Physiotherapy
Location: Forrest Building, 4th Floor
Halifax, NS B3H 3J5
Telephone: (902) 494-2524
Fax: (902) 494-1941
Website: www.physiotherapy.dal.ca
Email:
physiotherapy@dal.ca
Blog: blogs.dal.ca/ptmatters
Director
Rennie, S., BPT, MSc, PhD (Alberta)
Graduate Coordinator
Fenety, A., BSc (UNB), DPT (Manitoba), MSc (Alta), PhD (Dal)
Advisors
Kozey, C., (MSc Rehab Research)
Wainwright, G., BSR (UBC), MA (Dal) (Clinical Education Co-ordinator)
Professor Emeritus
Walker, J., Cert. Phys. Ther. (N.Z.), DipTP, BPT, MA (Man), PhD (McMaster)
Professors
Kelm, C., BSc (PT), Dip (PT), MSc (Physiol) (Sask)
Kozey, C.L., BPE (UNB), MSc (Waterloo), PhD (Dal)
Turnbull, G.I., MSCP, DipTP, BPT (Man), MA (Dal), PhD (Rhodes)
Associate Professors
Blanchard, C,. BA (UPEI), MSc, PhD (Alberta)
Curwin, S., Dip PT, BSc PT, MSc (Dal), Ph.D. (USC)
Harman, K., BScPT (Toronto), MSc (Ottawa), PhD (Carleton)
MacKay-Lyons, M., BSc(PT) (Toronto), MScPT (USC), PhD (Dal)
Rennie, S., BPT, MSc, PhD (Alberta)
Assistant Professors
Boe, S., BPhEd (Brock), MPT (Western), PhD (Western)
Dechman, G., BScPT (Queens), PhD (McGill)
Earl, M., BScPT (UWO), BSc, MSc, PhD (Waterloo)
Fenety, A., BSc (UNB), DPT (Manitoba), MSc (Alta), PhD (Dal)
Keats, M., BA (Calgary), MSc (Alberta), Phd (Calgary)
King, C., BSc (PT) (Dal), MScPT (Queens)
Adjunct Professors
MacDonald, E. A., MD. FRCPC
Makrides, L., MCSP, BPT (Sask), MSc (Ottawa), PhD (McMaster)
McPhee, J., BSc, MSV, BSc (PT) (Dal), PhD (Pharm) (Dal)
Ploughman, M., BSc PT (Dal), MSc, PhD (MUN)
Walker, J., Cert. Phys. Ther. (N.Z.), DipTP, BPT, MA (Man), PhD (McMaster)
Lecturer
Creaser, G., BScPT (Dal), MEd (Mt. St. Vincent)
Instructors
Kelly, B., BSc, PT, MSc (DAL)
Stapleton, C.B., BSc (UCCB), MScPT (Toronto)
Walker, N., BSc (PT) Dal, MSc (Queens)
Provincial Clinical Coordinators
Rowan, M., New Brunswick
Caldwell, B., Prince Edward Island
Furlong, K., Newfoundland and Labrador
Roussel, M., New Brunswick Government Health Advisor
The Master of Science (Physiotherapy) degree provides the professional education required to obtain a license to practice physiotherapy. It differs from the Master of Science - Rehabilitation Research in Physiotherapy which prepares practitioners with advanced research skills and requires the completion and defense of a thesis. The profession of Physiotherapy (or Physical Therapy) offers a varied, interesting and worthwhile career in a variety of settings. Upon graduation, traditionally most physiotherapists have worked in hospital-based departments rotating through various areas of interest prior to becoming more deeply involved in any specific area. Increasingly, opportunities are available in rehabilitation centres, extended care units, special schools, or with local government agencies, industrial health units, sports clubs and private clinics.
A. Master of Science (Physiotherapy)
The MSc (Physiotherapy) entry to practice program is full-time and offered over a continuous 25-month period. The curriculum prepares students with the professional education and experience necessary to apply for the national licensing examination. The School of Physiotherapy at Dalhousie is the only school serving Atlantic Canada; as such, a provincial quota system is in place with a specified number of seats allocated annually for residents of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. A small number of seats are open to non-residents. Therefore, admission is offered on a competitive basis and enrolment is limited.
I. Admission Requirements
| | | |
| • | Candidates must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. |
| • | A four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent in any field of study from Dalhousie University or from a recognized academic institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or letter grade of B in the last 60 undergraduate credit hours for Atlantic Canada applicants and a GPA of 3.4 or letter grade of B+ for applicants outside Atlantic Canada. Degrees that have a focus in Neuroscience, Psychology, Kinesiology, Human Movement Science, Exercise Science, Human Physiology, Health Promotion, Ergonomics and Anatomy are favorable backgrounds for the study of Physiotherapy. |
| • | The following courses or their equivalents are prerequisites for admission: |
| • | Physics (6 credit hours) or Physics (3 credit hours) and Introduction to Biomechanics (3 credit hours - equivalent to KINE 2465 or PHYC 2610) |
| • | Biology (3 credit hours) Animal or Cell Biology |
| • | Psychology (6 credit hours) |
| • | Statistics (3 credit hours) |
| • | Human Physiology (6 credit hours, PHYL 2030.06 or its equivalent is the preferred prerequisite. In lieu of PHYL 2030.06, a combination of nine credit hours of human and exercise physiology may be accepted). |
| • | Human Anatomy (3 credit hours, equivalent to ANAT 1010.03) |
| • | Languages and Humanities and/or Social Sciences (6 credit hours, e.g. Classics, Contemporary Studies, Theatre, Dance, Music, Languages, Philosophy can include a combination of two half credits). |
| • | Reference Letters - 2 academic, confidential reference letters. |
| • | 40 hours of community volunteer experience over the last two years |
| • | Immunization - In order to satisfy the requirements for the clinical internship components of the program, students must provide proof of immunization to the Coordinator of Clinical Education for: Diphtheria-Tetanus, Polio, Measles (Rubeola), Mumps and Varicella. Before students can enter the clinical setting, they must provide verification of a Tuberculosis skin test and serology stating immunization status of Measles, Rubella, Varicella and Hepatitis B. |
| • | Affirmative Action - The School of Physiotherapy is committed to increasing the admission of and number of graduates from undergraduated groups; Aboriginal peoples, African Canadians and Persons with (dis)Abilities. Admission prerequisites are required for all applicants; however, applicants who apply under the Affirmative Action Policy are considered on the basis of their qualifications for graduate study in physiotherapy rather than in relation to other applicants. The School of Physiotherapy encourages applicants who wish to apply under this policy to indicate so on the Supplementary Application Form. |
| • | Applicants who meet the above minimum requirements are eligible for interview consideration. The interview score is based on communication and problem-solving analysis (eligibility for interview is based on the GPA). Fulfillment of the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. |
Deadline for application is January 31.
II. Physiotherapy Registration
Physiotherapists educated in Canada must be registered with the appropriate regulatory body. The School itself has no jurisdiction in matters related to regulation, and Dalhousie University cannot accept responsibility for changes in regulatory regulations which may occur from time to time.
The degree program at Dalhousie University is designed to fulfil the present registration requirements by the time students graduate. A Physiotherapy Competency Examination was implemented in 1993. Successful completion of the national competency exam is required for registration in all provinces except Quebec. Graduates are strongly advised to seek further information and clarification from the appropriate provincial College of Physiotherapists.
III. Association Membership
Information regarding membership in various Physiotherapy Associations can be obtained from the following sources: The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (955 Green Valley Crescent, Suite 270, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 3V4); The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (14 Bedford Row, London, WC1R 4ED, England); The American Physical Therapy Association (1111 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314, U.S.A.).
IV. Accreditation
The MSc (Physiotherapy) program is designed to develop an educational qualification for entry to the physiotherapy profession. Physiotherapy programs are accredited by the Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC). PEAC is an incorporated body under the Canada Corporations Act and is the accrediting agency for physiotherapy education in Canada. The Dalhousie University, School of Physiotherapy, MSc (Physiotherapy) program is accredited by PEAC.
V. Practicum/Fieldwork Placements Outside Halifax
Students enrolled in entry-to-practice graduate programs of study in the Faculty of Health Professions are advised that they may have to do some or all of their required clinical education/fieldwork at sites outside Halifax, and hence may have to incur additional personal expenses for travel and temporary accommodation.
In some situations, sites may require a payment to the site for support of clinical education/fieldwork supervision, and some sites may require separate disability insurance in lieu of eligibility for Worker Compensation coverage. Such costs are the responsibility of the student.
VI. Interprofessional Health Education
Students are required to maintain enrolment in
IPHE 5900 for the duration of their studies. Successful completion of this course is a requirement for graduation, and will be recognized further with the awarding of a special Certificate in Interprofessional Collaboration to be presented by the Faculty of Health Professions. Students are asked to consult with their individual school/college to determine the specific guidelines and expectations regarding the required portfolio.
VII. Class Descriptions
PHYT 5101.01: Introduction to the Physiotherapy Profession (Module 1).
PHYT 5102.09: Scientific Inquiry (Module 2).
PHYT 5103.03: Movement and Exercise Science (Module 3).
PHYT 5104.06: Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Health Promotion (Module 4).
PHYT 5105.12: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Module 5).
PHYT 5202X/Y.03: Scientific Inquiry I.
PHYT 5460.03: Advanced Exercise Physiology.
PHYT 5501.03: Clinical Placement (Cardiorespiratory).
PHYT 5502.03: Clinical Placement (Musculoskeletal).
PHYT 6106.03: Professional, Ethical, and Management Issues in Physiotherapy (Module 6).
PHYT 6107.06: Neurological Physiotherapy Practice for the Entry-Level Clinician (Module 7).
PHYT 6108.12: Integrated Practice in Acute, Rehabilitation and Home/Community Settings (Module 8).
PHYT 6140.06: Neuroscience for Physiotherapy Students.
PHYT 6501.03: Clinical Placement (Neurotherapeutics).
PHYT 6502.03: Clinical Placement (Integrated Practice).
PHYT 6503.03: Senior Clinical Placement.
B. Master of Science (Rehabilitation Research - Physiotherapy)
VIII. Introduction
The Master of Science (Rehabilitation Research -Physiotherapy) is a thesis-based program designed to provide graduates with:
| | | |
| 1. | The ability to design and implement research in diverse areas of Physiotherapy |
| 2. | Knowledge necessary to integrate evidence-based assessment and treatment in Physiotherapy |
| 3. | Valuable teaching experience in the MSc (Physiotherapy) program. |
The Master of Science (Rehabilitation Research-Physiotherapy) does not prepare graduates to take the physiotherapy licensure exams; applicants who want to study to become physiotherapists need to apply to the MSc (Physiotherapy) program.
Individuals seeking enrichment for their professional development may also apply for admission to single graduate level courses, through the Special Student-Graduate Studies category as detailed in Section 4.3.8 of this calendar.
IX. Admission Requirements
Candidates must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. In addition, applicants must hold a university degree in Physiotherapy, or in a related area of study.
X. Application
A. Applicants must
| | | |
| a. | Complete the application form for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies |
| b. | Include a one page statement of their experience, their goals and objectives, and the area of physiotherapy research to be studied. |
| c. | Meet the English language competency requirements as outlined by Graduated Studies. |
| d. | Include two academic references. A work reference from someone who may comment objectively on your goals may be included in addition to the two required academic references. |
In addition applicants are strongly advised to:
| | | |
| a. | Include a copy of a recent paper authored in the area in which the applicant is planning to pursue studies (if available) |
| b. | Submit a recent GRE score |
| c. | Contact potential supervisors to discuss their research interests prior to submitting their application. |
B. Scholarship Deadlines
Applicants who wish to be considered for scholarships are strongly urged to have their applications completed by January 1 for University Scholarships. For School of Physiotherapy Scholarships: March 1.
A limited amount of money is available from the School of Physiotherapy and this will be distributed on a competitive basis. Applicants are encouraged to seek external funding. Further information for sources of funding may be obtained from the Graduate Studies office. In order to qualify for scholarship consideration a student is expected to hold a first-class honours degree in an appropriate field and to enter a full-time graduate program.
C. Application Inquiries
For more information regarding admission and program requirements, please write to the Graduate Coordinator, School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 3J5 or email physiotherapy@dal.ca
XI. Program Requirements
A. Program Requirements
Students registered in the program will be expected to obtain a minimum of five (5) credits as follows: Thesis - 2 credits, Class work - 6 half credits.
B. Class Work
Two half-credits are obtained via required courses. The other four half-credit elective classes will be selected based on the individual program of study approved by the Supervisory Committee. Graduate students are also expected to attend and participate in Physiotherapy Research Seminars.
C. Residency
For full-time students, it is expected that upon completion of the class work an additional year will be required to complete the thesis. Part of the residency period may, with permission, include time off campus. There are options to complete the program on a part-time basis.
XII. Class Descriptions
Required Courses:
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| • | A half credit class in Statistical Methods and/or Research Design |
| • | A half credit class in instrumentation measurement methodology |
(i.e.
PHYT 5002 or Equivalent)
PHYT 5002.03: Instrumentation and Measurement.
PHYT 5010.03: Special Topics in Musculoskeletal II.
PHYT 5030.03: Special Topics in Neurology I.
PHYT 5050.03: Special Topics in Cardiac Rehabilitation III.
PHYT 5070.03: Directed Study.
PHYT 5080.03: Directed Study.
PHYT 5090.03: Foundations Seminar.
PHYT 5300.03: Skeletal Muscle Function through Surface Electromyography.
PHYT 5572.03: Topics in Human Performance: Motor Control.
