Graduates of the Master of Physical Therapy program demonstrate professional accountability and collaborative practice in diverse environments. They apply an evidence-based approach to physical therapy, seeking out new and relevant research, while evaluating and integrating the information applicable to client-centered practice.
MPT accreditation status
The Master of Physical Therapy program at the University of Manitoba has completed the accreditation review process administered by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC). PEAC is an incorporated body under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and operates as the accrediting agency for physiotherapy education programs in Canada.
The status of Accreditation – Fully Compliant was awarded to the program for the period until April 30, 2026. A description of Accreditation – Fully Compliant follows.
More details regarding the definitions of the levels of accreditation are available on the PEAC website or by contacting:
Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada
Suite 26, 509 Commissioners Road West
London, Ontario, N6J 1Y5
226-636-0632
Accreditation–fully compliant
- A program is in compliance with 100% of the accreditation criteria within the Accreditation Standards.
- There are no criteria in non-compliance.
- There could be identified concerns that the program must improve upon and report back about in Progress Reports.
- If progress is not made, the program’s accreditation status could be changed to partially compliant or probationary at any time in the six-year accreditation cycle.
Students – important to note
- If a program loses its accreditation status, its students may not be considered graduates of an accredited physiotherapy education program.
- Students must be considered graduates from an accredited physiotherapy education program in Canada in order to be eligible to write the Physiotherapy Competency Exam and be licensed to practice physiotherapy in Canada.
- The program’s accreditation status is important to graduating students with regards to becoming licensed to practice physiotherapy in Canada. It is recommended that students contact the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (alliancept.org) for information regarding the process to become licensed as a physiotherapist in Canada following graduation.
Program details
The MPT program consists of an integrated schedule of academic and clinical components that take place over a two year period.
Expected duration: 2 years
Tuition and fees: Two year’s tuition, then continuing fees in subsequent years (refer to Graduate tuition and fees)
The Master of Physical Therapy curriculum includes a combination of seminars, lectures, clinical skills, laboratory sessions, peer teaching, case studies, tutorials, problem solving exercises, independent study, collaborative group work, and the development of a professional portfolio.
| Year | Duration | Academic Study | Clinical Education | Additional Components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Year | 43 weeks | 37 weeks | 6 weeks | N/A |
| Second Year | 43 weeks | 20 weeks | 23 weeks | Group capstone project interwoven throughout |
For full course descriptions or to view the supplementary regulations , please visit the Academic Calendar.
Professional portfolio
In addition to successfully completing each of the program courses, physical therapy students are expected to create and maintain a professional portfolio.
Portfolios can include:
- course objectives and outlines
- CPR/first aid certificates
- degrees and transcripts
- feedback and evaluations from course work and fieldwork
- goals related to learning and professional development
- health records
- learning logs
- projects
- samples of work selected from assignments and projects
- self-evaluation
- summary of participation in activities
- volunteer work
Clinical education program
Students in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences’ physical therapy program are provided with first-hand supervised experience in clinical settings with real patients.
Internationally educated health professionals
Internationally educated health professionals should visit the access hub for details related to obtaining Canadian credentials.
Admission requirements
The following are minimum requirements for entry into the Master of Physical Therapy program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
The Master of Physical Therapy is a graduate program, which means that you must complete an undergraduate degree, including several required and recommended courses, before you can be considered for admission.
NOTE: Applicants must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada at the time of application
Language proficiency
In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
An acceptable English Language Proficiency test score is required, if applicable. Please note that Physical Therapy requires scores above the FGS minimum requirement, as follows:
- IELTS - A minimum overall score of 7.0 and must include all components of the test (i.e., listening, reading, writing and speaking).
- TOEFL (iBT) - A minimum total score of 92 is required, with no sub-score lower than 21.
Only the above test types will be accepted.
Learn more
Additional information on Physical Therapy applicant admission requirements (2025-2026) is available here.
For full details, please see the Academic Calendar.
How to apply
Applications for the Master Physical Therapy program are accepted once a year for Fall entry. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Unofficial copies of transcripts
- Casper test
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required
Master Physical Therapy admissions requirements
Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.
Application deadline
Casper test
About the Casper test
Applicants to the Master of Physical Therapy program are required to complete the Casper test.
This online evaluation assesses personal and professional characteristics that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program.
Assessments offered by Acuity Insights include Casper and Duet. Casper is the only one that you must complete.
You will need
In order to take Casper, you must have access to:
- A laptop or desktop computer
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Reliable high-speed internet connection (speed of at least 1.5 Mbps and upload speed of at least 2 Mbps)
- Valid email address (the same one you will use to submit your application)
You must also be prepared to present government-issued photo ID.
Registration
To register for the Casper 2 test (CSP-10211), follow these steps:
- Visit Acuity Insights.
- Register under your specific country using a government-issued photo ID.
- Ensure you select Masters in Physical Therapy, University of Manitoba for distribution before the posted deadline.
- Use an email address that you check regularly and have used for your application to receive updates on the test schedule.
- You will receive a limited number of pre-arranged and approved testing dates and times according to admissions timelines.
- Note that these are the only available testing dates based on your program selection, and there won't be additional tests scheduled.
IMPORTANT: Register for your test at least three days before your preferred date and time to allow for identity verification and payment processing. Last-minute bookings are not recommended.
Requesting accomodations
If you require testing accommodations for Casper, you will need to submit the accommodations request form at least four weeks in advance of your desired test date.
Questions?
Please direct any inquiries on Acuity Insights Assessments to support@acuityinsights.app. Alternatively, you may use the chat bubble in the bottom right hand corner of your screen on the acuityinsights.app website.
Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
The Multiple Mini Interview process is a series of 10-minute interviews that evaluate potential students’ personal characteristics that are important for success in health sciences.
Offers for an interview will be sent via email in mid-February; an immediate response will be required.
MMI dates: Saturday, March 1, 2025 and Sunday, March 2, 2025.
About the MMI
Personal characteristics being evaluated include:
- ethics
- communication
- team player
- critical reasoning skills
- reflective
- strong interpersonal skills
- accountability
- good judgment
- flexibility
- empathy
- maturity
This interview method provides an opportunity for applicants to apply general knowledge and personal experiences to issues relevant to the society in which they live and the health care systems in which they hope to work.
The MMI gives the candidates a new opportunity with every station. The MMI provides flexibility in questions not available in traditional interviews. Research has shown that it is more fair for the candidates.
Note: All applicants attending interviews will be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement to ensure the security of interview scenarios.
Logistics
- Six 10-minute stations (two simultaneous tracks)
- Two minutes to read question and eight minutes to perform
- Virtual candidates will circulate to each interviewer in a breakout room
- One global score per candidate per station
- Total duration: 60 minutes
Interviewers
- May be physiotherapists, faculty, students or community members
- Have been given specific instructions on what they can and cannot ask
- Are not aware of your grades or the status of your application
- Will give you one global score
- If you know the interviewer, continue on
Discussion stations
An scenario will be posted which you are to discuss with the interviewer. Interviewers have been provided with background information on each station. They will engage with you in discussion. They may or may not ask questions specific to the issue.
Key points
Read the question carefully. Make short notes for yourself if you wish. Always answer the question. There is no right or wrong answer. Speak clearly and articulate your ideas as best as you can, based on your knowledge and life experiences.
Practice questions
Preferential Admission (Societal Health Issues in Canada)
Due to the shortage of physical therapists in rural communities, it has been suggested that physical therapy programs preferentially admit students who are willing to commit to a two or three year tenure in an underserviced area upon graduation.
Consider the broad implications of this policy for health and health care costs. For example, do you think the approach will be effective? At what expense? Discuss this issue with the interviewer.
Critical thinking
Universities are commonly faced with the complicated task of balancing the educational needs of their students and the cost required to provide learning resources to a large number of individuals.
As a result of this tension, there has been much debate regarding the optimal size of classes. One side argues that smaller classes provide a more educationally effective setting for students, while others argue that it makes no difference, so larger classes should be used to minimize the number of instructors required.
Discuss your opinion on this issue with the examiner.
Learn more
Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program inquiries
College of Rehabilitation Sciences
R106 - 771 McDermot Avenue
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6
CORS.PTprogram@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-789-3897
Fax: 204-789-3927