Physical Therapy Department

 

Physical Therapy Department

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Physical Therapy is one of departments in the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences. It was established in 1429 H / 2009 G to prepare graduates trained in Physical Therapy in order to satisfy the needs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to fulfill the great demand in the Health Care Community. The first batch of students (males and females) admitted to the B.Sc. program in Physical Therapy program was in 1430 H / 2010 G.

The B.Sc. program in Physical Therapy offers courses in Physical Therapy background, equipment, modalities, and therapeutic interventions as well as clinical courses that include therapeutic techniques in different pathological conditions. This is done to provide sound academic background needed for study and practice of modern Physical Therapy procedures in hospitals and health care facilities.

This curriculum is newly implemented. It is the outcome of the work of staff members, and members of the curriculum committee. B.Sc. programs in Physical Therapy were revised during the proposed stages of the program since 2009 G. Examples of some institutes include King Saud University and some internationally accredited university programs.   

Mission and Objectives

:Vision

The program is ultimately aimed at preparing students to develop ability to assess,    plan, implement and carry out the proper Physical Therapy techniques and procedures for patients according to their needs and health conditions.

:Mission

The program aims to share in improving the quality of the graduate to be able to cope with requirements of the local, regional and global needs in Physical Therapy field. The department staff members afford their practical experiences in order to help their students to acquire the optimum level of achievement.

:Objectives

The program Qualifies graduates on the use of properties of therapeutic exercises, heat, cold, water, electricity, vibration, ultrasound and motion to improve circulation, strengthen muscles and encourage the patient to regain movement. The course deals with technical procedures used in physical therapy for disabled patients. The job opportunities for graduates are available in the Sectors of health, rehabilitation centers and sports clubs for the treatment of sports injuries and diseases of nerves and treatment of physical deformities and wounds and raise the capacity of the patient's physical and mental training on the use of prosthetic devices when needed. In addition to:

      Provide B.Sc. degree in Physical Therapy to the Health Care Community.*

      Satisfy the growing demand of Saudi market of graduate Physical Therapists.*

      Prepare students to demonstrate appropriate communication skills, problem solving skills, and critical thinking skills.*

      Prepare the students with the ability to exhibit the level of clinical competency and patient care of an entry level technologist.*

      Ensure that each graduate student has an understanding about the importance of values and life long learning experiences.*

      Develop tools and strategies of the department to cope with international standards.*

      Improve the students’ effectiveness as a result of performance development.*

      Utilize the continuing education strategy to achieve education effectiveness, related to society needs.*

      Achieve a good standard of scientific researches in Physical Therapy and rehabilitation of handicap children, according to environmental requirements. *

Admission and Graduation requirements

Admission requirements:

Students entering the B.Sc. in Physical Therapy must meet all the university and faculty admission requirements. In addition, the students must show interest in dealing with patients and working in hospital environments.

Graduation requirements:          

The degree granted is Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. The B.Sc. in Physical Therapy is four years and one obligatory year as an “Internship Program”. In order for a student to qualify for a B.Sc. in Physical Therapy degree, he  must successfully complete the total credit hour requirements (140 credit hours) including university requirements , General Collage  requirements and physical therapy requirements  (90 credit hours). In addition to graduate in Physical Therapy, a student must earn a grade of “D” (at least 60%) or better in all required courses .

Internship:

All the students have to  successfully spent the obligatory training year of internship program that aims at:

1.          Obtaining further experience in relation to standard investigation and procedural activity.

2.          Acquiring further skills in interpersonal relationships with both patients and other staff members.

3.          Consolidating a sense of professional ethics and responsibilities.

4.          Allowing each intern to spend a reasonable amount of time working at each Physical Therapy department.

This is a 12-month internship for the students after completing all credit hours successfully. The student will spend 3 months in each field of the 4 major fields in Physical Therapy (Pediatrics, Neurology, Orthopedics and Traumatology and Cardiopulmonary Disorders).