physical therapist descent working with patient

Master of Health Sciences Physiotherapy

Why choose physiotherapy?

First-line care for lifelong well-being

Physiotherapy is a first-line, autonomous health-care profession in growing demand. It focuses on improving and maintaining functional independence while helping individuals restore movement, manage pain, prevent injury and improve their overall health.

Transform lives through movement

Our Master of Health Sciences Physiotherapy program is designed for those who are passionate about promotingmovement, recovery and health. With a balanced blend of hands-on learning, theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise, you will be prepared to enhance thequality of life and independence of your patients.

What to expect

  • Comprehensive curriculum: Develop a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and physiotherapy techniques, combining foundational theoretical knowledge with practical skills to excel in your career.
  • Hands-on learning: Complete six clinical placements, along with simulated patient sessions, practical labs, and case studies, to build confidence and readiness for real-world practice.
  • State-of-the-art facilities: Train in cutting-edge rehabilitation labs and centres that are designed to simulate real clinical settings that provide a practical and immersive learning experience.
  • Dedicated faculty support: Benefit from mentorship and personalized guidance to refine your physiotherapy skills, strengthen your understanding of core concepts, and achieve academic success.
Two physiotherapy students practicing techniques on each other in a lab setting.
A physiotherapy student learns hands-on by assisting a patient with a leg stretch.

Subjects covered

Woman with electrodes on her head for brain analysis.

Neurology

  • Focus on restoring movement and function: For patients who have various neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, by applying specialized treatment techniques.
  • Apply neurorehabilitation techniques: Including advanced balance training, coordination exercises, and gait retraining to improve patient mobility and functional independence.
  • Support motor recovery: In specific populations, such as stroke survivors and individuals with progressive neurological conditions, by integrating adaptive movement strategies and therapeutic technologies.
Physiotherapist performing joint therapy on a patient.

Musculoskeletal

  • Learn manual therapy techniques: Including joint and soft tissue mobilization and manipulation, to reduce pain and enhance movement, contributing to overall patient well-being.
  • Address common conditions: Such as back pain, arthritis, and repetitive strain injuries, by developing individualized rehabilitation plans that include targeted exercises and manual interventions.
  • Apply exercise therapy principles: To enhance patient mobility, strength, and functional movement, ensuring a holistic approach to musculoskeletal rehabilitation and recovery.
Three students using cardio machines to exercise in the gym.

Cardio-respiratory

  • Enhance respiratory function: Through specialized interventions, including deep breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, and respiratory muscle training for improved lung capacity.
  • Provide pulmonary rehabilitation: For chronic conditions such as COPD and asthma, incorporating endurance training, education, and lifestyle counseling to improve patient quality of life.
  • Optimize cardiovascular health: And improve overall outcomes for patients recovering from heart surgery or managing chronic heart disease, through supervised exercise programs and cardiovascular conditioning techniques.

Dual fast-track degrees

Not at the graduate level yet? Add a master's degree in physiotherapy to your bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary health sciences or human kinetics, and finish in less time than it would normally take.
Learn more about dual fast-track degrees

Career opportunities

Physiotherapists treat patients of all ages and health statuses, from newborns and children to seniors. Whether managing post-surgical recovery, chronic conditions, pain or athletic injuries, physiotherapists work with patients at every stage of life, offering tailored interventions to meet each individual’s specific needs.

Graduates of this program can expect to work in a range of settings, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Sports organizations
  • Community health settings
  • Private practices
  • Research institutions

Accreditation – Fully Compliant

PEAC logo

The Master of Health Sciences Physiotherapy at the University of Ottawa has completed the accreditation review process administered by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC). PEAC is an incorporated body under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and operates as the accrediting agency for physiotherapy education programs in Canada. The status of Accreditation – Fully Compliant was granted to the program until April 30, 2028. A description of Accreditation Status – Fully Compliant follows.

View more details regarding the definitions of the levels of accreditation

Consortium National de Formation en Santé (CNFS)

cnfs logo

The Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS) is a national association of post-secondary institutions that offer educational programs in French for various health-care professions.

The CNFS aims to improve access to health-care services in French in minority language communities by training Francophone health-care professionals and by supporting research related to this training and to the needs of these communities.

Visit the CNFS website

Take the next step

Start your journey in physiotherapy with the essential tools and resources to help you plan your academic path and achieve your goals.