Our Mission is to achieve excellence in scholarly activities through teaching, research and clinical practice, and to maintain high quality academic physical therapy programs.
Our goals are to improve the health status and quality of life of individuals and populations through: advancement of research and evidence-based practice, preparation of high-quality physical therapy clinicians, leadership and client/population advocacy in the healthcare system and promotion of primary health care principles.
Our Philosophy
Current scientific evidence, foundational theory and practical experience are integrated and delivered through a dynamic and responsive curriculum. The program promotes the development and practice of a scientific approach to problem solving and enquiry. Self- directed learning and a judicious combination of didactic, independent study time and clinical course work are emphasized. The curriculum and the methods of delivery of the program continuously evolve to meet the changing needs of the community, the profession and the health delivery system.
Students enter the physical therapy program with academic foundations and experiences gained through the completion of a baccalaureate degree. In combination with the prerequisite coursework in basic, biomedical and statistical sciences, the student enters the program with background communication, critical-thinking and decision-making skills. Knowledge and skills in applied physical therapy and clinical sciences are developed in the program through a variety of learning modes including integrated case based approaches. The program incorporates key concepts of provision of health care for the specific needs of individuals and the population through the entire life span.
A comprehensive clinical education component integrated with a strong scientific base assists the student in developing the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours required for entry-level competency in physical therapy. Interprofessional skills are developed through a variety of clinical and academic experiences with students and faculty from other health science and health-related disciplines. Participation in a variety of health care delivery programs and community-based programs including multidisciplinary programs is advanced through the program. Students are provided with interdisciplinary and intersectoral experiences to enhance their ability to participate fully as primary health practitioners.
The clinical education program utilizes the knowledge, skills and experience of community-based physical therapists, health-related professional groups and organizations to provide input on curriculum development, program planning and the clinical education of students at all levels of training. The clinical education program is continuously evaluated and evolving to meet the changing needs of the health care system and the consumer.
The entry level academic program supports the development of a broad range of physical therapy competencies integrated throughout the academic program to support graduates who can function as: evidence-based practitioners; physical therapy specialists; ethical, reflective, compassionate and accountable primary health care professionals; health educators and health professional leaders. Graduates are prepared to function competently in a variety of health care settings such as: acute institutional care, community care, long term care, private practice, primary care, and rehabilitation. A graduate level education prepares physical therapists: to collaborate in clinical research, to participate as health educators, to pursue life-long learning and post-graduate education opportunities including clinical specialization.
Our Values
We value:
- the diverse backgrounds of students and faculty
- the development of ethical practitioners
- the development of critical and visionary thinkers and the pursuit of life-long learning
- a dynamic curriculum which is responsive to new knowledge and society’s changing needs
- development of a professional identity through the promotion of unique skills, knowledge and the roles of physical therapists in an integrated health system
- advancement of Physical Therapy science through research and delivery of an evidence-based curriculum
- an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to curriculum delivery and clinical practice
- approaches in curriculum and program planning that support client- focused health and primary health principles
- broad-based clinical experience, leading to clinical competencies in core areas of practice
- the collegial process in the academic program
- partnerships and collaborations with individuals, agencies and associations within the University and in the community
- recognition as a high quality program meeting national and international academic and clinical practice standards
Our Vision
Our vision is a strong, dynamic School of Rehabilitation Science, where faculty, students and staff collaborate with local, national and international colleagues in pursuit of academic and clinical excellence.