Program Overview

MPT/PhD Stream Overview

The MPT/PhD stream is offered in partnership between the Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program (RHSC) and the Department of Physical Therapy. This stream is designed for outstanding students with an interest in both clinical and research training relevant to physical therapy. Students must start with the MPT program and will be expected to transition into a PhD in the RHSC program. The expected completion time is five years for both degrees.

MPT/PhD Stream Schedule

Year of study considered September – following August

• Y1: MPT 1, Identify a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy who will act as your supervisor in the RHSC program (by June)
• Y2: MPT 2
  • Apply for doctoral funding (typically September)
  • Register your intent with the RHSC and MPT programs prior to December 1st
  • Apply to PhD in RHSC Program (January)
• Y3: MPT 3 / PhD
  • MPT and PhD programs run concurrently during Winter Term 1
  • The last placement is a research placement
  • Enroll in RHSC 500 (Winter Term 1)
  • Enroll in RHSC 502 and 530 (Winter Term 2)
• Y4: PhD, Complete the comprehensive exam process
• Y5: PhD, Advance to Candidacy and complete thesis work Note: The MPT program is a fixed program at 26 months in length.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to MPT/PhD, prospective students must meet the following requirements:

• 4.0 GPA in undergraduate studies
• Average over 85% in each year of MPT courses
• Demonstrated research experience
  • Completion of a research-based Master’s degree prior to starting the MPT program
  • Formal experience in a research setting that has produced a co-authored paper in a peer-reviewed journal relevant to physical therapy research
• Identification of a Physical Therapy faculty member who will supervise the research components of the MPT/PhD program

Application Process

1. Secure a supervisor.
2. Register your intent on applying to the MPT/PhD stream prior to December 1st of your second year, and attach the following documentation:

• A one-page summary describing your research experiences
• A curriculum vitae outlining education and research credentials
• A brief overview of the research you are interested in conducting during your doctoral studies (250-word maximum)

3. Complete the online application to the Rehabilitation Sciences Research (RHSC) PhD program by January of your second year in the MPT program.

Programs Overview

• Rehabilitation Sciences (MSc/PhD)
• MPT/PhD Stream
• Master of Physical Therapy Program
• MPT Program Accreditation Status
• Online Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation
• Online Master of Rehabilitation Science (MRSc)
• Physio Refresh

Research Areas

The Department of Physical Therapy is involved in various research areas, including those related to physical therapy and rehabilitation sciences.

Additional Programs

• MPT Admissions
• MPT Program Accreditation Status
• MPT/PhD Stream
• Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD/MSc)
• ARCHIVE – Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy (GCOMPT)
• Physio Refresh