physical therapy education
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Physical therapy education varies greatly from country to country. Worldwide, physical therapy training ranges from basic work site education in hospitals and outpatient clinics to professional
doctoral degree A doctorate (from Latin ''docere'', "to teach"), doctor's degree (from Latin ''doctor'', "teacher"), or doctoral degree is an academic degree awarded by universities and some other educational institutions, derived from the ancient formalism ''l ...
and masters programs.


Africa


North Africa


Egypt (Middle East)

In
Egypt Egypt ( ar, مصر , ), officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia via a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the Medit ...
, physical therapy is a vital form of professional patient care that can be applied in most disciplines of medicine. A total of 266 credit hours are to be completed through ten semesters (5 years) before graduation and the study is in English. This is followed by a 12-month internship at the university and other educational hospitals before interns are allowed to register as physical therapists. New applicants are required to have an interview with the college dean. Physical therapy is taught at the following governmental and private Physical Therapy Faculties: Cairo University, Kafr-Elshakh University, Bni-swaif University, South Valley University, Delta University for Science and Technology, Hours University in Egypt, Misr University for Science and Technology, Egyptian Chinese University, October 6 University, Pharos University, MTI University, BUC University, and Deraya University.


Sub-Saharan Africa


Nigeria

In
Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
, Physiotherapy training is a 5-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhysio) or Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation (BMR) degree programme. A 1-year clinical internship program under the supervision of senior and experienced clinician physiotherapists is required upon graduation from an accredited University before the new graduate can be licensed to practice as a physiotherapist. The first training program in Nigeria was started at the University of Ibadan in 1966, followed by the University of Lagos in 1971. A training program was also started at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1978, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus in 1987, Bayero University, Kano in 1989, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri in 2003. Other training programs are also available at University of Maiduguri and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi. Advanced Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in physiotherapy (MSc Physio and PhD) are available at the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Presently, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (Professional body representing Nigerian physiotherapists) and the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board (the Government body that regulates the training and practice of rehabilitation therapy professionals in Nigeria) are making plans to transit the Nigerian entry level Bachelors programs to entry level Doctorate programs. Presently the Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) entry level has been approved by the National university commission (NUC) and is expected to commence in Nigerian universities soon.


South Africa

In
South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the Southern Africa, southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the Atlantic Ocean, South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the ...
Physiotherapists are First line practitioners (i.e. a health professional who can autonomously diagnose and treat), can refer patients to medical practitioner specialists and X-Ray imaging and issue a certificate of illness. There are eight schools of physiotherapy, usually attached to the corresponding medical school. The
bachelor's degree A bachelor's degree (from Middle Latin ''baccalaureus'') or baccalaureate (from Modern Latin ''baccalaureatus'') is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six ...
(B.PhysT, B.Sc.(Physio) or B.Physio) consists of four years of general practice training, involving all aspects of the discipline. Typically, the first year comprises largely theoretical ("basic sciences") instruction, while the second includes a focus on human anatomy and -physiology. Gradually, time spent in supervised practice increases until the fourth year, in which the student generally spends about 80% in practice. In their final year, students are also expected to complete various research projects, which fulfill the requirements of an Honours degree. At the
postgraduate Postgraduate or graduate education refers to academic or professional degrees, certificates, diplomas, or other qualifications pursued by post-secondary students who have earned an undergraduate ( bachelor's) degree. The organization and ...
level, several of the universities offer course work-based
master's degree A master's degree (from Latin ) is an academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.
s (MPhysT, M.Sc. (Physio)) focused on a specific area of practice, and including a "mini-dissertation". Research-based degrees are the MSc. and
Ph.D. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: or ') is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. Because it is ...
(Physio). After graduation, professional practice can only be entered into after completing a state governed, compulsory year of
community service Community service is unpaid work performed by a person or group of people for the benefit and betterment of their community without any form of compensation. Community service can be distinct from volunteering, since it is not always performe ...
. Practicing physiotherapists are also required to register with the
Health Professions Council of South Africa The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a statutory regulator of healthcare professions in South Africa. The council promotes healthcare, determines standards of education and training, and sets and maintains standards of ethic ...
, the registering body for physiotherapists being the Professional Board for Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Biokinetics. They are often required to be trained in
advanced life support Advanced Life Support (ALS) is a set of life saving protocols and skills that extend basic life support to further support the circulation and provide an open airway and adequate ventilation (breathing). Components These include: * Tracheal in ...
for emergencies in their departments and private practices.


Uganda

Training physiotherapists in
Uganda }), is a landlocked country in East Africa. The country is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania. The sou ...
started in 1972. This three-year diploma course is still running at the Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Sciences (previously Mulago Paramedical Training School). The first degree-level course at a public institution was started at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in 2012. All graduates need to be registered with the Uganda Allied Health Professionals Council and then are able to work as autonomous practitioners in both private and government health facilities.


Asia and the Pacific


South Asia


Bangladesh

In
Bangladesh Bangladesh (}, ), officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 165 million people in an area of . Bangladesh is among the mos ...
, the Bachelor of Science in physiotherapy (BPT) course is provided by the Medicine Faculty of University of Dhaka, University of Rajshahi and Gono University. The BPT curriculum includes Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology & Microbiology, Biomechanics, Radiology & Imaging, Orthopedics & Rheumatology, Paediatric, Pharmacology, Neurology, Kinesiology, Electrotherapy, Therapeutic Exercise, Community Medicine, Psychology, Cardiopulmonary, General Surgery, Research Methodology, Geriatric, Psychiatry, Sports Physiotherapy, Orthopedic Medicine, Professional Ethics and Management, Teaching Methodology, Rehabilitation Medicine (Disability & Development), Prosthetics & Orthotic and Research Project. This curriculum has designed so that graduate physiotherapists can practice independently and autonomously in their clinical field. There are seven affiliated institutes: * National Institute of Traumatology Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation (NITOR) (government institute) * Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (private) * State College of Health Sciences (SCHS) (private) * The Institute of Health Technology (IHT) – Dhaka (government) * Institute of Health Technology (IHT) – Rajshahi (government) * Gono Bishwabidyalay (GONO University) (private) * SAIC Institute of Medical Technology (SIMT) (private), which provide five years of professional education including a one-year mandatory internship. Peoples University Of Bangladesh was the pioneer in private sector but they stopped all health Science courses due to some unexpected legal problems. Two institutes are offering post graduation in Physiotherapy. Gono Bishwabidyalay (GONO University) is offering the only clinical Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) and BHPI is offering a non-clinical postgraduate MSc.Pt.Bangladesh Open University launched Master's of Disability Management and Rehabilitation (M.D.M.R) under the school of Science and Technology in 2018.Bangladesh Physical Therapy Association is the only trade organization of Bangladeshi physical therapists. Another organization recognized under social Ministry is named Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association working as a social welfare organization. Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association received international recognition from WCPT (2007). Just after liberation war Bangladesh started three-year Physiotherapy Graduation course in 1972. It was initiated by Professor Dr R J Garst first time at National Institute of Traumatology & Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation (NITOR). In Bangladesh most of the physical therapists are using prefix of Dr and suffix as PT. Bangladesh Government passed "Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council Bill, 2018 in the Jatiya Sangsad. Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council (BRC) is the government regulatory body for physiotherapy and rehabilitation professionals of Bangladesh. The body regulates and provides registration to professionals, professional education, practice, and services in Bangladesh.


India

In
India India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...
, universities offer diploma, bachelor's, master's and PhD in physiotherapy. Diploma course is usually three years and the enrollment has reduced since the introduction of Bachelor's in Physiotherapy (BPT) in the early 1990s in India. Most students with diploma has opted for lateral entry to Bachelor programme. Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT) is a 4 and half year undergraduate program in physiotherapy with 6 months of mandatory clinical internship; that is typically rotatory. They have almost similar subjects like PT graduation course in developed countries and can practice either independently or multidisciplines. However, due to lack of National Council the syllabus of BPT varies from state to state in the country. After the graduation Physiotherapist (PTs') could go for further specialization in Cardiovascular & pulmonary physiotherapy, Community Physiotherapy, Neurology, Musculoskeletal, Hands, Sports, Obs-Gynaecology, or undertake Research. PTs in India use the title 'Doctor' and prefix it before their name with a suffix P.T. (Physiotherapist) so as to make their stand clear they are not medicine doctors. However, the use of the title 'Dr' according to the IAP ( Indian Association of Physiotherapist) and IACP (Indian Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) is by tradition and convention and is used in the same manner as it is used by the MBBS/MS/BDS/MDS/BHMS/BAMS/BNYS/BUMS degree holders. PTs argue that they are not breaching any law prevailing in India as legally only one who has earned a degree in MD/DM or Phd is justified to use and prefix the 'Doctor' title. There are well over 250 colleges offering undergraduate program in physiotherapy (BPT) and more than 50 colleges offering masters in Physiotherapy (MPT) with two years' duration. MUHS (Maharashtra) and some other universities in India run a 3-year MPT postgraduate degree. PhD in Physiotherapy is also offered in some selected universities of the states Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and Delhi. A.M.U. Aligarh started Diploma in Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation very early but they did not upgrade it yet. IACP (Indian Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) is providing Post graduation Certificates( Cert.NMD, Cert.SPM) and Diplomas in online and offline modes. Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University offers a bachelors course in Physiotherapy with an annual intake of about 50 students. The university is also equipped with an outpatients department. Jamia Hamdard took the lead in starting Post-Graduate course in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy in North India in 1998. The courses were very well received and are in great demand. The Faculty receives help and active support from the renowned hospitals in Delhi for training the students, besides utilizing Majeedia Hospital. The Jamia is in the process of constructing a separate building for the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences with the help of generous grant from the UGC. The Faculty offers Masters and Bachelors programmes of study in Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute for the Physically Handicapped is an autonomous organization under the administrative and financial control of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. The Institute for the Physically Handicapped came into being when the erstwhile Jawahar Lal Nehru Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and other allied institution run by the council for the Aid of crippled and handicapped were taken over by the Government of India on 22 May 1975 and converted into an autonomous body in the year 1976. It was renamed after Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya in the year 2002. The institute provides Bachelor of Physical Therapy, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Prosthetics & Orthotics, years duration course in affiliation with University of Delhi. The Amar Jyoti Institute of Physiotherapy (affiliated to University of Delhi) opened its doors to the first batch of students in the year 1999, with an aim to serve health-care needs of the community through education and training of Physiotherapy practitioners. The mission of the institute is to: "Provide leadership, management and resources for the advancement of education, scholarship, public service, and the practice of physiotherapy" The B.Sc. (H) Physiotherapy degree course at Amar Jyoti is especially designed to produce graduates who will be competent and confident physiotherapy practitioners who will be able to provide evidence-based physiotherapy to their patients and community at large. Rajiv Gandhi University of Health sciences GUHS Karnataka quite famous for its Physiotherapy standard offers Bachelor of Physiotherapy .P.T and Masters of Physiotherapy in following specializations Master of Physiotherapy in Musculoskeletal Disorders and Sports (MPT-MSS), Master of Physiotherapy in Neurological and Psychosomatic Disorders (MPT-NPD), Master of Physiotherapy in Cardio-Respiratory Disorders (MPT-CRD), Master of Physiotherapy in Community Physiotherapy (MPT-CP.), Master of Physiotherapy in Pediatrics (MPT-Ped.). All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Singhania University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences GUHS Karnataka and many other universities are offering PhD in physiotherapy.


Pakistan

In
Pakistan Pakistan ( ur, ), officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan ( ur, , label=none), is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country, with a population of almost 243 million people, and has the world's second-lar ...
there are 20 colleges offering DPT, 3 universities are offering t-DPT, 2 universities are offering M.Phil. in Physiotherapy and 2 universities offering PhD in physiotherapy. Physiotherapists have a good scope in government and private hospitals and they are awarded 17 grade pay scale. In this way Pakistan has become the third country offering DPT in the world.


Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka from the year 200
Allied health sciences faculty of University of Peradeniya
and faculty of Medicine University of Colombo and also the year 2013 i
General sir John Kotelawala Defence University
have started the undergraduate course of four years with 6-month internship. 2011 is the remarkable year in Sri Lankan physiotherapy field. First-ever physiotherapy graduate batch is to pass-out in this year. They are from both University of Colombo and University of Peradeniya. At the moment BSc(Hons) physiotherapy degree program has been one of the most favourite courses among Sri Lankan students. It is necessary to get more than 1.8 Z-score marks to be selected to this course. Currently practising PTs hold a bachelor's degree, and some still hold a diploma. Currently the education programs for physical therapy in the world have changed as they consider diploma holders only as Physiotherapy assistants in most countries in world. PTs who hold a diploma in PT are encouraged to get their bachelor's degree top up from Faculty of Medicine University of Colombo, Faculty of Allied health seciences University of Peradeniya, Faculty of Medicine of University of Kelaniya and General Sir John Kotelewala Defence University which started their lateral entry program from 2014. To build the profession in the country, physiotherapy graduates think the goal is for all PT's to be on a minimum bachelor level at least by 2020. There are only few PG specialised Physiotherapists available in the country like Geeth Kumara- MPT(MSS- Musculoskeletal and sports), Esther Liyanage- MPT(MSS) Musculoskeletal and sports, D.K.Anthony - MPT (CP - Community Physiotherapy)...etc.


East Asia


China

Four-year programs in physical therapy are available throughout China, and there are a growing number of occupational and speech-pathology programs. The integration of Western and traditional Chinese physical therapy is one of the main characteristics of this type of program.


Hong Kong

In 1978, the Hong Kong Polytechnic first offered higher diploma programme in Physiotherapy under the Institute of Medical and Health Care (IMHC), Hong Kong Polytechnic. In 1991, the PT programme was converted to the Bachelor of Science degree programme (BSc programme). In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University is the sole provider of full-time degree in physiotherapy.


Japan

There are more than 180,000 physiotherapists and more than 270 schools of physiotherapy in Japan.


Taiwan

In
Taiwan Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the nort ...
, the first physical therapy program was launched in 1967 at National Taiwan University. Current entry-level physical therapist educational programs include a 6-year undergraduate curriculum (Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT) in two universities (National Taiwan University and National Yang-Ming University) and a 4-year undergraduate curriculum (Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy) in 11 universities. There are also three junior colleges to provide a five-year program (Associate of Science). Clinical internship is required in the final year of all programs mentioned above. Once a student graduates from the PT program, he/she is then required to pass a national licensure exam administered by the Ministry of Examination, Taiwan, for clinical practice. Several universities also offer graduate programs in physical therapy, rehabilitation, or related disciplines at the master or doctoral level.


Western Asia and the Middle East


Iran

In
Iran Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, and also called Persia, is a country located in Western Asia. It is bordered by Iraq and Turkey to the west, by Azerbaijan and Armenia to the northwest, by the Caspian Sea and Turkmeni ...
, the physical therapy degree is offered in bachelor level and master's and PhD level, which usually takes four years for BSc and 2 year for MSc, 4 year for PhD.


Iraq

College of Medical and Health technology-Baghdad has a graduate program in physical therapy, 4-year period after high school. Summer training courses in many hospitals (graduation requirement). 2nd physical therapy department is present in Erbil Technical Health College/ Erbil Polytechnic university. also now they open master study in physiotherapy. 3rd department present in Cihan University in Erbil, this year they will have 1st graduation. 4th department present in Health science college/ Hawler Medical university also in erbil, they have until 3rd stage, no graduation until now.


Jordan

In
Jordan Jordan ( ar, الأردن; tr. ' ), officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,; tr. ' is a country in Western Asia. It is situated at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, within the Levant region, on the East Bank of the Jordan Rive ...
, a physiotherapist at diploma level can still practice. However, such diploma programmes are not offered any more. Practitioners at diploma level are encouraged to bridge their degree into B.Sc. in physiotherapy in order to get financial and professional benefits. Three universities are currently offering this degree:
University of Jordan The University of Jordan ( ar, الجامعة الأردنية), often abbreviated UJ, is a public university located in Amman, Jordan. Founded in 1962 by royal decree, it is the largest and oldest institution of higher education in Jordan. ...
,
Jordan University of Science and Technology The Jordan University of Science and Technology ( ar, جامعة العلوم والتكنولوجيا الأردنية ''Jami'at Al-Ulum wa Al-Tiknolojia Al-Urdunia''), often abbreviated JUST, is a public university, state-supported university ...
and
Hashemite University The Hashemite University (الجامعة الهاشمية), often abbreviated HU, is a public university in Jordan. It was established in 1995. The university is located in the vicinity of the city of Zarqa. As regards to the study systems, it ...
. B.Sc. in Physiotherapy programmes take 4 years that include clinical component. No internship is required from students to start practice upon graduation. Currently M.Sc. are available in Jordan University of Science and Technology, while PhD programmes in physiotherapy are not available. However, students can register in others medical master's degrees like 'anatomy',' physiology', and 'public health'.


Kuwait

In
Kuwait Kuwait (; ar, الكويت ', or ), officially the State of Kuwait ( ar, دولة الكويت '), is a country in Western Asia. It is situated in the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf, bordering Iraq to the nort ...
, physical therapy B.Sc. degrees can be obtained after graduating from Kuwait University (four-year program). Students learn to assess patients and document their progress in their second year of study and start going on to hospitals to have their practical learning beginning at the start of their third year. After graduating further training in hospitals is available. There are no formal post-graduation programs.


Turkey

In
Turkey Turkey ( tr, Türkiye ), officially the Republic of Türkiye ( tr, Türkiye Cumhuriyeti, links=no ), is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a small portion on the Balkan Peninsula in ...
, the Physiotherapy (BPT) education is provided by physiotherapy schools in universities (
Hacettepe University Hacettepe University is a leading state university in Ankara, Turkey. It was established on 8 July 1967. It is ranked first among the Turkish universities by URAP in 2021. The university has two main campuses. The first campus is in the old t ...
, Dokuz Eylül University, Istanbul University,
Marmara University Marmara University ( Turkish: ''Marmara Üniversitesi'') is a public university in Istanbul, Turkey. The university is named after the Sea of Marmara and was founded as a university in 1982. However, it was created in 1883 under the name of ''H ...
,
Istanbul Medipol University Istanbul Medipol University ( tr, İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi) is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was founded by Turkey Education Health and Research Foundation in 2009. The founder of the foundation is Fahrettin Koca Fahretti ...
, Başkent University, Pamukkale University,
Süleyman Demirel University Süleyman Demirel University (SDU) ( tr, Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi) is a public university located in Isparta, Turkey. Established in 1992, the university, with around 70.000 students, is the second largest academic institution in Turkey ...
, Bezmialem Foundation University, Acıbadem University,
Trakya University Trakya University ( tr, Trakya Üniversitesi), was established on July 20, 1982. The university is located in Edirne, at Turkey's European side (Eastern Thrace). Trakya University is a regional university with institutions and schools spread o ...
, Yeni Yüzyıl University) after high school education. Education takes four years or five years with prep classes. M.Sc. and Ph.D. education is given by institutes of medical sciences.


United Arab Emirates

In the
United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates (UAE; ar, اَلْإِمَارَات الْعَرَبِيَة الْمُتَحِدَة ), or simply the Emirates ( ar, الِْإمَارَات ), is a country in Western Asia ( The Middle East). It is located at t ...
the Bachelor Of Physiotherapy (BPT) consists of a four-year undergraduate degree program. In the first year of the program they are introduced to pre-clinical subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Human Behaviour & Socialisation & Basic Medical Electronics & Computers. The students also get hands-on experiences in cadaveric dissections while learning Human Anatomy during the first year of the program. The students progressively are introduced to supervised clinical practice and the integrated curriculum offers the best learning experiences in addition to extensive in-house elearning programs. The course offers Case Based Learning experiences and focuses on Evidence Based Practices. The program culminates with a six-month internship ending with a research project work.


Oceania


Australia

In Australia, a few different programs are available at both undergraduate and post graduate level. The physiotherapy degree can be undertaken over a four-year period as an undergraduate or two to three years post graduate with the early components being predominantly theoretical including basic
anatomy Anatomy () is the branch of biology concerned with the study of the structure of organisms and their parts. Anatomy is a branch of natural science that deals with the structural organization of living things. It is an old science, having it ...
,
biology Biology is the scientific study of life. It is a natural science with a broad scope but has several unifying themes that tie it together as a single, coherent field. For instance, all organisms are made up of cells that process hereditary i ...
,
physics Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. "Physical science is that department of knowledge which r ...
,
psychology Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychology includes the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, including feelings and thoughts. It is an academic discipline of immense scope, crossing the boundaries between ...
,
kinesiology Kinesiology () is the scientific study of human body movement. Kinesiology addresses physiological, anatomical, biomechanical, pathological, neuropsychological principles and mechanisms of movement. Applications of kinesiology to human healt ...
, goniometry and
physiology Physiology (; ) is the scientific study of functions and mechanisms in a living system. As a sub-discipline of biology, physiology focuses on how organisms, organ systems, individual organs, cells, and biomolecules carry out the chemical ...
. In the latter half of the degree students partake in practical components focusing on musculoskeletal physiotherapy, neuromuscular physiotherapy, paediatric physiotherapy, geriatric physiotherapy, cardiothoracic physiotherapy, and women's health. The program generally progresses with an increasingly clinical focus and usually the final year involves practical placements at clinics, and research. Australian programs include the B.Physio, B.App.Sc.Physio, B.Sc.Physio, M.Physio, or D.Physio degrees.


Fiji


New Zealand

In
New Zealand New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...
, there are currently two schools of physiotherapy offering four-year undergraduate programs. Many New Zealand physiotherapists work in the private health care system as musculoskeletal physiotherapists and the curriculum reflects the need to prepare graduates for autonomous practice. Students follow an educational program similar to Australia with an emphasis on biomechanics, kinesiology and exercise. Postgraduate study typically involves three years of subject specific learning. The New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists Incorporated (NZSP) is the professional body that physiotherapists may optionally be a member of in New Zealand.


North America


Canada

In
Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
, entry-level physiotherapy education is offered at 14 universities. All of these university programs are at the Master's level, meaning that applicants must have already completed an undergraduate degree prior to applying. Many universities also offer graduate programs in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or related disciplines at the masters or doctoral level. Many physiotherapists may advance their education at these levels in such Clinical Practice Areas as cardiorespiratory, geriatrics, neurosciences, orthopaedics, pediatrics, rheumatology, oncology, sports physiotherapy, and women's health.


Quebec

In the province of Quebec, physiotherapists are required to complete a
master's degree A master's degree (from Latin ) is an academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.
specializing in physiotherapy to meet the eligibility criteria to gain membership with the ''Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec''. However, physiotherapy students must first obtain a
bachelor's degree A bachelor's degree (from Middle Latin ''baccalaureus'') or baccalaureate (from Modern Latin ''baccalaureatus'') is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six ...
majoring in physiotherapy to submit their application to the master's program, which will provide them with several internships in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Some students may even have the opportunity to be trained in European countries. Following the completion of a master's degree, most often named "Master of Science" or "Master of Physical Therapy," one may pursue studies at the doctoral level in such fields as rehabilitation,
kinesiology Kinesiology () is the scientific study of human body movement. Kinesiology addresses physiological, anatomical, biomechanical, pathological, neuropsychological principles and mechanisms of movement. Applications of kinesiology to human healt ...
, or
exercise science Exercise physiology is the physiology of physical exercise. It is one of the allied health professions, and involves the study of the acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise. Exercise physiologists are the highest qualified exercise ...
. universities offer physiotherapy programs. The
Université de Montréal The Université de Montréal (UdeM; ; translates to University of Montreal) is a French-language public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The university's main campus is located in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood of Côte- ...
and the
Université de Sherbrooke The University of Sherbrooke (French: Université de Sherbrooke) (UdS) is a large public French-language university in Quebec, Canada with campuses located in Sherbrooke and Longueuil, a suburb of Montreal approximately west of Sherbrooke. It i ...
offer a joint bachelor's and master's degree program that leads to the obtention of a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science.
McGill University McGill University (french: link=no, Université McGill) is an English-language public research university located in Montreal, Quebec Montreal ( ; officially Montréal, ) is the second-most populous city in Canada and most populous ...
's School of Physical and Occupational Therapy and the
Université Laval Université Laval is a public research university in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The university was founded by royal charter issued by Queen Victoria in 1852, with roots in the founding of the Séminaire de Québec in 1663 by François de Montm ...
both offer the Bachelor of Physical Therapy at the undergraduate level and the Master of Physical Therapy at the graduate level.


United States

In the
United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...
, curricula for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). While currently 226 of the 227 programs offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, there are still many physical therapists currently practicing in the US who were trained with a
Bachelor of Science A Bachelor of Science (BS, BSc, SB, or ScB; from the Latin ') is a bachelor's degree awarded for programs that generally last three to five years. The first university to admit a student to the degree of Bachelor of Science was the University o ...
(BSPT) or Master of Physical Therapy degree. According to the
American Physical Therapy Association The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a U.S-based individual membership professional organization representing more than 100,000 member physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy. The nonpr ...
, the number of DPT programs offered in the US rose from 19 out of 212 accredited programs (along with 184 MSPT and 9 BSPT programs) in 2000, to 222 out of 227 programs in 2011. According to ''U.S. News & World Report'', the best PT programs in America are:
University of Delaware The University of Delaware (colloquially UD or Delaware) is a public land-grant research university located in Newark, Delaware. UD is the largest university in Delaware. It offers three associate's programs, 148 bachelor's programs, 121 ma ...
,
University of Pittsburgh The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is a public state-related research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The university is composed of 17 undergraduate and graduate schools and colleges at its urban Pittsburgh campus, home to the univers ...
,
University of Southern California , mottoeng = "Let whoever earns the palm bear it" , religious_affiliation = Nonsectarian—historically Methodist , established = , accreditation = WSCUC , type = Private research university , academic_affiliations = , endowment = $8.1 ...
, and
Washington University in St. Louis Washington University in St. Louis (WashU or WUSTL) is a private research university with its main campus in St. Louis County, and Clayton, Missouri. Founded in 1853, the university is named after George Washington. Washington University is r ...
. Doctoral programs utilize different teaching strategies to prepare students for direct access care. Strategies include, case-based studies, role playing, practical examinations and computer assisted learning. Physical Therapist Assistants typically graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree. As of August 2011, there were 276 accredited two-year ( Associate degree) programs for Physical Therapist Assistants In the United States. After graduating an accredited program, PTs and PTAs are required to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) before they can obtain a license to practice. Each state regulates physical therapy licenses independently, so precise requirements for licensure and renewal vary from state to state. Physical Therapist education includes clinical internships that normally occur toward the end of the professional degree. Clinical internship allows students to incorporate their critical thinking skills, hands-on practice, and professional behaviors into actual clinical scenarios. During this time, the doctoral intern will rotate between different settings for a given time period of a month or more. For example, a doctoral intern may have a rotation in orthopedics during one month and then in wound care the next month. This would continue in different settings for a predetermined amount of time, which is usually around a year. Throughout these rotations the student is paired with a clinical instructor. The role of the clinical instructor is to supervise the student as they apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. In order to become a clinical instructor, one has to be a practicing Physical Therapist for at least one year. After graduating from an accredited program and becoming licensed, a Doctor of Physical Therapy may continue his or her education by entering a residency and then fellowship. Residencies and fellowships are not required at this time, but are becoming more common in physical therapy education. Currently there are 162 residencies and fellowships in the United States.


Europe


Italy

In
Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical ...
, known as "Laurea in Fisioterapia (abilitante alla professione sanitaria di Fisioterapista)", it is a three-year full-time degree taught in the Faculty of Medicine of many Italian Universities. The course is an intensive mix of class time and mandatory internship right from the first year. Internship is such an important part that the number of hours dedicated to practice progressively increases reaching half of the program by the third year. There are no special requirements to be admitted to the bachelor's degree; students from various backgrounds can access the program, previous passing an 80 question pre selection test. This test is implemented to all those courses known as "numero chiuso" or close access to limit the number of participants. Depending on the Faculty and course between 30 and 400 positions are available each year. To be selected one has not only pass the examination but finish in the top positions required to enter. For all para-medical degrees each Institution can select its own test which it held simultaneously in all Universities, whereas for Medicine the test are administered by the Ministry of Education. Importance is given to the initial exam and a "close number" is paramount. This maneuver is intended to control the job market, hence providing secure occupation to those who finish. Yet between 2010 and 2011 the public funds to national health care were cut drastically, resulting in a national wide job loss and impossibility for newly formed students to be hired, contemporary to a large portion of the population in need of medical care yet unable to pay for the private service, which is regulated with minimum fees by imposition of law, therefore not allowing that portion of unemployed physiotherapists to lower their own fees so to offer their services and provide that portion of the population with the needed assistance.


Republic of Ireland

In the
Republic of Ireland Ireland ( ga, Éire ), also known as the Republic of Ireland (), is a country in north-western Europe consisting of 26 of the 32 Counties of Ireland, counties of the island of Ireland. The capital and largest city is Dublin, on the eastern ...
, Physiotherapy is available as an undergraduate course in four universities, Trinity College, University College Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons and University of Limerick. Courses are four years in length with clinical practice in the final two years. Students are required to complete 1000 hours of clinical practice before graduation.


Malta

In
Malta Malta ( , , ), officially the Republic of Malta ( mt, Repubblika ta' Malta ), is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of an archipelago, between Italy and Libya, and is often considered a part of Southern Europe. It lies ...
, Physical Therapy B.Sc. (honours) is available as a course which can be obtained after finishing a four-year course at the Institute of Health Care of the University of Malta. This course involves all aspects of Physiotherapy. Students have an intensive three-year theoretical course after whom s/he spends the last year doing clinical placements (in total = four years). Students learn how to assess and treat patients. To be able to secure a license to practice as a physiotherapist, one must be able to pass some practical exams which involves both assessment and treatment. In the fourth year, students are also expected to complete a physiotherapy research project, which fulfills the requirements of an Honours degree.


Spain

In
Spain , image_flag = Bandera de España.svg , image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg , national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond") , national_anthem = (English: "Royal March") , i ...
a physiotherapy student is required to complete 3 years of training after having passed a university entrance exam. After completing a physiotherapy program, another exam can be taken to work for the public health system of an
autonomous community eu, autonomia erkidegoa ca, comunitat autònoma gl, comunidade autónoma oc, comunautat autonòma an, comunidat autonoma ast, comunidá autónoma , alt_name = , map = , category = Autonomous administra ...
, or a graduate can work for private hospitals, clinics, etc. There are 43 universities with physiotherapy faculties in Spain. Since 2009 physiotherapy has become a four-year career. Physiotherapists who have finished their 3 years of training can also take one more year.


United Kingdom

In the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the European mainland, continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
, pre-registration undergraduate and postgraduate Physiotherapy degree courses are offered by thirty five universities. Undergraduate degree programs are three years in duration in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and four years in Scotland, whilst pre-registration master's degrees are spread over two extended academic years. The difference in the length of degree courses within Scotland compared to the rest of the UK, reflects the nature of the education system within that country and the content of all UK degree programs is essentially the same. All courses are approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the UK
Health and Care Professions Council The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC, formerly the Health Professions Council, HPC) is a statutory regulator of over 280,000 professionals from 15 health and care professions in the United Kingdom. The Council reports its main purpose i ...
- the latter allowing registration and entitlement to use the protected title of
Physiotherapist Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions. It is provided by physical therapists who promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, management, prognosis, patien ...
upon successful completion of the degree program. All physiotherapy degree courses consist of a mix of theoretical and practical teaching sessions and include a compulsory 1000 hours of clinical practice spread across each of the academic years. Pre-registration Physiotherapy training consists of advanced study within each of three distinct areas of UK Physiotherapy practice -
Musculoskeletal The human musculoskeletal system (also known as the human locomotor system, and previously the activity system) is an organ system that gives humans the ability to move using their muscular and skeletal systems. The musculoskeletal system prov ...
,
Neurological Neurology (from el, νεῦρον (neûron), "string, nerve" and the suffix -logia, "study of") is the branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of conditions and disease involving the brain, the spinal c ...
and Cardio-
respiratory The respiratory system (also respiratory apparatus, ventilatory system) is a biological system consisting of specific organs and structures used for gas exchange in animals and plants. The anatomy and physiology that make this happen varies gre ...
care. Typical entry requirements for undergraduate degree courses are three academic GCE 'A' Level courses (or equivalents) at grades between ABB - AAA dependent upon the higher education institution. Postgraduate programs require a degree within a relevant subject (e.g. Biology, Anatomy and Physiology etc.) with a minimum grade of an upper second class honours.


Residency

A residency is usually undertaken after the student completes a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and passes the initial licensure exam. A Residency continues physical therapy education with evidence based training to better equip the resident to be able to help the patients that they will serve. A residency is a specialty designed to advance the residents knowledge in evaluation, examination, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and management of patients within the given subset of patients. Residencies for a Doctor of Physical Therapy are between 9 and 36 months and must be completed within a minimum of 1,500 hours. Residencies may involve community service, research, patient education, teaching opportunities, and the supervision of other health care providers. Residencies are currently offered in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Geriatrics, Neurology, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, Sports, Women's Health, and Wound Care. Residencies prepare the Doctor to become a board-certified clinical specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Residency- and Fellowship-trained physical therapists report practicing more imaging skills (i.e. utilizing evidence-based guidelines) compared to their counterparts.{{Cite journal, last=Mabry, first=Lance, date=2021-08-13, title=Physical Therapists Are Routinely Performing the Requisite Skills to Directly Refer for Musculoskeletal Imaging: An Observational Study, journal=Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, pages=1–12 , doi=10.1080/10669817.2022.2106729, pmid=35968741, s2cid=251557368


Fellowship

A fellowship is designed to provide greater evidence based knowledge in a speciality or subspecialty. To gain acceptance to a fellowship a physical therapist must have one or more of the following qualifications 1) Completion of a residency 2) Board Certified Specialist certification 3) Demonstrate clinical skills within a particular speciality area. Fellowships must be completed between 6 and 36 months and completed with a minimum of 1000 hours. Fellowships are offered in Hand Therapy, Movement Science, Neonatal, Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy, and Sports-Division 1 Athletics. Those individuals who complete post doctoral residencies and fellowships are more marketable as specialized practitioners.


References


External links


Directory of Residency & Fellowship Programs

Directory of Physical Therapist Education ProgramsFaculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University

Physical therapy