Mission and Vision

Our mission
Excellence in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science teaching, research, scholarship, and leadership to improve the quality of life and well-being for all people of Saskatchewan and beyond.

Our vision
We will be the outstanding School of Rehabilitation Science in Saskatchewan, nationally and internationally recognized for innovative research and graduate programs, high quality interprofessional education, and exceptional knowledge translation. We will demonstrate leadership in physical therapy and rehabilitation science to advance research, learning, knowledge sharing, and reconciliation and inclusion with and by Indigenous peoples and communities.

Who we are

The School of Rehabilitation Science fosters a healthy environment that promotes a positive work experience, life-long learning, and professional pursuits of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science for students, faculty, and staff. As part of the University of Saskatchewan, we are situated in the vibrant city of Saskatoon on Treaty Six territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis.

Recognized for a growing and diverse student body, we have gained a reputation nationally and internationally for preparing high-quality collaborative physical therapy clinicians and rehabilitation researchers, focused on improving function while promoting optimal ability, mobility, activity, and participation. As a socially accountable organization, we are proud of our alumni, students, faculty and staff, who since 1965 have been engaged citizens and leaders. We respond to changing environments, contribute to high quality clinical care in local and global communities, and are committed to improving health and the healthcare system through innovative research and evidence-based practice.

Collaboration is a hallmark of our School and is embedded in all aspects of our mission. A dynamic forward-looking faculty and staff demonstrate resilience, compassion, humility, professionalism and a passion for advancing rehabilitation science and health-related learning, teaching, research, and mentorship.

The Master of Physical Therapy Program (MPT) is its flagship program, governed by the College of Graduate and Post-doctoral Studies (CGPS).  The MPT Program is designed to provide the graduate with the entry-level clinical requirements to obtain a license to practice physiotherapy in Saskatchewan and Canada.

Graduates of an entry level degree in physical therapy (e.g., M.P.T., B.Sc.P.T.) who wish to pursue advanced research training under a SRS faculty member are encouraged to consider the M.Sc. and Ph.D in Health Sciences thesis-based graduate programs.

 

Take a virtual tour of the School of Rehabilitation Science

Our principles and values

The aspirations of the School of Rehabilitation Science community are best achieved through a belief in principles that are fundamental to the University of Saskatchewan and through commitment to and practice of values--ways of conducting ourselves-- that serve to guide our policies, behaviors and collaborations.

The School of Rehabilitation Science community believes in the following principles:

Academic freedom
Collaboration
Commitment to communities
Diversity, equality, and human dignity
Different ways of knowing, learning, and being
Excellence
A healthy work and learning environment
Innovation, curiosity, and creativity
Openness, transparency, and accountability
Reconciliation
Sustainability

 

The School of Rehabilitation Science community is committed to acting in accordance with the following values:

Collegiality
Fairness and equitable treatment
Inclusiveness
Integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior
Professionalism
Respect

Strategic priorities

As is common in the health sciences, many of our priorities are influenced directly or indirectly by changes in the health and education sectors and environments outside the university (local, provincial, regional, national and international). We will continue to strengthen and integrate activities with our partners and maintain organizational flexibility to respond to opportunities as they arise. We will continue to direct our work and measure our progress in consideration of the goals of the university and the College of Medicine. Four priorities have been identified for further development, enhancement and/or requiring new resources into the next planning cycle. These priorities directly link to initiatives and opportunities in the College of Medicine strategic plan. It is also important to emphasize our ongoing commitment to the Masters of Physical Therapy (MPT) program as a core strength and priority.

At this stage the university has identified four themes as overarching criteria on which units may assess their progress. It has been suggested that units ask how each of their priorities would make the university more sustainable, connected, diverse and creative. Each of the identified priorities is directly linked to one or more of these themes and as the institutional plan takes shape we will continue to reflect on and refine specific goals as appropriate.

Establish a School of Rehabilitation Science

Establishing a hub for rehabilitation science education, research and community engagement continues to be a strategic priority carried forward from the College of Medicine and School of Physical Therapy previous integrated plans.

Enhancing Indigenous Initiatives

Working closely with the College of Medicine, other health professional programs, university and members of our Indigenous communities, we are committed to advancing initiatives that will strengthen education and research related to Indigenous content and approaches in our school.

Research Graduate Programming and Clinical Research

Enhanced and innovative graduate programming is considered critical to positioning the School as the hub for rehabilitation science education and research in Saskatchewan. Connected with this priority is the advancement of clinical research supported by high quality research facilities.

Interprofessional Education and Research

To advance interprofessional collaborative practice and patient-centred care, we continue our commitment to working with health professional colleagues to further develop the Interprofessional Education (IPE) curriculum and strengthen interdisciplinary research.

Annual Report

Our history

1960 Canadian Conference of Physiotherapy recommends programs should be started in universities with medical faculties not already offering physiotherapy.
1965 Diploma Program in Physiotherapy commences in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Saskatchewan - two and a half years in duration. (one of six new university programs).
1973 Diploma program increases in duration to three years. Bachelor of Physical therapy degree is introduced - one-year program for diploma graduates.
1976 School of Physical Therapy is established, under the general supervision of the College of Medicine.
1981 Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, a four-year program is introduced, replacing the Diploma and B.P.T.
1987 Enrollment is increased from 20 students to 30 students.
1997 A new five-year curriculum introduced for the Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.
2007 First students enter the Master of Physical Therapy program – August, 2007
2016 Joined other health science disciplines in the state-of-the-art Health Sciences Building|
2018 Name of school changed from the School of Physical Therapy to the School of Rehabilitation Science
2023 School of Rehabilitation Science receives funding for 15 additional seats per year in the Master of Physical Therapy program, including 2 additional equity seats.