Fonds 0239 - University of Toronto. Department of Physical Therapy fonds

The first program in Physical Therapy in Canada was established in the Department of Extension at the University of Toronto in 1929. It was a two-year program followed by six months of clinical practice, leading to a diploma in Physiotherapy. In 1946, the two-year program was lengthened to three years with three months of clinical practice. It remained in the Department of Extension and a diploma was granted in Physiotherapy.

In 1950, the program was transferred into the Faculty of Medicine and combined with Occupational Therapy. The impetus behind combining the programs was financial; in the period following World War II, hospitals often did not have the financial resources for two separate positions. It was also thought that the two professions had a great deal of similarities and the combination of the two would produce a more diversified professional. This program was three years in length with eight months of clinical practice to be completed before graduates could be recognized by the professional associations. Graduates achieved a diploma of Physical and Occupational Therapy.

The combined program continued until 1971, when a four-year Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy was introduced in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine. At this time, 16 weeks of clinical practice were required in two eight-week Modules. The program underwent continual modification throughout the years.

In 1993, the Division of Physical Therapy became the Department of Physical Therapy, thereby achieving increased autonomy over the curriculum and the direction of the program. The four-year direct-entry program consisted of Basic Science courses, Clinical Science courses, Core Physical Therapy courses, seven and a half electives from Arts and Science, and a total of thirty weeks of clinical practice. This curriculum was referred to as the “Classic Curriculum.”

As of 1995, the program became a second-entry level program, three years in length, leading to a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy (BSc(PT)). The program emphasized evidence-based practice, critical thinking and integration of basic and clinical sciences. The program provided a unique exposure to a variety of educational strategies within the University and the community.

• Taken from Departmental history (http://www.physicaltherapy.utoronto.ca/about/vision)