Undergraduate Degree
A four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent in any field of study from a recognized academic institution. Degrees that have a focus in Neuroscience, Psychology, Human Movement Science, Exercise Science, Human Physiology, Health Promotion, Ergonomics and Anatomy are favorable backgrounds for the study of Physiotherapy. The School of Physiotherapy, however, encourages applicants from diverse academic backgrounds to consider and apply for the program.
Grade Point Average
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or letter grade of B in the most recent 60 credit hours of an undergraduate degree for Atlantic Province residents and a GPA of 3.4 or letter grade of B+ for non-residents.
Prerequisite Courses
The following courses or their equivalents are prerequisites for admission1:
Human Physiology (6 credit hours) (PHYL 2030.062 or its equivalent is the preferred prerequisite. In lieu of PHYL 2030.06, a combination of 9 credit hours of Human and Exercise Physiology may be accepted)
Human Anatomy (3 credit hours) (equivalent to ANAT 1010.032)
Physics (6 credit hours) OR Physics (3 credit hours) AND Biomechanics (3 credit hours equivalent to KINE 2465 or PHYC 26102)
Biology (3 credit hours) (cell or animal biology)
Psychology (6 credit hours)
Statistics (3 credit hours)
Languages and Humanities and/or Social Sciences (6 credit hours, e.g. Classics,
Contemporary Studies, Theatre, Dance, Music, Languages, Philosophy)
1 in some cases a combination of courses could be considered as equivalent.
2 to determine equivalent courses from other universities go to the Registrar’s website http://www.registrar.dal.ca/ for the link to Transfer Credit Equivalencies OR contact the appropriate Dalhousie Department.
English Language Competency
As the standard language of study at Dalhousie University is English, applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate their capacity to pursue a graduate-level programme in English before admission. The preferred test for admission to the School of Physiotherapy is the TOEFL iBT (TOEFL internet-based test). A minimum score of 92 is required, plus a minimum score of 22 on the speaking section.
Applicants who complete the written TOEFL or the computer-based TOEFL must also complete the Test of Spoken English (TSE). The minimum acceptable scores for these tests are: TOEFL 600; computer-based TOEFL 237, and TSE 45.
The following tests with the minimum scores indicated will also be accepted: MELAB, 85; IELTS, 7; CanTest, average of at least 4.5 with no band score lower than 4.0; CAEL, 70 overall, with no band score lower than 60; Dalhousie's Continuing Education ESL Placement Test with scores equivalent to TOEFL. The testing requirement is waived if the applicant has completed a degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English..
Volunteer Experience
A minimum of forty (40) hours of non-paid community volunteering experience (not necessarily in the area of physiotherapy) in the last two years is required. Applicants must include a letter or letters confirming the volunteer hours/work with the Supplementary Application Form [PDF - 161 kB].