 6531 | Évaluation et intervention auprès de personnes ayant des affections multiples II | 2 Units |
| PHT 6532 | Pratique clinique et enjeux professionnels | 3 Units |
| PHT 6533 | Outils diagnostiques spécialisés en physiothérapie | 3 Units |
| PHT 6612 | Fondements neurobiologiques du mouvement humain | 6 Units |
| PHT 6613 | Évaluation, diagnostic et intervention au niveau du système neurologique | 4.5 Units |
| REA 6503 | Pratique factuelle en réadaptation | 3 Units |
| Seminar: | ||
| PHT 6753 | Séminaire de recherche | 3 Units |
| Clinical Placements: 1 | ||
| PHT 5901 | Stage I | |
| PHT 5902 | Stage II | |
| PHT 6903 | Stage III | |
| PHT 6904 | Stage IV | |
| PHT 6905 | Stage V | |
| PHT 6906 | Stage VI | |
Note(s)
- 1
Six clinical practicums for a total of 1042.5 hours distributed over 29 weeks must be completed as set out by the Canadian Council of Physiotherapy University Programs. Two non-unit post-clinical placement integration activities must also be completed. To participate in the clinical placements, students must provide certain documentation required by agencies, by clinical environments and by the Ontario Ministry of Health, which serve to protect clients and students alike.
Master’s with Coursework and Research Project
Students must meet the following requirements:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses: | ||
| PHT 5512 | Anatomie fonctionnelle du système musculo-squelettique | 3 Units |
| PHT 5513 | Biomécanique clinique | 3 Units |
| PHT 5614 | Évaluations et interventions de base en musculo-squelettique | 4.5 Units |
| PHT 5621 | Douleur, agents physiques et modalités thérapeutiques | 4.5 Units |
| PHT 5622 | Fondements de la pratique au niveau du système musculo-squelettique | 4.5 Units |
| PHT 5623 | Évaluation, diagnostic et intervention au niveau du système musculo-squelettique | 4.5 Units |
| PHT 5631 | Fondements et pratiques au niveau du système cardiorespiratoire | 6 Units |
| REA 5703 | Pratiques professionnelles en réadaptation | 3 Units |
| PHT 6511 | Évaluation et intervention auprès de personnes ayant des affections multiples I | 2.5 Units |
| PHT 6531 | Évaluation et intervention auprès de personnes ayant des affections multiples II | 2 Units |
| PHT 6532 | Pratique clinique et enjeux professionnels | 3 Units |
| PHT 6533 | Outils diagnostiques spécialisés en physiothérapie | 3 Units |
| PHT 6612 | Fondements neurobiologiques du mouvement humain | 6 Units |
| PHT 6613 | Évaluation, diagnostic et intervention au niveau du système neurologique | 4.5 Units |
| Research Project: | ||
| PHT 6920 | Individual Research Project 1 | 6 Units |
| Clinical Placements: 2 | ||
| PHT 5901 | Stage I | |
| PHT 5902 | Stage II | |
| PHT 6903 | Stage III | |
| PHT 6904 | Stage IV | |
| PHT 6905 | Stage V | |
| PHT 6906 | Stage VI | |
Note(s)
- 1
The Individual Research Project is an original production which serves to deepen knowledge of an issue related to physiotherapy through research methodology. The topic can be theoretical or applied to the field of study (case study). The Individual Research Project must be presented orally.
- 2
Six clinical practicums for a total of 1042.5 hours distributed over 29 weeks must be completed as set out by the Canadian Council of Physiotherapy University Programs. Two non-unit post-practicum integration activities must also be completed. To participate in the practicums, students must provide certain documentation required by agencies, by clinical environments and by the Ontario Ministry of Health, which serve to protect clients and students alike.
Minimum Requirements
The passing grade in each individual course is C+. S (Satisfactory) is required for each clinical placement.
Two failures (course or clinical placement) result in withdrawal from the program. In the case of a single failure, the failed course or the clinical placement can be repeated the next time the course is offered, but registration for courses or clinical placements for which the failed course or clinical placement is a prerequisite will not be possible. In this case, it will not be possible to complete the program within the prescribed time. Failing the repeated course or clinical placement is considered a second failure.
Duration of the Program
The program normally runs over 6 consecutive full- time terms. All program requirements are expected to be complete, including the seminar course (PHT 6753) or the Individual Research Project (PHT 6920), within this two-year period.
Expected Professional Behaviour
You must comply with the requirements of integrity as well as professional ethics in all aspects of your program (courses, clinical placements, projects) during your interactions with colleagues, professors, clinical supervisors, clients, research participants, academic staff, etc. A list of essential skills and qualifications of physiotherapy can be found here.
Requirements for Clinical Placements
You must adhere to the requirements established by the Faculty of Health Sciences Requirements for practical learning activities (courses, labs, internships and clinical placements) regarding immunizations, police records and any other training or information required to ensure health and safety in clinical placement settings. It is your responsibility to know these requirements and to abide by them.
Non-adherence to the requirements can have major consequences, including not being able to start a clinical placement and even withdrawal during a clinical placement.
Attendance at clinical placements is mandatory, the abandonment of a clinical placement already started without good reason is a failure. In accordance with the affiliation agreement between the University of Ottawa and the clinical institution: "The organization may terminate an internship in a clinical setting and prohibit a student from continuing it if, in its opinion, the student’s behavior represents a potential danger to its customers or patients or has a negative impact on their well-being or on the personnel of the organization ". If you are dismissed from a clinical placement by the clinical organization, you will receive a failing grade for this clinical placement.
The clinical placements take place in the Ottawa region as well as in other parts of Ontario and Canada. You may be assigned to a local or out-of-area clinical placement. In some cases, the Consortium National de Formation en Santé (CNFS) may cover part of the travel costs for out-of-area clinical placements.
Research Fields & Facilities
Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa is among Canada’s top 10 research universities.
uOttawa focuses research strengths and efforts in four Strategic Areas of Research:
- Creating a sustainable environment
- Advancing just societies
- Shaping the digital world
- Enabling lifelong health and wellness
With cutting-edge research, our graduate students, researchers and educators strongly influence national and international priorities.
Research at the Faculty of Health Sciences
Research at the Faculty involves many important aspects of health, including women's health, health in the elderly, health needs of francophones in a minority context, Aboriginal health, physical activity and health, multiple interventions in population health, palliative care, rehabilitation and functional autonomy, health and technology, and evidence based practice.
The Faculty of Health Sciences is involved in the following Research Centres and Institutes:
- LIFE Research Institute
- Music and Health Research Institute
- Centre for Research on Health and Nursing
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health
The Faculty of Health Sciences has strong collaborations with the region’s hospital-affiliated research institutes:
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
- The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute
- The Bruyère Research Institute
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research
- L’Institut du Savoir Montfort
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute
For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb.
IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.
PHT 5512 Anatomie fonctionnelle du système musculo-squelettique (3 crédits)
Anatomie régionale et fonctionnelle du système musculo-squelettique. Innervation des membres et du rachis. Palpation et anatomie de surface.
Volet : Laboratoire, Cours magistral
PHT 5513 Biomécanique clinique (3 crédits)
Biomécanique des tissus conjonctifs (muscles, os et articulations). Adaptations neuromusculaires à l'activité et l'inactivité. Fondements physiologiques des adaptations neuromusculaires liées aux exercices thérapeutiques.
Volet : Théorie et laboratoire
PHT 5614 Évaluations et interventions de base en musculo-squelettique (4.5 crédits)
Cinématique des tâches de mobilité fonctionnelle. Bilan musculaire et articulaire. Évaluation de la statique posturale. Interventions de base en physiothérapie: exercices thérapeutiques, aides techniques, transferts, enseignement.
Volet : Laboratoire, Cours magistral
PHT 5621 Douleur, agents physiques et modalités thérapeutiques (4.5 crédits)
Introduction au phénomène de la douleur et ses dimensions multiples. Types de douleur, incidence et prévalence des syndromes chroniques. Bases anatomiques et physiologiques. Neuromodulation de la douleur. Dimensions psychologiques et effets placebo et nocebo. Principes de l'évaluation, échelles de mesure et questionnaires. Principes d'intervention pharmacologique, psychologique et physique. Introduction aux modalités thérapeutiques et aux agents physiques en physiothérapie. Indications et contre-indications. Principes d'application en pratique clinique.
Volet : Laboratoire, Cours magistral
PHT 5622 Fondements de la pratique au niveau du système musculo-squelettique (4.5 crédits)
Prévalence et incidence des affections des muscles et des articulations, facteurs de risques associés. Mécanismes physiopathologiques et facteurs étiologiques, histoire naturelle, tableau clinique, indicateurs de diagnostic, de pronostic et de diagnostic différentiel. Élaboration de plans d'intervention.
Volet : Cours magistral, Tutoriel
PHT 5623 Évaluation, diagnostic et intervention au niveau du système musculo-squelettique (4.5 crédits)
Démarche clinique pour l'évaluation, le diagnostic et l'intervention auprès de personnes ayant des déficiences et limitations d'activités découlant des affections communes du système musculo-squelettique.
Volet : Laboratoire
PHT 5631 Fondements et pratiques au niveau du système cardiorespiratoire (6 crédits)
Anatomie et physiologie du système cardiorespiratoire. Adaptations à l'activité et l'inactivité. Évaluation du système cardiorespiratoire. Prévalence et incidence des affections cardiorespiratoires, facteurs de risque associés. Mécanismes physiopathologiques, étiologie, tableau clinique, pronostic et diagnostic différentiel. Démarche clinique pour l'évaluation, le diagnostic et l'intervention auprès de personnes ayant des déficiences et limitations d'activités découlant des affections communes du système cardiorespiratoire.
Volet : Laboratoire, Cours magistral, Tutoriel
Préalable: REA 5703.
PHT 5901 Stage I
Volet / Course Component: Stage / Work Term
REA 5703 est concomitant à PHT 5901. / REA 5703 is corequisite to PHT 5901.
PHT 5902 Stage II
Volet / Course Component: Stage / Work Term
Préalables : PHT 5621, PHT 5622, PHT 5623, PHT 5901. / Prerequisites: PHT 5621, PHT 5622, PHT 5623, PHT 5901.
PHT 6511 Évaluation et intervention auprès de personnes ayant des affections multiples I (2.5 crédits)
Évaluation, interventions d’individus présentant des blessures, conditions ou maladies impliquant plus d’un système. Les sujets suivants seront abordés : brûlures, plaies, amputations, cancer, incontinences urinaires, grossesse, etc.
Volet : Cours magistral
PHT 6531 Évaluation et intervention auprès de personnes ayant des affections multiples II (2 crédits)
Évaluation, raisonnement clinique et intervention auprès de personnes ayant des problèmes multisystémiques. Diagnostic différentiel. Gestion des maladies chroniques.
Volet : Cours magistral, Tutoriel
PHT 6532 Pratique clinique et enjeux professionnels (3 crédits)
Déterminants de la santé. Indicateurs d'états de santé populationnels. Promotion de la santé. Organisation des systèmes de santé. Gestion de la pratique et des services. Allocation des ressources. Interaction avec le personnel de soutien. Supervision des étudiants.
Volet : Cours magistral, Tutoriel
PHT 6533 Outils diagnostiques spécialisés en physiothérapie (3 crédits)
Justification, utilité, indications et contre-indications des procédures diagnostiques. Interprétation des résultats. Techniques d'imagerie. Tests électrophysiologiques. Tests de laboratoire et sanguins.
Volet : Théorie et laboratoire
PHT 6612 Fondements neurobiologiques du mouvement humain (6 crédits)
Introduction aux modèles théoriques du contrôle moteur. Bases anatomiques et physiologiques sous-tendant le mouvement. Principes de l'apprentissage moteur et ses bases physiologiques. Bilan moteur et sensoriel en clinique. Équilibre et stabilité. Mobilité et locomotion. Gestes, préhension et manipulation. Développement de la coordination motrice. Modifications liées au vieillissement et l'âge. Principaux outils et échelles d'évaluation clinique pour la stabilité, la mobilité et la préhension chez l'adulte et l'enfant.
Volet : Laboratoire, Cours magistral
Préalable : REA 5703.
PHT 6613 Évaluation, diagnostic et intervention au niveau du système neurologique (4.5 crédits)
Prévalence et incidence des principales affections neurologiques chez l'adulte. Éléments de physiopathologie des principales déficiences sensori-motrices, étiologie. Démarche clinique pour l'évaluation. Principes généraux des interventions de rééducation pour les déficiences neurologiques et leurs impacts sur l'activité.
Volet : Laboratoire, Cours magistral, Tutoriel
Préalable : REA 5703.
PHT 6753 Séminaire de recherche (3 crédits)
Réalisation en groupe d'un projet de recherche dans le domaine de la physiothérapie. Formulation de questions de recherche. Consultation de la littérature et évaluation critique. Identification et élaboration de devis. Cueillette, analyse et interprétation de données. Partage des résultats.
Volet : Séminaire
Les cours PHT 6753, (PHT 6920 ou PHT 6999) ne peuvent être combinés pour des fins de crédits. L'évaluation se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).
PHT 6903 Stage III
Volet / Course Component: Stage / Work Term
Préalables : PHT 5621, PHT 5622, PHT 5623, PHT 5631, PHT 5902, PHT 6511, PHT 6612, PHT 6613. Le cours PHT 6904 est concomitant à PHT 6903. / Prerequisites : PHT 5621, PHT 5622, PHT 5623, PHT 5631, PHT 5902, PHT 6511, PHT 6612, PHT 6613. PHT 6904 is corequisite to PHT 6903.
PHT 6904 Stage IV / Stage IV
Volet / Course Component: Stage / Work Term
Préalables: PHT 5621, PHT 5622, PHT 5623, PHT 5631, PHT 5902, PHT 6511, PHT 6612, PHT 6613. Le cours PHT 6905 est concomitant à PHT 6904. / Prerequisites : PHT 5621, PHT 5622, PHT 5623, PHT 5631, PHT 5902, PHT 6511, PHT 6612, PHT 6613. PHT 6905 is corequisite to PHT 6904.
PHT 6905 Stage V
Volet / Course Component: Stage / Work Term
Préalables: PHT 5621, PHT 5622, PHT 5623, PHT 5631, PHT 5902, PHT 6511, PHT 6612, PHT 6613. Le cours PHT 6903 est concomitant à PHT 6905. / Prerequisites : PHT 5621, PHT 5622, PHT 5623, PHT 5631, PHT 5902, PHT 6511, PHT 6612, PHT 6613. PHT 6903 is corequisite to PHT 6905.
PHT 6906 Stage VI
Volet / Course Component: Stage / Work Term
Préalables: PHT 6903, PHT 6904, PHT 6905. / Prerequisites: PHT 6903, PHT 6904, PHT 6905.
PHT 6920 Projet de recherche individuel / Individual Research Project (6 crédits / 6 units)
Réalisation, de façon individuelle et sous la supervision d'une ou d'un professeur, des diverses étapes d'un projet de recherche, incluant la recension des écrits, la collecte et l'analyse de données ainsi que la diffusion des résultats sous forme orale et écrite. Le projet comprend la réalisation d'un module de formation sur la pratique factuelle. La soumission d'un rapport de recherche écrit exhaustif, est exigée. / Under the supervision of a professor and performed individually, completion of the various stages of a research project, including: literature review, data collection and analysis, and presentation of the results, both orally and in written form. The completion of a training module on evidence-based practice is part of the requirements for the project. The submission of a comprehensive written research report is required.
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
Les cours PHT 6753, REA 6503 et PHT 6920 ne peuvent être combinés pour des fins de crédits. L'évaluation se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / Courses PHT 6753, REA 6503, PHT 6920 cannot be combined for units. Grading will be on a S (satisfactory) or NS (non satisfactory) basis.
PHT 6999 Mémoire de recherche / Major Paper (6 crédits / 6 units)
Réalisation, de façon individuelle et sous la supervision d'un professeur, des diverses étapes d'un projet de recherche, incluant la recension des écrits, la collecte et l'analyse de données ainsi que la diffusion des résultats sous forme orale et écrite. Le projet de mémoire comprend la réalisation d'un module de formation sur la pratique factuelle. La soumission d'un mémoire, rapport de recherche écrit exhaustif, est exigée. / Under the supervision of a professor and performed individually, completion of the various stages of a research project, including: literature review, data collection and analysis, and presentation of the results, both orally and in written form. The completion of a training module on evidence-based practice is part of the requirements for the Major Paper. The submission of a major paper, a comprehensive written research report, is required.
Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research
Les cours PHT 6753, REA 6503 et PHT 6999 ne peuvent être combinés pour des fins de crédits. / Courses PHT 6753, REA 6503, PHT 6999 cannot be combined for units. Grading will be on a S (satisfactory) or NS (non satisfactory) basis.