Program Overview
The UBC Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy (G.C.O.M.P.T.) is a 21-credit specialized program for experienced physical therapists who aim to advance their evidence-based knowledge and skills in orthopaedic manual and musculoskeletal physical therapy practice. The certificate is intended to be completed over a 2-year period of part-time study.
By the end of this program, students will be able to provide advanced orthopaedic musculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment and treatment that will enhance their provision of effective, evidence-based treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
The 21 credits required to complete the Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy program consist of:
PHTH_V 580 (9); PHTH_V 581 (3); RHSC_V 501 (3); RHSC_V 587 (3); and RHSC_V 589 (3).
These courses will typically be offered over a 2-year period from September to August.
Student Admission Criteria
Candidates must hold an entry-level degree in physical therapy with a minimum B+ average (76%) in senior level courses.
Candidates must also have a minimum of one-year of recent clinical experience in orthopaedics.
Candidates must have successfully completed the Level II Upper and Lower courses and examinations in the Canadian Physiotherapy Orthopaedic Division Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal (AIM) Physiotherapy Program, or the equivalent.
Candidates must have completed 10 hours of direct mentorship with a CAMPT-accredited physical therapist and 20 hours of indirect study.
Candidates must be physical therapists registered in British Columbia. Malpractice insurance is mandatory.
Applicants who do not hold any degrees in which English was the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competence to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Other applicants may be asked to demonstrate English proficiency, even if they hold a degree in which the primary language of instruction was English.
Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to the GCOMPT program are:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): a minimum score of 627 (paper version); 263 (computer version); 108 (Internet version).
- MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): a minimum overall score of 88.
- 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.
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): a minimum overall score of 80.
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): a minimum score of 5 for each component of the academic (NOT general) CELPIP test.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): a minimum overall score of 76 (CEF level 1) on the academic (NOT general) PTE test.
Note: these tests must have been taken within two (2) years of starting the program. For example, if you plan to start the program in September 2014, you must have test results that are dated no earlier than September 1, 2012.
Students who apply for, and are denied, admission into this program may submit a written appeal to the Head of the Department of Physical Therapy.
Student Code of Conduct
Students enrolled in the program must comply with UBC's policy on student conduct as well as adhering to the practice standards mandated by the College of Physical Therapists of BC. Failure to comply with these standards may result in a student being required to withdraw from the program.
Mentorship Requirement
Students should familiarize themselves with the course outlines of PHTH_V 580 and PHTH_V 581 prior to enrolment (these will be posted on the Department website) and be aware of the course requirements, including the clinical assignment in PHTH_V 580 which requires students to identify and undertake formal mentorship with an FCAMPT-certified physical therapist. Students will be responsible for all expenses related to this mentorship, and these expenses are not included in the program or course fees.