The Master of Physical Therapy at the University of Saskatchewan is a full-time program over two and a half years that include academic course work and 30 weeks of clinical practicum experiences. The program has been designed to offer students a high quality educational experience that is consistent with national accreditation standards. Students will graduate with the entry-level requirements to obtain a license to practice physical therapy in Saskatchewan and Canada. Initial work expectations of graduates will be, primarily, the provision of direct client care, rather than advanced research and/or administration.

For more information, see the School of Rehabilitation Science website.

Attendance

Students are required to regularly attend all lectures and laboratory periods. Failure to meet these expectations may result in a student being Required to Discontinue the program.

License to Practice

Students are reminded that a Master of Physical Therapy degree does not confer the right to practice physical therapy. The license to practice physical therapy is granted by the licensing body of the province in which one intends to practice.

The national licensing examination is conducted by an external organization, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators. The licensing examination is available to physical therapy students graduating from Canadian universities. In most provinces, successful completion of this examination is required to meet licensing requirements.

Courses

School of Rehabilitation Science courses for the M.P.T. are listed in the Course Descriptions section of the Course & Program Catalogue under Physical Therapy (PTH).

Students who have not been accepted into the School of Rehabilitation Science require approval from the course instructor to register in any PTH courses.

Admission

Meeting the admission qualifications does not guarantee admission to the M.P.T. program.

Applicants to the School of Rehabilitation Science must satisfy the following residency qualifications:

  1. Applicants applying for a seat designated for an Indigenous student must be Canadian citizens.  
  2. Other applicants must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants AND be residents of the Province of Saskatchewan or of the Yukon, Northwest or Nunavut Territories. The deadline for receipt of applications and all supporting documents is December 15.

Students from any universities other than the University of Saskatchewan must attach unofficial transcripts to their application under Supporting Documents. Official copies of transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. 

Selection for admission is based upon academic assessment (i.e. admission average) and non-academic assessment (ie: CASPer®/personal statement). The minimum admission average that will be accepted is 75%. The admission average is a weighted average calculated using a minimum of 60 credit units. The most recent credit units at the time of application are used.

For the purpose of calculating the admission average, all courses in a given term will be used.  The non-academic assessment score (CASPer®/ Personal Statement) is weighted 40% and the academic assessment (admission average) is weighted 60%. The two scores (non-academic assessment and academic assessment) are added for the final admissions score.

Post-acceptance requirements

Requirements of students admitted to the first year of the Master of Physical Therapy program are as follows:

  • Must maintain current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) throughout their time in the program. See the CPR Certification Requirements on the MPT Policies and Forms website. 
  • Must comply with the mandatory immunization requirements. Students must also be Respirator Fit Mask tested while in the program. Students must also be Respirator Fit Mask tested while in the program.
  • Must complete a specific police/criminal record check and vulnerable sector check prior to starting the program before being accepted for clinical placements in clinical facilities.
  • Additional common requirements as preparation for clinical placements include: additional health, disability and dismemberment insurance, and signed confidentiality agreements.

All required forms can be found on the School of Rehabilitation Science website. 

Seats Designated for Indigenous Applicants
The University and the School of Rehabilitation Science are committed to decolonization, Indigenization, reconciliation and equity, diversity and inclusion, and are proud to support academic opportunities for Indigenous students. We continue to grow our relationships and engaged partnerships among Indigenous community members, thought leaders, Knowledge Keepers and cultural service providers. We recognize, value and affirm our responsibility and commitment to actively engaging Indigenous learners to co-create a culture of inclusivity, respect, and social accountability in all our teaching and learning spaces. 
 
The Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program has 8 seats designated for Indigenous applicants. Applicants choosing to apply for these seats must indicate such in the online application and must also meet all usual entry requirements. 
 
Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwatwin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth Policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship with documentation is a condition of acceptance for seats designated for Indigenous applicants. 
 
Please visit https://indigenous.usask.ca/indigenous-initiatives/deybwewin-taapwaywin-tapwewin.php to proceed through the verification system as soon as possible after submitting your application. If you have any questions or require additional information about deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin please contact indigenoustruthpolicy@usask.ca. 

Essential Skills and Abilities Required for the Study of Physical Therapy

Please review the Essential Skills and Attributes - College of Medicine | University of Saskatchewan. Any applicant with concerns regarding the essential skills and abilities required should consult with the Director or designate to discuss the physical and cognitive demands required to successfully complete the program and accommodations that are available to students with disabilities.

Admission Requirements

  • Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. Acceptable test scores are as follows:
    • TOEFL: a minimum of 22 out of 30 in each component with a combined minimum total score of 100
    • IELTS: a minimum score of 7.5 out of 9 in each area and overall
    • Cantest: a minimum of 5 in each area and overall
  • Must meet Saskatchewan residency requirements unless applying for a seat designated for an Indigenous applicant (see above)
  • four year baccalaureate degree (in any discipline) from a college or university of acceptable standing
  • Minimum 75% average normally calculated using the most recent minimum 60 credit units of university course work
  • A minimum grade of 70% on each pre-requisite course with a combined pre-requisite average of 75%. Completion of pre-requisite coursework, as follows:
     
    • Human Physiology (6 credit units) 
    • CPPS 302.3 (formerly PHPY 302.3) and one of:
      • NEUR 301.3,
      • CPPS 303.3 (formerly PHPY 303.3),
      • NEUR 350.3;
    • or BMSC 207.3 and BMSC 208.3 (formerly PHPY 208.6)
    • or equivalent
    • Statistics (3 credit units)
      • STAT 245.3 
      • PLSC 214.3
      • or equivalent
    • Basic Human Anatomy (3 credit units)
      • CPPS 310.3 (formerly ACB 310.3)
      • or equivalent
    • Social sciences or humanities (3 credit units) 
      • ENG – 100-Level, 200-Level, 300-Level, 400-Level
      • HIST – 100-Level, 200-Level, 300-Level, 400-Level
      • PHIL - 100-Level, 200-Level, 300-Level, 400-Level
      • or equivalent
    • Psychology (3 credit units) 
      • PSY – 200-Level, 300-Level, 400-Level
      • or equivalent
  • Completion of an Indigenous studies course (3 credit units) or non-credit certificate -
    • ANTH 202.3
    • ANTH 480.3
    • CHEP 819.3
    • HIST 195.3
    • HIST 266.3
    • INDG 107.3
    • LING 253.3
    • PLAN 445.3
    • POLS 222.3
    • KIN 306.3
    • INDG — 200-Level, 300-Level, 400-Level
    • SOC 341.3
    • Indigenous Canada MOOC
  • The CASPer test and a Personal Statement

Applicants should check the list of Approved Prerequisite Courses for the MPT available on the School of Rehabilitation Science's website. If course equivalencies are not listed, applicants must seek and receive approval for equivalent pre-requisite courses from the Admissions Committee well in advance of application. For further information, students should consult the School of Rehabilitation Science. Only written/email responses will be accepted as evidence of the official advice given by the School of Rehabilitation Science.

  • Students should check the School of Rehabilitation Science's website regularly for updates to the Admissions process. 

Degree Requirements

A total of 141 credit units are required to complete this program. 

  • PTH 990.0 supports independent and guided learning experiences to support professional development and growth throughout the duration of the program. 
  • GPS 960.0
  • GPS 961.0

  • PTH 811.6 
  • PTH 812.17 
  • PTH 813.22
  • PTH 814.3
  • PTH 881.11 
  • PTH 882.10 
  • PTH 883.10 
  • PTH 884.10 
  • PTH 885.22 
  • PTH 901.1 
  • PTH 902.5 
  • PTH 903.6 
  • PTH 904.6 
  • PTH 905.6 
  • PTH 906.6

Residency Requirements
Residency is expected for the duration of the graduate program.