Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation (GCR)

The advanced (post-entry-level) Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation (GCR) is designed for working health professionals who wish to upgrade their knowledge to meet the demands of practice today.

The GCR program consists of five core courses that give participants the opportunity to develop the essential knowledge and skills required for best practice in rehabilitation. Each course draws on the research and rehabilitation practice experience of those currently shaping the field.

The certificate is delivered entirely online (no classes on campus or summer residences). It is designed to allow practicing health professionals to continue their studies with minimal disruption to your work. Some learners who are not sure about taking a full master’s program will apply to the GCR program first, and many continue on to do the Master of Rehabilitation Science program.

Learning Outcomes

Those who complete all five core courses, will be confident to:

• Make evidence-based decisions.
• Use outcome and other measures effectively.
• Use rehabilitation theory to guide and support their decision-making.
• Use critical reflection to make changes that enhance practice.
• Design rehabilitation programs to meet identified rehabilitation needs.
• Plan effective educational programs for clients, families, students, and colleagues.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.

Program Details

• Each of the five courses are 13 weeks long and are offered in either the Fall (September-December) or Winter (January-April) sessions. Some courses are also offered in the late Spring session (April-July).
• If you are working full-time and take one course per session without any interruptions you would complete in 18 months. For example, if you started in September, 2017 you will finish in April, 2019.
• If you are working part-time, it is possible to take more than one course per session and complete the certificate earlier.
• Learners are advised to consult with the Program Director if they wish to take more than one course per session while working full-time.

Is the GCR the Right Fit?

Please note: The GCR is not an entry-level credential for rehabilitation in Canada or other countries; that is, completing the program does not mean you are eligible to practice as a health professional. The GCR is an advanced certificate for health professionals already working in rehabilitation who have a minimum of three (3) years of work experience practicing in their profession in a health care setting. Current or past experience needs to include having your own caseload and assessing and treating patients independently.

Transferring from the GCR to the MRSc

GCR credits are transferable to the MRSc when GCR students meet MRSc professional and academic admission requirements at the time they are admitted to the GCR. Applicants with international degrees are encouraged to apply to the MRSc for admission to assure GCR credits can be credited to the MRSc.

There are two application deadlines for the Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation (GCR) program:

Your application cannot be considered until your completed application form and all other documents are received by the program. 

If the Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation (GCR) is right for you, follow the GCR application process and submit the relevant documents directly to the program. Please note that there is a different application process for the MRSc and the GCR programs.