FACULTY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
The Faculty of Health Professions prepares students for a career in health care and social services. The Faculty of Health Professions is one of the largest faculties at Dalhousie; there are more than 200 faculty members, 80 staff members, and almost 2,500 students. We offer a wide range of programs for students at both the entry and advanced professional levels with opportunities for volunteering in the community, gaining practical experience, and conducting research. Visit the Schools of Health Professions online at www.dal.ca
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a rapidly growing profession that enables clients to maintain, restore and develop functional performance through participation in everyday occupations. Occupation refers to everything that people do during the course of everyday life, which can include self-care, productivity and leisure. Occupational therapists enable people to perform the occupations that foster health and well-being; and promote a just and inclusive society so that all people may participate to their potential in the daily occupations of life.Dalhousie's School of Occupational Therapy was established in 1982. The program curriculum involves intensive study and fieldwork placements in the areas of physical and mental health over a 2-year period. The Dalhousie Occupational Therapy program provides students with a theoretical knowledge base from which they can develop their practical skills.
Physiotherapy
Dalhousie University is the only school in Atlantic Canada that educates physiotherapists. It was established in 1963 as a 2-year diploma followed by a 5-month internship, then advanced to a 4-year Bachelor of Science Physiotherapy degree in 1976 and now as a Master of Science Physiotherapy degree. Dal also offers a Master of Science Rehabilitation Research- Physiotherapy degree and an Interdisciplinary PhD program.The School of Physiotherapy serves to educate physiotherapists to excel in conducting research that advances the practice of physiotherapy and promotes high standards of health. Physiotherapists are educated to understand how the body works, what factors keep it moving and how to restore mobility once lost. Physiotherapists work as part of a health care team in clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, universities or independently in the private sector. Physiotherapy is a primary care, client - focused health profession. As obesity and its associated comorbidities increase in today's society, physiotherapists are now taking a more proactive role to prevent health problems from arising. Physiotherapists are educated in cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological and pediatric conditions. We assess, evaluate, and treat patients using evidence-based practice ranging from manual therapy and mobilizations, to deep breathing techniques and neurodevelopmental therapy.
School of Health Sciences
The Dalhousie School of Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Health Sciences in the following five disciplines: Diagnostic Cytology, Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiological Technology and Respiratory Therapy. Diagnostic Cytology, Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound and Respiratory Therapy have the option to graduate with a diploma in the designated field after completion of the first three years of their program, earning qualifications as generalists in that field. The BHSc is a four-year program that offers an interprofessional approach to providing both the necessary discipline-specific content and an array of science and health professional learning opportunities.
Dentistry
In May 2012, the Faculty of Dentistry at Dalhousie University celebrated 100 years of outstanding dental education. Earlier this year, the Faculty of Dentistry became the first Canadian school to win the William J. Gies Award for achievement as an academic dental institution. The Gies Award honours individuals and organizations exemplifying dedication to the highest standards of vision, innovation, and achievement in dental education, research, and leadership.The four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery program is designed to graduate competent general dentists, who will be ethical, compassionate, caring, knowledgeable and skilled practitioners. The School of Dental Hygiene provides a two-year diploma program and an extra-year Bachelor degree completion program with an education that is dynamic, scientific and professional.
School of Communication Sciences andDisorders
The School of Human Communication Disorders was officially opened in 1976 with the goal of training graduate students in a Master of Science program, as Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists. Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists work with children and adults who have developmental and/or acquired communication disorders. Audiologists assess and treat individuals with hearing loss and balance disorders, fit hearing aids and work to prevent hearing loss. Speech-Language Pathologists identify, assess and treat individuals with speech, language, voice, fluency and swallowing disorders. These disorders may be caused by health conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, hearing loss, learning disabilities and genetic disorders.
Nursing
It takes a special person to become a nurse. Today's nurses combine the qualities of caring and compassion with critical thinking and advanced clinical skills. Their knowledge, leadership and communication skills enable them to play a major role in the health care team.Nurses work closely with all members of the health care team caring for the ill and injured, promoting health, preventing disease and establishing a strong and positive influence on health care in their community. Exceptional nurses begin with their education and careers at Dalhousie University. Our nationally and internationally recognized faculty offers a rigorous Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, supporting student growth and learning. We offer the greatest breadth of nursing programs in Atlantic Canada and the only PhD Nursing Program east of Montreal. Our unique program offers the opportunity to study and learn with students enrolled in health care profession programs AND the opportunity to practice in many of Atlantic Canada's major hospitals and community agencies.
Social Work
Social work is a profession concerned with helping individuals, families, groups and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being. It aims to help people develop their skills and their ability to use their own resources and those of the community to resolve problems. Social work is concerned with individual and personal problems but also with broader social issues such as poverty, unemployment and domestic violence. Human rights and social justice are the philosophical underpinnings of social work practice. The uniqueness of social work practice is in the blend of some particular values, knowledge and skills, including the use of relationship as the basis of all interventions and respect for the client’s choice and involvement. Dalhousie School of Social Work's vision is a commitment to building a socially just society, defined as one that upholds and validates the values of equality, diversity, inclusiveness, democracy and concern for human welfare.