General information
The Graduate Diploma in Work Disability Prevention (WDP) is offered in collaboration with Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. The program is primarily designed for highly qualified individuals in established regulated health professions (e.g., chiropractors, kinesiologists, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers) currently working in or wishing to work in the WDP field. Health professionals are ideally situated to assist workers and organizations to prevent and resolve work disability issues.
A current list of graduate faculty is available on the Faculty of Health Sciences’ website.
Admission requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies , applicants to the Graduate Diploma in WDP must meet the following program-specific requirements:
- Hold a four-year honours degree or equivalent from a recognized institution in the area of graduate study or a closely related subject.
- Overall academic standing of at least a B average (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale) with a minimum B average in the last two full-time years (four semesters) of undergraduate work or equivalent.
- If applicable, a minimum score of 580 on the paper-based TOEFL, 92-93 on the Internet-based TOEFL or 7 on the IELTS. Note that these English language proficiency scores are slightly higher than those required for some other graduate programs. Visit the English language proficiency section of this calendar for additional details.
Applicants planning to pursue study in the area of WDP should have training or experience in a related health field. Students without this training may receive conditional admission and be required to take one or more related course(s). Therefore, a health professional degree such as chiropractic, medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, psychology, master’s degree in Social Work, or professional registration as a Kinesiologist or equivalent is required.
Note: Students seeking admission through the Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences ‐ WDP or the Bachelor of Health Sciences/Kinesiology WDP Advanced Entry pathway are required to have successfully completed at least one of the following cross‐listed undergraduate courses to be considered for admission with advanced standing:
HLSC 4670U – Studies in Work Disability Prevention
HLSC 4672U – Making A Work Disability Diagnosis
HLSC 4674U – Coordinating Return to Work
HLSC 4676U – Occupational Ergonomics and Work Disability*
Note: Students from all areas of the faculty may still apply through regular channels to the WDP Diploma.
*Students from Kinesiology who have taken HLSC 4475U - Occupational Ergonomics may be eligible for credit recognition for HLSC 4676U.
Graduate diploma requirements
Students will take five courses. All courses will have to be completed in the fall, winter and spring/summer semesters.
The courses will be delivered online, except for the practicum where students will participate in an internship in work disability prevention and reintegration practice. The courses will include simulated negotiations, case studies, and specific and field work assignments.