MPT Admissions
Applicants must meet the admissions requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Admission is offered on a competitive basis as the annual enrolment and class size is limited to 80 seats for September 2012.
Deadline to apply for entrance to the MPT program for September 2012: January 15, 2012. On-line applications will open November 15, 2011.
Admission Requirements:
1) Completion of a recognized baccalaureate degree in any field (120 credits) and the successful completion of the following prerequisites by January 15, 2012 for application for entrance into the MPT program in September 2012.
Prerequisite courses must be COMPLETE by January 15, 2012, which is the deadline for application for September 2012 entrance. Prerequisite courses still in progress January 15 will not be accepted. However, Applicants can still be in the process of completing their Bachelor's degree at the time of application):
- Physics - Grade 12 Secondary level Physics or 3 credits of most University level Physics courses can be used to cover this prerequisite. We do not require that the course you complete has a lab component. Biomechanics is NOT accepted to cover this prerequisite. Academic standing of minimum B (72%) is required.
- Chemistry - Grade 12 Secondary level Chemistry or most half course equivalent university level Chemistry courses can be used to cover this prerequisite. Academic standing of minimum B (72%) is required.
- Anatomy - 3 credits in Human anatomy. Suggested courses (acceptable courses are not restricted to the following courses) from UBC are Anatomy 390 or 391, at UVic is EPHE 141 and at SFU is K324, K325 or K326. If you are an HKin student at UBC a combination of HKin 190/191 will cover your Anatomy requirements. You can also take BIOL 235* from Athabasca University by distance education. Anatomy courses must cover gross anatomy of the human musculoskeletal, visceral and neurological systems. Academic standing of a minimum B (72%) is required.
- Psychology - any 3 credits in Psychology can be used to cover this prerequisite. Academic standing of minimum B (72%) is required.
- Statistics - 3 credits in Statistics. Content should include statistical methods, probability theory, discrete and continuous random variables, estimation, hypothesis testing, regression, analysis or variance, goodness of fit, confidence intervals, elementary non-parametric methods, exploratory data analysis and hypothesis testing, simple linear regression and contingency tables variances. Academic standing of minimum B (72%) is required.
- Human Physiology - 6 credits in Human Physiology. Suggested course (acceptable courses are not restricted to the following courses) from UBC is Physiology 301, from SFU is KIN 305 and 306, and from UVic is EPHE 241A and 241B. You can take BIOL 230* from Athabasca University by distance education. If you are an HKin student at UBC a combination of HKin 190/191 and an Exercise Physiology course will cover your Human Physiology and Human Anatomy requirements. The MPT program builds on the following principles of human physiology: properties of the living cell; neural, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and endocrine systems; metabolism, reproduction and homeostasis. Please note that the course work must solely be based on human physiology. Academic standing of a minimum B (72%) is required.
* Normally students cannot register for both Biol 230 and 235 at Athabasca University, however, AU has agreed to let students who are wishing to complete prerequisites for entrance to the MPT program register in both courses. If you wish to do so, please contact John Ulici at johnup@athabascau.ca or 1-866-418-7205 and he will help you to gain access to registering for both courses. Please note that you will not get credit for both courses, but we will accept both of those courses taken there as covering prerequisites for entrance to our MPT program.
N.B. If you are not certain whether the prerequisite course you have taken will meet our requirements please email a detailed course outline (more detailed than a course description) to claudia.buffone@ubc.ca.
** Courses taken for credit/D/Fail standing cannot be used to cover the above required prerequisite courses. All courses used to cover prerequisites must have a percentage grade attached to them and that percentage must be 72% or higher.
2) Academic Requirements
- academic standing of a minimum B+ (76%) weight GPA average in senior level courses (300 and 400 level) is the minimum requirement for entrance to the Faculty of Graduate Studies
- academic standing of a minimum B (72%) in each prerequisite course is required.
- GPA calculation for pre-admission to the MPT program will be calculated as follows: a calculation will be completed by our department based on the anatomy, human physiology, statistics and psychology prerequisite courses plus the last 30 credits of university senior level (300 and 400 level) academic study (ie: equivalent of 5 full courses or 10 half courses) completed and final as of January 15. We will include summer, part-time, intercession, correspondence, exchange, failed and re-taken courses taken within or beyond the 4-year degree. For applicatns currently enrolled in the 4th year of a baccalaureate program, this calculation will start with the applicant's final term 1 winter grades (completed as of December 31) and will move back in chronological order based on the order of the courses listed on the transcript. In cases where an applicant has not yet completed 30 senior level credits at the time of application, as we are counting back 30 credits (5 full year courses or 10 half year) and the senior level credits end in the middle of an academic term, the academic average of that term will be used for the remaining required credits to reach a total of 30. For applicants who are enrolled in graduate degree study or have completed a graduate degree, the calculation will begin with the graduate work and move back in chronological order. Practicum courses, clinical placements and non-convertible grades (e.g. pass/fail) will not be included in this calculation. As universities and colleges have varying grade point scales, all grades will be converted to percentage using grade conversion tables provided to us by UBC Enrolment Services and/or information found on the back of official transcripts. The Admissions Office does not disclose its grading conversion tables to applicants. Official English translations are required for all Foreign transcripts that are not already in English.
3) 70 volunteer hours or work experience with people with disabilities
- A minimum of 70 hours of volunteer or paid work which includes direct contact involving interaction with persons with cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities at no more than two facilities. These hours must be completed at the time of application.
4) Residency
Primary consideration is given to residents of British Columbia, out of province students who have completed a Bachelors degree or higher in BC within the last five years, and applicants who are residents of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut. Out of province students who have not completed a degree in BC within the last five years will only be considered in the event that not enough qualified students apply from within British Columbia. We regret that we are unable to admit international students.
5) English competency
Applicants who have completed a degree in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to the Master of Physical Therapy program are:
1) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
a minimum score of 600 (paper version); 250 (computer version); 100 (internet version)2) MELAB - Michigan English Language Assessment Battery:
a minimum overall score of 883) IELTS - International English Language Testing Service:
a minimum overall band score of 7.5 is required with a minimum score of 7.0 in each component of the academic (NOT general) IELTS test
4) CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Assessment:
a minimum overall score of 80
5) PTE Academic Test - Pearson Academic Test:
an overall score of 70
6) CELPIP Academic Test - Canadian English Language Proficiency Program
a Level 4 high
6) Interview
Applicants who meet the above minimum requirements are eligible for interview consideration. The purpose of the interview is to ascertain the applicant's verbal communication skills, maturity level and personal suitability to the program and profession. Annually approximately 200 - 250 people apply to the enter the MPT program and approximately half will be offered an opportunity to interview.
Fulfillment of the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. Selection of interview candidates is based on the GPA calculation.
The MPT interviews for September 2012 entrance will be held on Friday, March 9, 2012. Applicants will be advised of their results in April.
7) Student Licensure with the College of Physical Therapists of BC (CPTBC)
MPT students must successfully complete six clinical placements as part of their MPT training. The ability for a student to complete their clinical placements is contingent on the applicant being granted a student registration with the College of Physical Therapists of BC ("College"). The registration procedure includes a criminal-record check, which will be processed by the College during the first week of classes for MPT students. Anyone considering a career in physical therapy who has been convicted of a criminal offence - even if given an absolute discharge - should write to the Registrar of the College prior to completing an application to the College or applying to the MPT program. By discussing this with the College, applicants will best be able to assess their ability to obtain a student registration.
The UBC Department of Physical Therapy and the College consider professional and ethical behaviour to be critical elements in the study and practice of Physical Therapy. As such, the College, through its registration procedure, also asks applicants to disclose any issues of previous conduct, personal behaviour, or competence that may impede the granting of the physical therapy student's license. Applicants are encouraged to discuss such matters directly and in confidence with the College.
Optional Requirements:
The Northern, Rural and Remote Cohort
The Northern, Rural and Remote Cohort provides an enhanced clinical experience for students who are interested in working in rural and remote settings after graduation. Although all coursework will be completed at the Vancouver Point Grey Campus, students in this cohort will complete at least four of the six required clinical placements in northern BC or in other rural or remote locations. Clinical learning for students takes place anywhere within the Northern Health Authority, or at other sites designated as rural and/or remote across the province. Rural sites are typically small towns at considerable distance from urban centres ie: Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, or Williams Lake in the Interior. The actual location of Clinical learning sites will vary each year depending on supervisor availability and other factors. Students will experience a wide variety of clinical settings in both public and private sectors with potential to participate in innovative projects and novel clinical experiences.
The Northern, Rural and Remote Cohort will be of interest to:
> Those who have a desire to work in northern, rural and/or remote communities upon graduation.
> Those who desire to keep or develop close connections to northern, rural and/or remote communities.
> Those who wish to help bring excellent health care to currently underserved areas.
> Those with an adventurous spirit who wish to have more varied experiences in their clinical placements.
> Those who enjoy a less specialized and more varied scope of practice.
> Those who wish to possibly have the opportunity to develop some of their own clinical placements.
If you are interested in applying to be a part of the Northern, Rural and Remote Cohort please ensure that you have indicated your interest on your on-line application form for the MPT program by answering "Yes" to the question "If you are offered one of the 80 seats in the program are you intereseted in being part of the Northern Rural and Remote Cohort"? and that you fill out both the Northern, Rural and Remote Cohort Lived Experiences Form and the Northern, Rural and Remote Supplemental Information Form and submit everything via email to claudia.buffone@ubc.ca by the application deadline of 12:00 pm Sunday, January 15, 2012. Application materials submitted after this time will not be considered. Please see the Help Guide for a detailed instructions of how to fill out these forms.
HOW TO APPLY TO THE MPT PROGRAM IN PHYSICAL THERAPY
Completing your application
Application deadlines for entrance September 2012: on line applications and all supporting documentation must be received by our office by January 15, 2012 for entrance in September 2012. We suggest that you apply well before the deadline to avoid any problems with the processing of your application. On-line applications will open November 15, 2011.
Please note that our application deadlines refer to a complete application, including all supporting documents and application fees. Applications are not processed until they are complete. It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that they have submitted or arranged for the submission of all supporting documentation. As we receive documents we will update the on-line application system to indicate which documents have been received. You must check on-line to determine which documents have been received. Documents of all applicants become property of UBC and are kept for one year after the session applied for. If you applied in the previous year and wish to use the documents in last year’s application you must submit a new application, pay the application fees, and email Claudia Buffone to let us know you wish to use the previous year’s application materials for the present year. A complete application includes the following:
- A Completed Application Form - Please use the online application form available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website. A credit card is required to pay the application fee using this form.
- The application process for the MSc and PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences or the MRSc on-line program differs from that for the MPT. If you are applying to the MSc or PhD or MRSc please visit the MSc/PhD website or MRSc website for application procedures.
- An Application Fee to the Faculty of Graduate Studies - Domestic students(Canadian and Landed Immigrants) must pay a fee of $91.80 CDN, payable to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of British Columbia. You must pay this fee by Visa or Mastercard only.
An Application Fee to the Department of Physical Therapy –this supplementary application fee of $100.00 is paid directly to the Department of Physical Therapy. You must send a cheque or money order to:
-
Admissions, Department of Physical Therapy
212 – 2177 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3. - Official Transcripts - Two sets of official (or certified official) transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended should be sent directly from the issuing institutions to the Department of Physical Therapy. If you attended UBC you do not need to submit UBC transcripts, as we have access to those transcripts through our student information system. High School transcripts also must be provided if you are using your high school Chemistry 12 or Physics 12 as prerequisites for the program. Transcripts must be received in envelopes which have been sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution to be considered official. In cases where a degree has been granted but the transcript does not clearly state that a degree has been conferred, an official degree certificate is required to accompany the transcript. Where academic records are produced in a language other than English the applicant must arrange for the submission of official literal translations of all records. We do NOT accept non-official photocopies of transcripts, transcripts which have been opened or do not come in sealed envelopes endorsed by the issuing institution, or transcripts which arrive without the official seal of the university.
- Immigration Documents - Permanent Residents are required to provide proof of immigration status and date of landing by submitting a copy of both the front and back of their Permanent Resident card. Applicants who are not Canadian citizens but have applied for permanent residency cannot be considered for admission until they have landed in Canada and can provide proof of Permanent Resident status.
- Reference Letters – You are required to submit three reference letters in total. Two Academic reference forms should be given to two referees who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications. Reference forms should be returned directly to the Department by the referees (Department of Physical Therapy, 212, Friedman Building, 2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3. The reference forms should arrive in sealed envelopes with the referee's signature written across the seal of the envelope. Academic referees may now also submit electronic references through a secure address on the online application system only. You can indicate you wish to take advantage of this option when you complete the online application form by adding their email address to the online application. References submitted electronically are tracked by the online application system. One Practical Experience reference form should be given to the individual who is prepared to provide a report on your 70 hours of volunteer/paid work practical experience working with individuals with physical, emotional or cognitive disabilities. It is not possible for the referee to submit this reference electronically through the on-line application system. * Please note: We do not accept emailed or faxed references.
- English Language Proficiency Score - We require a TOEFL score of at least 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer based test, or 100 on the internet based test for graduates of all foreign universities with the exception of those in the USA, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the British West Indies. A current, acceptable TOEFL score, sent directly to the University by the Testing Lab must be received before an application is given consideration. The TOEFL score must be valid when the departmental recommendation for admission is made to the Faculty of Graduate Studies (usually between March and May). Applicants must arrange to have test results sent directly from the Educational Testing Service. Student copies or photocopies are not accepted. TOEFL scores must be issued to UBC directly from the Educational Testing Centre. Please ensure that you:
- use the University of British Columbia's institution code 0965
- give the reason for taking TOEFL "to enter a college or university as a graduate student".
- Prerequisite Course Information Sheet - You must also submit a Prerequisite Course Information Sheet which outlines which prerequisite courses you have taken, where they were taken, the date completed.
Optional Application Submissions for the Northern, Rural and Remote Cohort:
- If you answered "Yes" to the question "If you are offered one of the 80 seats in the program are you interested in being part of the Northern Rural and Remote Cohort?" on the on-line application form you must also submit the Northern Rural and Remote Lived Experiences Form and the Northern Rural and Remote Supplemental Information Form. For detailed instructions of how to fill out these forms please see the Help Guide.
- Checking the Status of Your Application - It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their application and all supporting materials are submitted by the departmental deadline. You can check the status of your supporting materials on the on-line application website.
INTERVIEWS
The admissions process for the MPT program involves a multi-mini interview on Friday, March 9, 2012 for September 2012 entrance. Applicants who meet the above minimum requirements are eligible for interview consideration. Fulfillment of the minimum requirements, however, does not guarantee an interview.
RESIDENCY PREFERENCE
Primary consideration is given to residents of British Columbia, out of province students who have completed a Bachelors degree or higher in BC within the last five years and applicants who are Residents of the Yukon, Norhtwest Territories, or Nunavut. Out of province students who have not completed a degree in BC within the last five years will only be considered in the event that not enough qualified students apply from within British Columbia. We regret that we are unable to admit international students.
