Physical Therapy. Prestigious Adventurous Curious Studious Ambitious Ingenious

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1 Physical Therapy Prestigious Adventurous Curious Studious Ambitious Ingenious

2 What is Physical Therapy? Physical therapy (physiotherapy) is a dynamic and challenging health profession dedicated to improving and maintaining physical mobility, independence, health and well-being. Physical therapists are primary health-care professionals who work independently or as part of a multi disciplinary team. The terms physical therapist and physiotherapist mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably. What Do Physical Therapists Do? Physical therapists provide valuable health care for people of all ages within a broad range of practice settings. They assess levels of mobility, strength, endurance and other physical abilities to determine the impact of illness or injury on physical function, whether at work, rest or play. They diagnose movement disorders and develop treatment plans to restore movement and reduce pain or limitations to mobility.

3 Clients of a physical therapist may include those who have had injuries resulting in fractures, tendon or muscle injuries or damage to the brain, such as a stroke, or the spinal cord, such as quadriplegia. They treat people with conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lung disease, congenital disorders and chronic pain. Physical therapists advise people on how to manage their condition independently at all stages of their recovery and help them to prevent avoidable reoccurrences or complications. The ultimate goal is to assist each client to be as independent as possible within the challenges they face. Physical therapists are also engaged in research, conducting studies on specific conditions, as well as on the effectiveness of physiotherapy. School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan 3

4 Career Opportunities A degree in physical therapy offers countless opportunities for employment in the public and private sector. Physical therapists work in a variety of practice settings: hospitals and acute care facilities rehabilitation centres long-term care facilities home care programs public health units private clinics schools child development centres recreation centres sports clinics and facilities Areas of Focus universities Physical therapists have the opportunity to specialize in an area of interest: pediatrics seniors health women s health sports medicine health care management clinical specialties of cardiopulmonary, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions pain sciences 4 School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan

5 IS PHYSICAL THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU? A career in physical therapy may be exactly what you are looking for if you have: a general interest in helping people strong interpersonal skills compassion for others the ability to support, yet challenge, individuals a positive outlook on life School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan 5

6 FUTURE PROSPECTS The School of Physical Therapy has entered an exciting phase in its development. We have been successful in attracting new teacher scholars to the faculty and clinical research activity at the school is steadily expanding. The school is currently housed in St. Andrew s College, but in the near future will become part of the interdisciplinary health sciences team in the new state of the-art Health Sciences Building. SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY MISSION To achieve excellence in scholarly activities through teaching, research and clinical practice, and to maintain high-quality academic physical therapy programs.

7 The School of Physical Therapy The School of Physical Therapy is an academic unit within the College of Medicine that is closely aligned with the other health science colleges on campus and the College of Graduate Studies and Research. Since its inception in 1965, faculty and staff have united in the commitment to produce competent and caring evidencebased physical therapists. The program is noted for providing students with a strong foundation in the core clinical sciences: cardiorespiratory, neurosciences and musculoskeletal physical therapy. Our entry level degree program in physical therapy is accredited by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada. We have a long-standing reputation for high-quality education of physical therapists and continue to advance our program to meet national and international standards. Working with colleagues from other professions, we are committed to advancing our program in areas such as interprofessional education, primary health care and Aboriginal health. The size and enthusiasm of the student body, staff and faculty has allowed a close and supportive atmosphere to develop over the years. Many celebratory and social activities have become annual traditions to complement academic pursuits. School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan 7

8 Programs Master of Physical Therapy (M.P.T.) Program The national educational requirement to practice physiotherapy in Canada is a professional Master s degree. The M.P.T. program at the University of Saskatchewan is a 2-year and 6-week program consisting of 10 modules of varying lengths. The M.P.T. program provides opportunities for each student to participate in a major project, clinical education, case integration courses and integrated evaluation. The curriculum is based on several curricular themes, objectives and outcomes. These themes and objectives are the foundation of the M.P.T. curriculum and are interwoven throughout the program. The ultimate goal of the M.P.T. program is to produce physical therapists who are prepared to provide high quality physical therapy care in a wide range of settings. M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Health Sciences Graduates of an entry level degree in physical therapy (e.g., M.P.T., B.Sc.P.T.) who wish to pursue advanced research training under a faculty member are encouraged to consider the Health Sciences thesis-based graduate programs. These programs have a strong focus on acquisition of research skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary for any life and health science graduate. Although the primary focus is thesis-based research, these programs offer relevant, centrally managed courses that provide a basis for research. An extensive guide to the M.P.T. program ideal for those investigating the program can be found online at: 8 School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan

9 The U of S Advantage There are numerous advantages to choosing a physical therapy degree from the University of Saskatchewan: More than 45 years of history in providing physical therapy training A nationally and internationally recognized faculty with a strong commitment to teaching and research excellence Small class sizes with friendly, supportive and accessible faculty and staff 30 weeks of supervised clinical practice in various health-care facilities and experience areas Strong focus on professional issues Opportunities for interprofessional learning with students of other health professions Highly supportive clinical community Excellent employment rates for graduates GETTING INVOLVED Students of the School of Physical Therapy are a close-knit group with a strong student society. The Physical Therapy Student Society hosts a number of social activities and encourages student participation in university and community events. School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan 9

10 Admission Requirements Applicants to the M.P.T. program must: Meet the School of Physical Therapy residency requirements Hold a four-year baccalaureate degree (in any discipline) from a university or college of acceptable standing Have successfully completed prerequisite courses in human physiology, human anatomy, and statistics Provide official test results of English language proficiency, as applicable Complete the College of Graduate Studies and Research and School of Physical Therapy application forms Forty students are normally accepted into the program each year. Selection for admission is based upon academic performance (i.e. Sessional Weighted Average) and performance on the structured MMI interview. A complete listing of admission requirements is available at: medicine.usask.ca/pt/admission Students are encouraged to visit the School of Physical Therapy website for up-to-date information on the program, admission requirements and application deadlines. Individuals interested in applying to the M.P.T. program are encouraged to the Academic Program Assistant at: pt.admissions@usask.ca STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES The School of Physical Therapy is committed to assisting students with disabilities in entering and completing the M.P.T. program. Students registered with Disability Services for Students may be eligible for accommodations during the M.P.T. admissions process and during the M.P.T. program. For policies and procedures related to disability related accommodation at the School of Physical Therapy, please refer to the School website. 10 School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan

11 Education Equity Program Each year, five first-year positions are designated for applicants of Aboriginal ancestry. To be considered for the Education Equity Program for Aboriginal students, applicants will be required to provide proof of Aboriginal ancestry (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) and must meet the usual entry requirements for the M.P.T. program. The Aboriginal Coordinator offers support services for Aboriginal students in physical therapy and medicine. The coordinator also offers an open door policy for Aboriginal and non-aboriginal health science students interested in cultural resources and programming at the University of Saskatchewan. This coordinator works closely with the admissions committee, individual health science admissions coordinators and a student support team to provide academic and individual assistance. Opportunities for tutoring, mentorship and access to cultural/traditional and western counselling services on and off campus are provided. Our collaborative, team approach to health science education creates interprofessional opportunities for students and families to meet and share success stories and tips for success. For more information about the Education Equity Program, pt.admissions@usask.ca School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan 11

12 School of Physical Therapy University of Saskatchewan 1121 College Drive Saskatoon, SK SYN 0W3 Canada For admissions information, contact: Telephone: (306) Website: explore.usask.ca facebook.com/usask twitter.com/usask