Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics (BScHK) and Master of Health Sciences (MHSc), Occupational Therapy
Keep in mind:
- The Bachelor's and Master's dual degree programs in Health Sciences have been designed for bilingual students.
- Admission to a dual FAST-track degree program does not guarantee entry into the master's program. An 8.5 average must be maintained during the first three years. A language test and the CASPer test must also be completed during the third year. Capacity is limited and some applicants who meet all the requirements may not be accepted.
- The first three years of the program are a condensed version of the bachelor's degree. No master's courses will be given during this period. For more details on the courses, please refer to the course sequence.
- Dual FAST-track degree programs include a practical component to apply the professional program. Programs are not offered in CO-OP format.
The Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics emphasizes the biophysical sciences of human kinetics, with a focus on the role that biological, anatomical, musculoskeletal, and neuro-motor systems have on motor performance, and the impact of sport and physical activity on the body. It provides the knowledge, skills and techniques required for you to play a leading role in developing and implementing evidence-based approaches that maintain and improve human movement, and lead to positive health outcomes for different populations in a variety of settings. While the program focuses on disciplines such as anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control and psychomotor behaviour, it also provides an understanding of how the social sciences contribute to human movement and performance. Students have the opportunity to do experiential education internships in a community venue or do a research project supervised by the faculty. This degree can lead to admission to graduate studies in human kinetics and advanced degrees in allied health and rehabilitation sciences such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, medicine, or chiropractic studies. Potential additional certifications: College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (Registered Kinesiologist), Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Exercise Physiologist).
The mission of the Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy program at the University of Ottawa, which is offered in French, is to train competent health care professionals able to respond to the needs of the francophone population in Ontario and, more generally, to the needs of francophone communities in the bilingual and multilingual Canadian context.
Occupational therapy is both an art and a science whose aim is to prevent handicap situations, re- establish or promote occupation (everyday activities that people do), health, and well-being of individuals. Occupational therapists work in collaboration with individuals or groups of individuals to prevent or address occupational performance difficulties. Occupational performance difficulties may arise from a health condition, developmental issue, environmental obstacle or a consequence of aging. Difficulties may occur in areas of self-care, productivity, or leisure. Occupational therapists enable their clients to reconstruct their life and develop a renewed sense of self-identity and independence.
The occupational therapy program follows the standards developed by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). This allows students develop the skills and competencies needed to practice their profession upon graduation. In addition to the coursework, students complete 1,000 placement hours as required by CAOT. These mandatory placements can take place in Ottawa-area hospitals, schools, community organizations, the interprofessional university clinic and rehabilitation centres or at locations outside the National Capital Region.
Students complete this limited-enrollment program over six consecutive terms, i.e., two years of full-time study (including placements). However, students with an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy at the time of admission can follow the accelerated program, which leads to a master’s degree after one year (three terms). Students complete practical and theoretical courses, placements and on-site observation placements. Teaching activities are grouped under the following six themes:
- Theme 1: Occupational participation: interaction between the person, their occupations and their environment;
- Theme 2: Fundamental principles for the practice as an occupational therapist (being a professional);
- Theme 3: Knowledge of health conditions and interventions - occupational therapists and the team;
- Theme 4: Occupational therapy practice: assessment and intervention approaches to promote occupational participation;
- Theme 5: Critical evaluation of knowledge;
- Theme 6: Knowledge integration.
