Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) - Population and Public Health Option and Master of Health Sciences (MHSc), Occupational Therapy
Keep in mind:
- The Bachelor's and Master's dual degree programs in Health Sciences have been designed for bilingual students.
- Admission to a dual FAST-track degree program does not guarantee entry into the master's program. An 85% average must be maintained during the first three years. A language test and the CASPer test must also be completed during the third year. Capacity is limited and some applicants who meet all the requirements may not be accepted.
- The first three years of the program are a condensed version of the bachelor's degree. No master's courses will be given during this period. For more details on the courses, please refer to the course sequence.
- Dual FAST-track degree programs include a practical component to apply the professional program. Programs are not offered in CO-OP format.
The Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences program is defined by its integrative approach for studying health. Students are provided with a biosciences background, knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, along with an interdisciplinary approach to study the determinants of health. This unique academic program allows students to discover innovative ways to examine, measure and unravel complex health problems at all life stages, in Canada and around the world.
The Population and Public Health option will further students’ interdisciplinary health sciences training grounded in population health and public health theories and methodologies that remain the foundation of Canada’s healthcare system. Students will appraise health scenarios from local and global perspectives, critique health frameworks, develop health interventions including health promotion strategies, distinguish structural and systemic causes of health disparities, and evaluate contributions of intersectoral collaborations in health.
Graduates will be well-prepared to undertake health-related MSc programs or pursue careers in public or private health agencies, non-governmental health organizations or in community health programs. Students are provided with the necessary foundation further studies in medicine, rehabilitation studies, dentistry or pharmacy. Our interdisciplinary focus enhances the quality and maturity of future clinicians and health professionals.
The mission of the Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy program at the University of Ottawa, which is offered in French, is to train competent health care professionals able to respond to the needs of the francophone population in Ontario and, more generally, to the needs of francophone communities in the bilingual and multilingual Canadian context.
Occupational therapy is both an art and a science whose aim is to prevent handicap situations, re- establish or promote occupation (everyday activities that people do), health, and well-being of individuals. Occupational therapists work in collaboration with individuals or groups of individuals to prevent or address occupational performance difficulties. Occupational performance difficulties may arise from a health condition, developmental issue, environmental obstacle or a consequence of aging. Difficulties may occur in areas of self-care, productivity, or leisure. Occupational therapists enable their clients to reconstruct their life and develop a renewed sense of self-identity and independence.
The occupational therapy program follows the standards developed by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). This allows students develop the skills and competencies needed to practice their profession upon graduation. In addition to the coursework, students complete 1,000 placement hours as required by CAOT. These mandatory placements can take place in Ottawa-area hospitals, schools, community organizations, the interprofessional university clinic and rehabilitation centres or at locations outside the National Capital Region.
Students complete this limited-enrollment program over six consecutive terms, i.e., two years of full-time study (including placements). However, students with an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy at the time of admission can follow the accelerated program, which leads to a master’s degree after one year (three terms). Students complete practical and theoretical courses, placements and on-site observation placements. Teaching activities are grouped under the following six themes:
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Theme 1: Occupational participation: interaction between the person, their occupations and their environment;
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Theme 2: Fundamental principles for the practice as an occupational therapist (being a professional);
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Theme 3: Knowledge of health conditions and interventions - occupational therapists and the team;
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Theme 4: Occupational therapy practice: assessment and intervention approaches to promote occupational participation;
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Theme 5: Critical evaluation of knowledge;
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Theme 6: Knowledge integration.
