Rehabilitation Science

The Master of Rehabilitation Science (MRS) program at Queen's University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for a broad range of careers within the rehabilitation field. This program focuses on developing advanced knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate, implement, and assess rehabilitation interventions across diverse populations and settings. Students will engage with a range of topics including clinical assessment, evidence-based practice, health promotion, and the application of innovative technologies in rehabilitation. The program emphasizes both foundational theories and practical application, ensuring graduates are equipped to contribute effectively to healthcare teams, conduct research, and implement policies that enhance patient outcomes. Through a combination of coursework, hands-on training, and research opportunities, students will deepen their understanding of physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of rehabilitation, while also exploring emerging trends and challenges in healthcare delivery. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a patient-centered approach, preparing graduates to work in hospitals, clinics, community agencies, and research institutions. The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as neurological rehabilitation, pediatric therapy, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. With experienced faculty members, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant academic community, Queen’s University’s Rehabilitation Science program aims to develop competent, compassionate professionals dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals with disabilities or recovery needs. Graduates will be well-positioned to pursue leadership roles, further academic research, or professional certification in the field of rehabilitation science.

• Coursework Students entering the program from other universities or disciplines must take RHBS 933* Research Methods I and RHBS 904* Rehabilitation Science (3.0 credit-units each) plus three additional elective credits (i.e. an additional 3.0 credit units). Courses in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy Rehabilitation Science program are typically weighted either 3.0 credit-units for a term course or 1.0 credit-units for a module.
• Comprehensive Examination Ph.D. students are expected to successfully complete their comprehensive examination with the first five terms of their program. The comprehensive examination is a means of ensuring that all graduates of our doctoral program:

1. Master the breadth and depth of knowledge related to Rehabilitation Science
2. Are able to formulate and defend arguments based on critical appraisal of the research evidence within the rehabilitation science literature
3. Integrate and situate knowledge generated in the rehabilitation science field more broadly, such as within the health sciences community and society in general
4. Are able to competently discuss how different techniques of inquiry are used to create knowledge in the field of rehabilitation science.
5. Demonstrate an ability to conceptualize and design research for the generation of new knowledge or for translation of knowledge in the field of Rehabilitation Science
6. Apply their knowledge to critically appraise basic, clinical and applied research relevant to their research area
7. Make informed judgments on the application of appropriate research methodologies to their research area
8. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the scope, perspectives, concepts, current issues and research methods relevant to their area of study.

The examination will comprise two parts:

1. An examination with written and oral components that will test the student's knowledge in Rehabilitation Science in general, research methods used in rehabilitation science, and in the area of the student's research focus; and
2. Submission of a written thesis proposal and oral defense of this proposal in front of a proposal examination committee.

• Thesis requirement Thesis research, written dissertation and oral defense.
• RHBS 903 Seminar Program This non-primary course is obligatory for all PhD. students and includes mandatory attendance at all seminars and thesis proposal presentations (MSc) and thesis proposal defenses (PhD) that take place within the program, attendance and participation in journal club, and delivery of two lectures within the MScPT or MScOT program.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a research Master's degree in a field related to Rehabilitation Science. Applications from students who have graduated from an accredited master's level program in Physical or Occupational Therapy will be considered. 
• Letter of Intent
• Current CV including a list of all previous academic awards and publications (both abstracts and full papers)
• For international students, if required, a TOEFL total score of at least 550 (paperbased) or TOEFL iBT minimum scores of: writing (24/30); speaking (22/30); reading (22/30); listening (20/30), for a total of 88/120. Applicants must have the minimum score in each test as well as the minimum overall score.
• Transcripts
• Two current academic recommendations are required from professors under whom the applicant has recently studied.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - score of 7 on the academic module
• Pay the non refundable application fee on-line (currently $105 CDN).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Basic Funding Package (teaching and research assistantship, internal fellowships, bursaries and incremental growth).minimum $18,000; most students receive between $18,000 and $22,000 per year
• Additional Internal Awards include Tracy Gourlay Memorial Scholarship and the Gwen Keough Memorial Scholarship

Rehabilitation Science at Queen's University offers a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare, research, and leadership roles related to physical rehabilitation and recovery. The program emphasizes the development of advanced knowledge and skills in assessment, intervention, and management of individuals with a variety of physical impairments and disabilities. Students gain a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology, coupled with practical experience through clinics, laboratories, and internships. The curriculum incorporates evidence-based practices, innovative technologies, and current trends in rehabilitation sciences, ensuring graduates are equipped to work effectively with diverse patient populations.

Queen's University’s Rehabilitation Science program fosters an interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with departments such as Kinesiology and Health Studies, Medicine, and Nursing. This interdisciplinary focus enables students to understand the broad context of rehabilitation within healthcare systems and promote holistic patient care. The program also emphasizes research literacy, encouraging students to engage in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and the application of research findings to clinical practice.

Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of healthcare roles including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and research scientists. They may also pursue doctoral studies or specialized certifications to further their expertise. The program's commitment to experiential learning ensures students are well-prepared for real-world challenges, with opportunities for clinical placements and community engagement. Queen’s University’s facilities, including advanced laboratories and simulation centers, support experiential learning and skill development.

Overall, the Rehabilitation Science program at Queen’s University stands out for its rigorous academic standards, emphasis on practical skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to advancing healthcare through education and research. Graduates leave the program with the competence, confidence, and professional readiness to make meaningful contributions to the field of rehabilitation and patient care across diverse settings and communities.