Clinical Education in Physical Therapy
Clinical education (CE) at McGill University is an integral part of the PT professional M.Sc. A. program and is focused on preparing graduates for safe and effective entry-level practice as generalists ready to meet the challenges of an evolving profession. The CE component of the program adheres to the National Physiotherapy Entry-to-Practice Curriculum Guidelines (2019). McGill’s PT CE program seeks to provide increasingly complex opportunities for authentic and situated learning, to facilitate students’ progressive acquisition of essential competencies and entry-to-practice milestones within the seven domains of practice as defined in the Competency Profile for Physical Therapists in Canada (2017). Clinical competencies are developed along a continuum from novice to entry-level practitioners.
Clinical Courses
The CE component of the program is comprised of four clinical courses that are completed at strategic points during the M.Sc. A. program, starting at the entry to the M1 and ending as the last course in the M2.
Each clinical course is completed on a full-time basis totaling 35 hours per week.
The first two clinical courses comprise seven weeks (245 hours) whereas the third and fourth clinical courses are each eight-weeks (280 hours).
Clinical courses total 30 full time weeks and a minimum of 1072 hours. Cumulatively, the four clinical courses are granted a total of 28 credits, that account for almost 50% of the total credits for the Master program (63 credits).
The clinical practicum courses take place in teaching facilities of the McGill RIUS and other affiliated sites. They include acute care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, CLSC, CHSLD, schools, and private clinics.
In addition to the McGill’s affiliated sites, several sites located across Canada and internationally receive McGill students for clinical practicums. The Physical Therapy Program has developed specific guidelines pertaining to out-of-province (OOP) and international practicum, which follow the National Academic Coordinators of Clinical Education in Physiotherapy (NACEP) Guidelines.
Clinical supervision is provided by a Physical Therapist to assist in the transition of the novice student to an entry-to-practice physical therapist. Clinical educators are encouraged to use a variety of supervision models with the ratio of student to supervisor varying from 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 to enhance clinical reasoning through reciprocal peer coaching. In conjunction with the on-site practicum experience, web-based tools are available to facilitate the student’s learning. Clinical practicum experiences at the different sites will vary according to the types of clients under their care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find my own clinical placements in Montreal or the surrounding area?
No, the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE) is responsible for all your clinical placements during your program. Sites who will be receiving students must be approved by the ACCE must sign an affiliation contract with McGill University. Sites are solicited for availability by the ACCE.
Can I find my own clinical placements elsewhere in Canada (Out of Province, OOP)?
No, Out-of-province clinical placements are coordinated by the ACCE of the different Canadian university physical therapy programs. Under no circumstances should students attempt to find their own Out-of-Province clinical placements. Students are permitted to complete up to 2 placements out of province.
How can I find out more information on international placement opportunities?
Details will be provided during the clinical seminar of U3/QY.
How many hours/week am I expected to study during my clinical placement
Students are expected to dedicate 1-2 hours per day after placement hours to prepare for the next day.
How do I register with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA)?
Students need to visit the CPA website to register. Registration is free for students.
