Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) - Population and Public Health Option and Master of Health Sciences (MHSc), Physiotherapy
Keep in mind:
- The Bachelor's and Master's dual degree programs in Health Sciences have been designed for bilingual students from Francophone minority high schools across Canada (outside Quebec). These programs are offered strictly to new high school graduates. Applicants who have previous post-secondary studies are not eligible for dual fast-track degree programs.
- Admission to a dual FAST-track degree program does not guarantee entry into the master's program. An 85% 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 Health Sciences program is defined by its integrative approach for studying health. Students are provided with a biosciences background, knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, along with an interdisciplinary approach to study the determinants of health. This unique academic program allows students to discover innovative ways to examine, measure and unravel complex health problems at all life stages, in Canada and around the world.
The Population and Public Health option will further students’ interdisciplinary health sciences training grounded in population health and public health theories and methodologies that remain the foundation of Canada’s healthcare system. Students will appraise health scenarios from local and global perspectives, critique health frameworks, develop health interventions including health promotion strategies, distinguish structural and systemic causes of health disparities, and evaluate contributions of intersectoral collaborations in health.
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 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.
The program follows the national physiotherapy curriculum guidelines established by the Canadian Council of Physiotherapy University Programs. Upon completing their education, graduates who wish to register with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario must successfully complete the Canadian physiotherapy competency examination (Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators).
Since the mission of the physiotherapy program is to train bilingual professionals able to serve Francophone populations, the program is only offered in French. However, assignments and exams can be written in either French or English. While French is the language of instruction, some clinical placements, however, take place in French, Bilingual and English settings. Students must therefore have a working knowledge of English.
