Program Overview

Master of Physical Therapy – Interior Region / Vancouver

The UBC Master of Physical Therapy Program (MPT) is the only fully distributed, entry-to-practice Physical Therapy program in British Columbia. The MPT Program offers students the opportunity to study at multiple sites.

The Master of Physical Therapy – Interior Region / Vancouver (MPT-IRV) allows 20 of the 80 MPT students located at the UBC Point Grey campus in Vancouver to complete the MPT program with a focus on clinical placements in the Interior. The Interior Health Authority serves the southern Interior region of British Columbia and has a high demand for physical therapists.

Campus

The MPT-IRV cohort will be taught at the University of British Columbia's Point Grey campus. All facilities feature state-of-the-art plinth labs and lecture theatres with videoconferencing technology, as well as breakout rooms and study spaces for students.

Distributed Learning

The MPT Program’s fully distributed model of learning uses technology that allows instructors and students to interact in real time at multiple locations. All MPT students complete the same curriculum at the same time, regardless of site. Distributed learning is a well-established model used by health profession programs across the country. There are significant advantages to distributed learning, such as:

• access to expertise from across the province
• smaller class sizes
• unique placement opportunities

The MPT program is delivered using an advanced system of high-definition videoconferencing technology. Classes may be delivered from distributed sites depending on where the instructor teaches the class. Students from all sites can ask instructors questions and interact with each other in real time through video conferencing equipment. Clinical skills or classes that require group work are delivered by local faculty, instructors, and Clinical Skills Assistants (CSA). Clinical Skills Assistants are usually practicing healthcare professionals within the community. This blended approach to education and training applies to all students in the program.

Clinical Learning

Students will experience a wide variety of clinical settings in both public and private sectors, with the potential to participate in innovative projects and novel clinical experiences. Clinical learning for students takes place in communities across the province; however, for MPT-Interior Region / Vancouver students, there is a focus on clinical sites within the Interior Health Authority. The location of clinical learning sites will vary each year.

Application

If you are applying to the MPT-IRV program, please indicate your interest in the online application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the MPT-IRV cohort be located?

The MPT-IRV cohort will be located at the UBC Point Grey campus in Vancouver.

Where will the MPT-IRV cohort complete clinical placements?

The MPT-IRV cohort will complete a major portion of their clinical placements in the Interior region.

Why is this cohort not physically located in the Interior?

This distribution model has demonstrated success in previous years, particularly through the Northern and Rural Cohort that preceded the MPT-North program, by contributing to the development of a skilled rehabilitation workforce in underserved regions. Building on this proven approach, we remain committed to addressing the healthcare needs of the entire province, including the growing demand for physical therapists in the Interior region.

The department is exploring opportunities for future program expansion.