ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Location

Location

  • School of Physical and Occupational Therapy
  • 1130 Pine Avenue West
  • Montreal QC H3A 1A3
  • Canada
  • Telephone: 514-398-4500
  • Email: see below
  • Website: mcgill.ca/spot
Directors

Director and Associate Dean – Laurie Snider

Email: admincoord.spot [at] mcgill.ca

Associate Director – Judith Soicher

Email: admincoord.spot [at] mcgill.ca

Director's Academic Associate – Sarah C. Marshall

Email: sarah.marshall [at] mcgill.ca

Program Director , Physical Therapy – Liliane Asseraf-Pasin

Email: profmasters.spot [at] mcgill.ca

Associate Program Director, Physical Therapy – Richard Preuss

Email: profmasters.spot [at] mcgill.ca

Program Director, Occupational Therapy – Sara Saunders

Email: profmasters.spot [at] mcgill.ca

Associate Program Director, Occupational Therapy – Susanne Mak

Email: profmasters.spot [at] mcgill.ca

Graduate Programs Director – Isabelle Gélinas

Email: graduate.rehabilitation [at] mcgill.ca

Graduate Programs Associate Director – Anouk Lamontagne

Email: graduate.rehabilitation [at] mcgill.ca

About the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy

About the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy

As part of ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, we are proud of the outstanding academic environment we offer to our students. The School of Physical and Occupational Therapy is situated on ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University's Downtown Campus in the beautiful city of Montreal, Quebec.

The School offers master's and doctorate programs in three areas:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Rehabilitation Sciences

Two graduate certificate programs are also offered in Driving Rehabilitation and Chronic Pain Management.

The School is internationally recognized for the excellence of its contribution to research in rehabilitation. Excellence in research and teaching is the foundation and tradition of the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University. The Faculty educates professionals and, through research, generates the body of knowledge that guides our professions to advance the health, function, and participation of the individual in society.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Rehabilitation Science (Thesis) (45 credits)

The full curriculum consists of approximately two years of study for graduates who hold a B.Sc. degree in one of the medical rehabilitation disciplines or a related field. The program consists of required and elective coursework, a research proposal, and a research thesis.

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Rehabilitation Science (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

The program requires three terms of full-time residence study and can usually be completed within three to four terms. It is designed for graduates who hold a B.Sc. (or equivalent) in Physical or Occupational Therapy or related health professions. Two years of clinical experience is recommended. The program trains health professionals to become consumers of research in order to promote evidence-based practice in rehabilitation science. The curriculum is made up of both required and elective courses and may also include a research project.

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.PT.) Physical Therapy (Non-Thesis) (62 credits)

The Master of Science, Applied, in Physical Therapy program is to be completed in 1.5 graduate years over five semesters, and includes four clinical practica of 1,050 hours in total, leading to professional licensure to practice. The educational approach is consistent with adult learning, self-directed learning, reflective clinical practice, and inter-professionalism. Strong links between academic and clinical fieldwork education are emphasized. Courses emphasize client-centred and evidence-based practice across the lifespan and health care continuum, and include health promotion from prevention of disability to rehabilitation. In addition to fieldwork, the program requirements include courses in advanced clinical practice, research methodology, and educational methodology. The master's project prepares the entry-to-practice physiotherapist to become an autonomous and effective professional through the acquisition of research skills. Entry to the Master of Science, Applied, in Physical Therapy is limited to internal candidates coming from the Bachelor of Rehabilitation Science (PT) and the Qualifying Year to the M.Sc.A. (PT).

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.OT.) Occupational Therapy (Non-Thesis) (63 credits)

The Master of Science, Applied, in Occupational Therapy program is to be completed in 1.5 years of graduate study over five semesters and includes a clinical practicum of 1,000 hours leading to professional licensure to practice. The educational approach is consistent with adult learning and reflective clinical practice. The curriculum uses a case-based, problem-solving, self-directed approach across the lifespan. Strong links between academic and clinical fieldwork education are emphasized throughout the educational process. Coursework will focus on client-centred and evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, ethics, and professionalism as essential components for the development of a humanistic, ethical, knowledgeable, competent, critical thinking, and problem-solving Occupational Therapist. The master’s project is designed to develop research and scholarly skills. Entry to the Master of Science, Applied, in Occupational Therapy is limited to internal candidates coming from the Bachelor of Rehabilitation Science (OT) and the Qualifying Year to the M.Sc.A. (OT).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Rehabilitation Science

This program consists of three to four years of study, on average, for graduates with master's-level training in one of the medical rehabilitation disciplines or a related field. The program consists of required and elective coursework, a comprehensive written examination, a research proposal, a doctoral thesis, and an oral defence.

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Driving Rehabilitation (15 credits)

The 15-credit postgraduate certificate program aims to train Occupational Therapists to assess the driving abilities and performance of at-risk populations, retrain drivers, recommend adaptive vehicles and adapt technical aids that will allow disabled individuals to return to driving and preserve their independence and quality of life. The program comprises five courses. The first two are offered online; the other three are a combination of online and intensive workshops.

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Chronic Pain Management (15 credits)

The 15-credit postgraduate certificate program aims to train healthcare professionals on the most recent and relevant approaches and technologies for the care and management of chronic pain with an interdisciplinary perspective. The program comprises four core courses offered online and one elective course, which can be online or a directed practicum.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)

Clinical Placements, Language, Vaccination, and CPR Requirements

Clinical Placements, Language, Vaccination, and CPR Requirements

Clinical hours necessary to obtain membership in both the national associations and provincial licensing bodies for each profession are included within the professional master's programs (M.Sc.A. Occupational Therapy and M.Sc.A. Physical Therapy). This standard is compatible with the licensing requirements in other provinces where legislation is in force.

Working knowledge of both English and French is essential for students who will be working in clinical affiliations throughout the province of Quebec. French is the official language in Quebec and thus health and social services administered by the Ministry of Health are bound by the Charter of the French Language. This means that all health and social service institutions operate in French. Certain institutions have a bilingual mandate for patient care, but team meetings and dealings with third party agencies operate in French only. Some of the clinical communication competencies you will exercise during your studies include: listening to a client or their family describe the reason for consulting, asking questions to learn more, explaining a condition in formal and informal terms, and communicating with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists. This could be in-person, on the phone, or with written documentation.

As such, all applicants should be aware that any clinical placements in the province of Quebec require the ability to communicate (written and oral) in French. Refer to the details for the admission requirements of proof of French proficiency in the Qualifying Year Admissions Guides.

Students must therefore possess the recommended minimum level of oral and written French, as outlined in the admission guides, prior to the start of clinical practica. Students who do not speak French will have limited clinical placement opportunities. This may result in delayed graduation from the program.

Valid CPR/AED Level (Health Care Provider) certification or equivalent is required prior to going into any of the clinical affiliation placements and must be maintained throughout the professional master’s program.

Vaccinations

Prior to starting their first clinical course, students registered in a health care program will need to ensure that they have completed all required series of immunizations prior to being placed in a clinical setting. We recommend starting the process as soon as possible as some vaccines may require you to follow immunization schedules that last several months. Students must upload their immunization file to the Wellness portal in September of their U3 or Qualifying Year. Once their file is reviewed by the Wellness Hub, it can take several months for students to complete missing vaccinations. All vaccination requirements must be complete by March 1 of the U3 or Qualifying Year in preparation for the M1 Summer term of two clinical courses.

For complete details, consult the Student Wellness Hub. Please also refer to the Vaccination/Immunization Requirements for Health Sciences Programs in the Undergraduate eCalendar's Health Professions – Immunization Requirement.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)

Physical and Occupational Therapy Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Physical and Occupational Therapy Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Language Requirements

Applicants to a graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English, by appropriate exams, e.g.:

  • (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a minimum score of 86 on the Internet-based test (iBT), with each component score not less than 20; or
  • (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5.
Note: ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University's Institutional code for the TOEFL and GRE is 0935;
Note: French Language Competency requirement for QY Admissions to the MSc(A) OT or the MSc(A) PT.

M.Sc. in Rehabilitation Science (Thesis)

  1. A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in Physical or Occupational Therapy or a related field from a university of recognized reputation;
  2. Evidence of high academic achievement, equivalent to a B Standing, or a ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ CGPA of 3.0 (70–74%);
  3. Prerequisite courses may be required in statistics, anatomy, physiology, psychology, sociology, neurophysiology, or other areas, depending on the student's anticipated specialization;
  4. Applicants must meet the language requirements listed above.

If a graduate student accepted into the Master of Science program demonstrates superior performance in the first year, the Graduate Committee, in consultation with the thesis supervisor, may recommend waiving the M.Sc. thesis requirement, and allow the student to proceed directly to the PhD program.

M.Sc. in Rehabilitation Science (Non-Thesis)

1 to 4as above; plus two years of clinical experience is recommended.

M.Sc., Applied, in Occupational Therapy or the M.Sc., Applied, in Physical Therapy

Entry to professional practice in Occupational Therapy requires the completion of a Master of Science, Applied, degree in Occupational Therapy (M.Sc.A.OT.). The MSc(A) OT program is only open to applicants who have completed ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's B.Sc.Rehab.Sc. majoring in Occupational Therapy or Qualifying Year to the MSc(A) OT.

Entry to professional practice in Physical Therapy requires the completion of a Master of Science, Applied, degree in Physical Therapy (M.Sc.A.PT.). The MSc(A) PT program is only open to applicants who have completed ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's B.Sc. Rehab.Sc. majoring in Physical Therapy or the Qualifying Year to the MSc(A) PT program.

Entry to both the MSc(A) OT and MSc(A) PT programs requires applicants to have a minimum cGPA of 3.0 in the related B.Sc. or Qualifying Year program. Even if the cGPA requirement is met, the Promotions and Review Committee for the program may recommend that an applicant not be admitted to the Master's program if, during the Bachelor's program or Qualifying Year, that individual has (i) documented performance deficiencies (e.g., academic integrity and professional behaviour) and/or (ii) shown insufficient progression toward the program's Essential Skills and Attributes.

Students from ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ or elsewhere who do not hold the degree in Bachelor of Science (Rehabilitation Science) – Major in Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy must apply to the Master's program via a graduate Qualifying Year, or have the option to first apply to the Bachelor of Science (Rehabilitation Science) – Major in Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy and proceed to the Master of Science, Applied, degree in the same discipline.

Qualifying Year:

Students admitted to a Qualifying program are known as Qualifying Students for a Master’s. They must meet the application and admission requirements indicated by the chosen graduate department and the Graduate Admissions Unit of Enrolment Services. The courses taken during a Qualifying Year will not be credited towards a degree program. Students are registered in graduate studies but have not yet been admitted to a degree program. These students take a full load (12 credits minimum) per semester of undergraduate courses as specified by the department. Only one Qualifying Year is permitted.

Qualifying Year for Entry into MSc(A) OT

  1. An undergraduate degree or equivalent in any subject from a university of recognized reputation;
  2. Evidence of high academic achievement in one's undergraduate degree, equivalent to a B Standing, or a ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ cGPA of 3.0 (70–74%) or higher;
  3. No prerequisite courses; completion of optional background courses is recommended;
  4. Completion of the Canadian Professional Health Sciences CASPer Test (the CASPer test is administered by );
  5. Completion of all application components set out in the Occupational Therapy Qualifying Year Admissions Guide;
  6. Applicants must meet the English language requirements listed above, although a minimum overall band score of 7.0 is required for IELTS (International English Language Testing System);
  7. Proof of French language competency. Refer to Occupational Therapy Qualifying Year Admissions Guide.

Further information regarding the Qualifying Year is available at mcgill.ca/spot/programs/admissions-0/professional-programs.

Qualifying Year for Entry into MSc(A) PT

  1. An undergraduate degree or equivalent in any subject from a university of recognized reputation;
  2. Evidence of high academic achievement in all undergraduate coursework, equivalent to a ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ CGPA of 3.2 or higher;
  3. At least three ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ-equivalent credits in Human Anatomy and at least three ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ-equivalent credits of Human or Mammalian Physiology, with a ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ-equivalent grade of B (70–74%) or higher, completed prior to the start of the Qualifying year;
  4. Completion of the Canadian Professional Health Sciences CASPer Test (the CASPer test is administered by );
  5. Completion of all application components set out in the Physical Therapy Qualifying Year Admissions Guide;
  6. Applicants must meet the English language requirements listed above, although a minimum overall band score of 7.0 is required for IELTS (International English Language Testing System).;
  7. Proof of French language competency. Refer to the Physical Therapy Qualifying Year Admissions Guide.

Further information regarding the Qualifying year is available at mcgill.ca/spot/programs/admissions-0/professional-programs.

Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science

  1. An M.Sc. degree in a rehabilitation-related discipline or related field from a university of recognized reputation;
  2. Evidence of high academic achievement, equivalent to a B+ Standing, or a ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ CGPA of 3.3 (75–79%) is required;
  3. Applicants must meet the language requirements listed above.

Graduate Certificate in Driving Rehabilitation

  1. A B.Sc. degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy or a related field from a university of recognized reputation;
  2. Evidence of high academic achievement, equivalent to a B Standing or a ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ CGPA of 3.0 (70–74%);
  3. See point 4 under M.Sc. in Rehabilitation Science (Thesis) above for more information on language requirements.

Graduate Certificate in Chronic Pain Management

  1. A B.Sc. degree or equivalent in a health-related discipline from a university of recognized reputation;
  2. Evidence of high academic achievement, equivalent to a B standing or a ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ CGPA of 3.0 (70–74%);
  3. See points 4 under M.Sc. in Rehabilitation Science (Thesis) above for more information on language requirements.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See University Regulations & Resources > Graduate > Graduate Admissions and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Two years of clinical experience – recommended for M.Sc. in Rehabilitation Science (Non-Thesis).

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application Dates and Deadlines

Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the School of Physical & Occupational Therapy and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ departmental website; please consult the list at mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

Information on application deadlines is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/application-deadlines.

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.

Note: Applications for Winter term admission will not be considered (except for Graduate Certificate in Chronic Pain Management).
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Rehabilitation Science (Thesis) (45 credits)

The M.Sc. in Rehabilitation Science; Thesis program focuses on interdisciplinary research related to health and rehabilitation. The program provides training in the use of methodologies for knowledge synthesis and for designing and conducting research studies in rehabilitation. A major component of the program is the development and implementation of an...

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Rehabilitation Science (Thesis) (45 credits).

Master of Science (M.Sc.) Rehabilitation Science (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

The M.Sc. in Rehabilitation Science; Non-Thesis program focuses on evidence-based practice in rehabilitation science. The program provides exposure to methodologies for knowledge synthesis and for designing a research study in rehabilitation, and practical experience by participating in a directed project.

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.) Rehabilitation Science (Non-Thesis) (45 credits).

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.PT.) Physical Therapy (Non-Thesis) (62 credits)

The M.Sc.(Applied) in Physical Therapy; Non-Thesis is to be completed in 1.5 graduate years over five semesters, and includes four clinical practica of 1,050 hours in total, leading to professional licensure to practice. The educational approach is consistent with adult learning, self-directed learning, reflective clinical practice, and inter- professionalism....

For more information, see Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.PT.) Physical Therapy (Non-Thesis) (62 credits).

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.OT.) Occupational Therapy (Non-Thesis) (63 credits)

The Master of Science(Applied) in Occupational Therapy; Non-Thesis is a professional program that may lead to eligibility for licensure to practice as an Occupational Therapist. It is a 63-credit degree program that includes 1000 hours of fieldwork education over five semesters. The educational approach is consistent with adult learning and reflective clinical...

For more information, see Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.OT.) Occupational Therapy (Non-Thesis) (63 credits).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Rehabilitation Science

The Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science provides training and intensive experience in clinical research related to health and rehabilitation by asking the right questions through research design, analysis, interpretation and presentation of results. The program includes a comprehensive exam, research proposal, thesis and an oral defense.

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Rehabilitation Science.

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Driving Rehabilitation (15 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Driving Rehabilitation is a course-based program of 15 credits. The program focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to offer the full spectrum (screening, evaluation, vehicle adaptation and training) of driving rehabilitation services to diverse client populations. The theoretical content is offered online with synchronous and...

For more information, see Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Driving Rehabilitation (15 credits).

Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Chronic Pain Management (15 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Chronic Pain Management is an interdisciplinary course-based program of 15 credits. The program focuses on a theoretical knowledge base in the most recent evidence-based neuroscientific and behavioural perspectives of chronic pain, advanced practice skills in the evaluation and assessment of chronic pain conditions and how to manage...

For more information, see Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Chronic Pain Management (15 credits).

School of Physical and Occupational Therapy—2024-2025 (last updated Mar. 15, 2024) (disclaimer)
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