After completing her undergraduate degree in kinesiology at the University of Toronto, Emily Meligrana wanted to advance her career further. The Faculty's Master of Professional Kinesiology (MPK) program provided the perfect opportunity. The 16-month program is the first master’s-level program of its kind in Ontario, offering students a mix of classroom and experiential education.
Working alongside leading practitioners in downtown Toronto and across the GTA, students have the opportunity to network and advance their expertise through 600 hours of professional, structured experience across three placements in hospitals, clinics, sport institutes and/or community organizations.
Meligrana first completed a placement with the Faculty’s Sensory Motor Instructional Learning Program (S.M.I.L.E) designed for children and youth with varying ability levels, who are paired with MPK students for fundamental movement skill development.
“This was a very rewarding experience. It was the first opportunity I had to learn to apply clinical knowledge to real practice,” she says. “I was able to improve my professional communication skills, which helped me to develop successful programs for my clients and meaningful relationships with those responsible for ensuring their physical development outside of the program.”
The internal placement was followed by placements at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the Toronto Transit Commision (TTC). This led to a contract position with the TTC, where Meligrana currently works as a disability management specialist, processing incoming occupational injury claims for all TTC employees.
The MPK program helped to prepare her for the role by providing an excellent variety of clinical skill development and exposure to practical environments, which allowed her to demonstrate her skills and knowledge, and build connections with those within the workplace.
“I am truly grateful for this experience and the opportunities the MPK has given me. I would highly recommend it to those who are looking to enhance their knowledge of kinesiology and expand their proficiency in clinical practice.”
This article was originally published in Pursuit magazine.