Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) and Master of Health Sciences in Physiotherapy

University of Ottawa

The Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences program is defined by its integrative approach for studying health. Students are provided with a foundational biosciences core, research analytical skills training in a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies within a broader interdisciplinary context of the social and environmental determinants of health. This unique academic approach allows students to discover innovative ways to examine, measure and unravel complex health problems at all life stages, in Canada and around the world. Future health professionals will be challenged to understand biological, environmental and social factors, both in isolation and as interactive health determinants. The curriculum contains a research methodologies core to provide students with applied, quantitative and qualitative transferrable skills for post-graduate training or employment. Three thematic programming options enable students to focus their academic trajectory in Integrative Health Biosciences, Technologies and Innovation in Healthcare or Population and Public Health, gaining theoretical and applied knowledge and skills in these domains. This program also includes select opportunities to conduct a research thesis project and participate in interdisciplinary health sciences fieldwork. Graduates will be well-prepared to undertake health related MSc programs or pursue careers in public or private health agencies, non-governmental health organizations or in community health programs. Students are provided with the necessary foundation for further studies in medicine, rehabilitation studies, dentistry or pharmacy. Our interdisciplinary focus enhances the quality and maturity of future clinicians and health professionals. 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.