Dec 08, 2024  
University of Alberta Calendar 2023-2024 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Science (Physical Therapy) (course-based)


Program Requirements


Students must complete 96 units in coursework, including 3 units of approved interprofessional coursework, 3 units of elective coursework, clinical placements (31 weeks), and a major project.

Elective Course:


Approved elective course work totaling 3 units. Courses completed prior to the MScPT course-based program will not be considered for the 3-unit elective requirement

Major Project:


  • PTHER 900  - Evidence Based Practice Capping Assessment. A practical examination of clinical skills within an Objective, Structured Competency Examination (OSCE), and
  • PTHER 901  - Evidence Based Practice Clinical Capping Assessment. A group written case study analysis with individual oral examination.

Students must successfully complete both components to pass the major project.

Course-based MScPT courses are organized in blocks, with time periods different from the usual university terms. The start and finish dates for the blocks will vary from year to year. Normally, block classes will begin one week before the usual term. The last day of block classes may extend past the last day of classes for a term. These block dates are available annually from the Department Office.

Each block will include lecture, lab, and seminar time. Students are advised that self-directed learning is an expectation of graduate students and will maximize their learning.

Clinical Placements


To be eligible for clinical placements the students must meet the following requirements:

  • CPR Certification
  • Police Information Check (see Fieldwork/Clinical Practice Requirements  ).
  • Immunization Requirements (see University Infectious Diseases Regulation  ).
  • Fit Testing for Respirator Mask, as required
  • For students requesting Academic Success Centre accommodation and for students returning to the program after a prolonged period of absence due to illness, a medical examination and relevant documentation may be required prior to clinical practice.

Details on these clinical requirements are available in the MScPT Student Manual. Note that all fees and costs for these clinical requirements are the student’s responsibility (e.g., travel, visa, accommodation, health and travel insurance, course registration). Students must be prepared to travel throughout the province in order to obtain the placement experiences that are required for graduation. Students may choose to apply for a national or international placement at designated times.

Students must have completed an acceptable level of clinical performance over the course of the MScPT program in order to graduate. A student could fail a clinical placement and/or be required to do remedial work if there were evidence of:

  • Unsafe clinical practice
  • Unsatisfactory professional conduct
  • Clinical/professional skills are not at a suitable level of performance for graduation

As per regulations, the student would have the right to appeal any conditions put on this remedial work (see Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine’s Appeals Procedures document). A student who fails a clinical placement may appeal that decision. Information regarding appeal procedures is available in the MScPT Student Manual.

The Dean, or supervisor acting on behalf of the Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions, or site of practicum/clinical placement if the Dean or supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the public interest. Refer to Practicum Intervention Policy  for additional information.

Assistance/Accommodation: Students who may require assistance/accommodation due to personal circumstances and/or conditions affecting mobility, vision, hearing, learning and physical or mental health, should refer to the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Student Accommodation Procedures document from the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Office and to the Academic Success Centre .

To protect the public, students returning to the MScPT Program from a prolonged leave of absence will be required to successfully pass a screening examination (written and practical) to ensure knowledge and skills are at a proficient level prior to beginning a clinical placement. In the event that students do not successfully pass the screening exam after two attempts, the department’s General Academic Standing Requirements will apply. (see Physical Therapy [Graduate] General Academic Standing Requirements ).

Length of Program


A minimum of 28 calendar months will normally be required to complete the program. Dependent on clinical placement availability, completion of the program may be 31 months. Normally the MScPT program will be completed within a maximum of three consecutive academic years.

Students will move through the blocks sequentially as a cohort. In the event that a course is failed or deferred, there will be an impact on the time required to complete the program.

The maximum time to complete the course-based MScPT program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is six years.