About

The Department of Physical Therapy is part of the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, the only free-standing faculty of its kind in North America. Housed in historic Corbett Hall in Edmonton, the Department of Physical Therapy has expanded to include a satellite program at the University of Calgary Downtown Campus in Calgary.

Over the course of its 50-year history, the Department has consistently been recognized for professional, scholarly and academic excellence, and has established a reputation as one of the premier Physical Therapy programs in North America.

Vision

Physical Therapy - Optimizing movement for life

Mission

Inspire learning, advance knowledge, and foster partnerships to improve health and wellbeing

The Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta is located on Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 territory, the ancestral home and gathering place of many diverse Indigenous peoples, and the homeland of the Metis.  The Department of Physical Therapy and the MScPT Program celebrate the diversity within our communities and are committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. 

• We strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment free from discrimination, bullying, and harassment. 
• We recognize that equity, diversity, and inclusivity are fundamental to achieving excellence in teaching and learning in the MScPT Program, in the physiotherapy profession and, ultimately, in clinical service to the communities we serve. 
• We are committed to equity, diversity, and Inclusivity as we strive to recruit and retain students, staff, and faculty who are reflective of the diversity in our community.  We pay particular attention to those from marganalised and recialized groups including those who identify as Black, who have Indigenous ancestry, who identify as 2SLGTBQIA+, or have low socioeconomic status. 
• We endeavour to prepare our graduates for physical therapy practice in the diverse communities they will serve.

Education

Our faculty members are outstanding teachers as well as internationally recognized researchers. They are committed to preparing physical therapists to enhance the health of persons within our community and the larger global environment.

As a research-intensive university, we support evidence-based practices and a balanced education that includes quality learning in the classroom and lab as well as hands-on experience through clinical placements and student clinics. We also adopt teaching technology that has been proven effective, including simulation labs, e-learning and state-of-the-art clinical equipment.

Our Department is also committed to lifelong learning and as such, conducts annual continuing education opportunities that are designed to bring relevant contemporary programs to campus.

Research

A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, chronic pain management, and seniors' health; we are the destination of choice for rehabilitation professionals, researchers, students and scientists.

The Department of Physical Therapy boasts two research chairs: one Canada Research Chair and one endowed research chair funded by philanthropic gifts. Our two research chairholders are impacting the community and the world by conducting translational research in our Department's environment of exploration, discovery, and scholarship.

Partnerships

The Department of Physical Therapy is proud of its connections with other universities and rehabilitation organizations and associations worldwide. We have taken part in the planning and development of various physical therapy programs in other countries. Our involvement with international communities will increase as we share our knowledge and not only connect our faculty, but also our students and future scientists.

Here in Alberta, we are proud of our connections with partners such as:

• Alberta Health Services
• Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
• Workers' Compensation Board
• Health Sciences Council
• University of Alberta faculties and departments
• Steadward Centre
• University of Calgary
• Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute
• Institute of Health Economics
• Women and Children's Health Research Institute
• Cross Cancer Institute
• Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research