Master of Physical Therapy - Indigenous Applicant Pathway

The School of Physical Therapy at Western University is committed to supporting the health and wellness of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in Canada by encouraging more Indigenous individuals to pursue careers in physical therapy. To help increase Indigenous representation in the field, we have created a dedicated admission pathway into the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) Program.

Admission Requirements for the Indigenous Applicant Pathway

Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous in their ORPAS application may be considered for designated seats if they meet the following:

  1. A minimum GPA of 3.4 over their last 10 full-time credits (or 20 half credits).
  2. A minimum grade of 70% in each required prerequisite course.
  3. An above-average ranking on the Casper situational judgment test.
  4. A strong overall ranking by reviewers, based on:,
    • Reference letters
    • Applicant statement
    • Paid and unpaid physical therapy–related experiences
    • Community involvement and accomplishments

Affirmation of Indigenous Identity

All self-identified applicants will be required to affirm their claim to Indigeneity in accordance with Western University’s Policy for Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership.

As part of this process, applicants must complete the Student Declaration of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership Form, which includes uploading the following:

  1. A detailed Statement of Relational Positionality – This must include a demonstration of lived experience as an Indigenous person and details outlining your lineal descent.
  2. Two documents demonstrating proof of citizenship or membership to the Indigenous Nation claiming you.

The completed form and supporting documents must be submitted to the Office of Indigenous Initiatives by the third Friday of February annually. For guidance, please see the Positionality Statement Requirements and List of Approved Documentation.

For more information on the affirmation process and required documentation, please visit the Affirmation Policy website.

More Information

To learn more about the Master of Physical Therapy program and the admissions process for Indigenous applicants, please visit the MPT Program website.

For questions regarding Indigenous citizenship/membership or the affirmation process, please contact indigenous.admissions@uwo.ca.

Confidentiality

All personal documentation is kept strictly confidential and securely housed within the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. The personal information on this form is collected under the authority of The University of Western Ontario Act 1982, as amended. To view the complete Personal Information Collection Notice, visit the Academic Calendar website.