“Founded in 1954-1955” Imagine echoes of history resonating from these very walls. This is the École de réadaptation. It started as the École de physiothérapie et de thérapie occupationnelle. It held the status of an affiliated school to the Faculty of Medicine.
Originally, it offered a combined course in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The course lasted three years. In 1956, the École de réadaptation welcomed the speech-language pathology-audiology program. This led to a master’s degree. It then became the École de réhabilitation.
By 1962, the combined physiotherapy and occupational therapy program split. It no longer did justice to the training of both professions. Two distinct two-year programs emerged. In 1969, the programs changed again. They were sanctioned with a Bachelor of Science degree. Students specialized in either occupational therapy or physiotherapy.
In 1971, the École de réadaptation adopted its current name. It became a department of the Faculty of Medicine. The speech-language pathology-audiology section left in June 1978. It formed the École d’orthophonie et d’audiologie.
Today, the École de réadaptation is impressive. It welcomes cohorts of 120 students in occupational therapy. It also welcomes 120 in physiotherapy. The training involves a bachelor’s-master’s continuum. The École de réadaptation stands as the largest French-speaking university training center in rehabilitation. It also leads in research.
McGill University’s School of Physical and Occupational Therapy is internationally recognized. It is one of the best teaching institutions. This is because of its quality educational programs in rehabilitation. It is known for new discoveries in rehabilitation sciences. The school transfers this new knowledge to practice.
The history of the École de réadaptation demonstrates innovation and leadership. It is one of the oldest schools in Canada. Founded in 1943, it initially offered a program for physiotherapists. In 1954, it evolved. It created the first Bachelor of Science program in physiotherapy and occupational therapy in Canada. The doctoral program in rehabilitation sciences is over twenty years old. It was the first doctoral program in this field in Canada.
The École de réadaptation is the only one in the country to offer two admission routes. Now, nearly 700 students are enrolled. They participate in 8 different undergraduate and graduate programs. This includes two online certificates.
The École de réadaptation’s researchers are highly innovative. Their work is cross-cutting. It’s relevant to practicing therapists. It is relevant to people with illnesses or disabilities. Research programs cover a wide range. They aim to recognize biopsychosocial components. These components underlie disability. They focus on developing intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. These mechanisms contribute to dysfunction. They develop new tools and technologies for clinical application. They focus on fundamental discoveries. They study new treatments to improve health and mobility. They promote knowledge exchange and professional education. This contributes to the advancement of practice.
So, as you stand before the École de réadaptation, consider its past. Think about its present impact. Envision its future contributions. It remains a vital force. It shapes rehabilitation in Montreal and beyond.