Handbook

We look forward to welcoming you to exciting academic and co-curricular learning opportunities. 

As one of 15 training sites for physical therapists across the country, our department is a key contributor to Canada’s rehabilitation sector and the University of Toronto’s vibrant health sciences network. At U of T, we have outstanding students and a PT faculty with great strengths in research and education. The current success of our program is made possible by the commitment of our faculty, students, staff, clinical, community and research partners.

In a recent external review (UTQAP) reviewers identified many strengths of the Department, including “a well-articulated academic strategic plan, a renewed integrative and innovative curriculum, a shared culture of respect for each other, strong clinical education leadership, engagement with the clinical community and innovative clinical education experiences integrated into curriculum, successful students who are supported in their learning environment, effective governance model with respected leadership who have a voice at appropriate decision-making tables, a unique and successful bridging program for internationally trained physical therapists, and an impressive faculty complement with a strong and diverse research track record.”

There is much to be excited about in the Department, the renewed curriculum, Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC) status of fully compliant until July 2028, continued excellence in teaching and research productivity, faculty and staff awards and the ongoing implementation of our strategic plan “Physical Therapy for a Healthy, Inclusive World”. We look forward to realizing our vision to advance the teaching, science and practice of physical therapy as an essential part of individual health, and inclusive flourishing communities. In the next five years, the department will be true to its values of scientific excellence, innovative pedagogy, interprofessional collaboration, system impact, advocacy, EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) and kindness.In the renewed curriculum, educators and learners share values that consist of three foundational pillars – critical thinking, an inquiry mindset and a strong sense of professionalism.

As part of our preparations for welcoming you, we are very carefully considering the implications of the current COVID-19 guideline on the learning environment. Your health and the health of the community remain our priorities as we continue with in-person educational settings in September, thus we will monitor and adjust accordingly based on public health directives.

It’s an exciting time in physical therapy and it is an honour to be working together to lead this outstanding department.

Susan Jaglal & Brenda Mori

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you as a graduate student to the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. I hope that your time in this program is one of the most rewarding experiences of your educational career. You were admitted to the Department of Physical Therapy because you have a strong desire to learn, have worked hard to excel, have made a commitment to contribute and have excellent people skills. We have every confidence that you will be successful in the program and become future leaders in the physical therapy profession.

As your Graduate Coordinator, I, along with Sarah McMahon, Student Liaison Officer, will advise you about the many services and programs that are available to you while studying at the University of Toronto. These services and programs include funding in the form of bursaries and scholarships, and academic and personal counseling related to issues that affect your ability to perform in the program as well as your overall health and well-being. Please feel free to drop by my office anytime to discuss matters regarding the academic program, personal issues, financial concerns or any issues affecting your progress in the program. My door is also open for all students looking for an ear to listen.

Faculty, staff, clinicians and students have great pride in our curriculum, which is constantly growing and evolving as the evidence guides us. Our renewed curriculum will even better prepare you for your journey of becoming a physiotherapist in our constantly changing healthcare system. You will continue to be part of this dynamic process now as you enter the program and the physical therapy profession.

This program will help you to become a physical therapist supremely equipped to practice in your chosen profession. You and your classmates will be encouraged to strive for excellence and guided toward a future that matters to you and to your future patients. I encourage you to participate in extracurricular activities as well as academic pursuits to ensure you have a balanced, enjoyable and healthy two years.

I look forward to meeting and getting to know each one of you as you progress through the program. Please remember I am here to help you, my door is always open.

Sincerely,

Jaimie Coleman