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Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Overview of the Programme

The Bachelor of Sciences (BSc) in Physical Therapy is a three-year full-time course of study designed to teach students to diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and to enhance physical and functional abilities. The educational process will be directed to all aspects of health care delivery in the profession – corrective, preventative, consultative and any other service for the purpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physical disability and movement dysfunction. Management of movement dysfunction will include restoration, maintenance and promotion of optimal physical function, wellness, fitness and quality of life as it relates to movement and health. Students who are awarded the BSc Physical Therapy degree are required to complete an internship period of (1) year in an acute or rehabilitation hospital in order to register to practice in Jamaica. Upon the successful completion of the internship period, they become eligible for registration with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine, Kingston, Jamaica. Registration with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine is a legal requirement for the practice of Physical Therapy in Jamaica, West Indies. The postgraduate program duration is four semesters including 1 summer semester in which students can register full time or part time and the scheduling of classes will allow persons to continue working while they pursue the degree.

 

 

Objectives of Curriculum

At the end of the programme, the Physical Therapist will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate competence in evaluating referred individuals with a view to applying appropriate physical therapy intervention and/or initiate appropriate referral.
  2. Provide safe and competent physical therapy care to clientele of all age groups in a variety of settings.
  3. Develop strategies such as counselling and preventive techniques, which will facilitate the accessibility of rehabilitation services.
  4. Demonstrate concern for the individuality and rights of man in relation to health care
  5. Demonstrate basic understanding of scientific inquiry in order to facilitate the use of critical inquiry as a basis for action.
  6. Apply knowledge gained by analysing the context in which Physical Therapy is practised in order to provide services which are cost effective and economically sound.
  7. Demonstrate self-directedness in pursuing personal and professional growth through lifelong learning.
  8. Apply research, knowledge and skills to study and solve Physical Therapy practice problems and initiate change to improve the quality of Physical Therapy care.
  9. Utilise the principles of management and administration in the delivery of Physical Therapy care.
  10. Collaborate and communicate effectively with clients, individuals, families and other members of the health care team in achieving well-defined health goals.
  11. Practice Physical Therapy within a context that is congruent with the Code of Ethics that governs Physical Therapy.
  12. Demonstrate an understanding of various values and beliefs in order to enhance cultural growth.
  13. Make meaningful contributions to the quality of life of the people of the Caribbean.

 

 

Admission Requirements (undergraduate & Postgratuate)

Applicants for the admission to the Bachelor of Science, Physical Therapy will be required to satisfy the following requirements:

  • Minimum of FIVE CXC or GCE O Levels subjects which must include English Language, Biology and Mathematics.  Passes at the CXC  examination level must be at the general proficiency Level grades I, II, III

AND

  • Passes in two-units of TWO of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics or equivalent at the advanced Level (CAPE or GCE).

Also, Applicants are further required to:

  1. Be at least 18 years old at the time of admission of the programme.
  2. Complete at the time of admission to the programme, sixty (60) volunteer hours in a Physical Therapy department.  It is required that at least (30) hours must be spent in an acute general hospital. Candidates must make their own arrangements for doing volunteer hours.
  3. Each applicant accepted in the programme is subjected to a personal interview.
  4.  Sit the UWI English Proficiency Test ( please visit the department of Language, Linguists and Philosophy MONA)

 

 

 

Personal Qualifications

 

There are certain personal characteristics that are required to be admitted into the programme as certain characteristics are EXTREMELY important in the individual who chooses Physical Therapy as a career. These characteristics include:

  1. Integrity and honesty
  2. Ability to instruct, motivate and be patient with each other.
  3. Ability to express warmth and understanding through helping, caring relationship
  4. Ability to assume responsibility and use initiative.
  5. Willingness to accept direction and instruction and assume responsibility for own actions
  6. Ability to express self adequately, orally and in writing.
  7. Firm commitment to the successful study of Physical Therapy.

 Applicants for the admission to the Master of Science, Physical Therapy should have an honors BSc Physical Therapy degree. Candidates with a diploma will be admitted once they have completed 3 qualifying courses from the BSc programme.

 

 

Career Opportunities in Physical Therapy

 

Opportunities for employment exist in both private and public sectors, in the area of general acute and rehabilitation hospitals, long term care facilities, home care, sports medicine and ambulatory care clinics.

 

 

 

Members of Staff

Head of Section: Dr. Carron Gordon, PhD, MSc, BSc, Dip. PT, RPT, CUTL

Administrative Secretary: Mrs. Jenilee Sydial-Henry, BSc, MSc

Secretary III: Mrs. Shakera Sharpe- Beezer, B.A, Post grad, Dip.Ed.

Senior Office Attendant: Mrs. Marjorie Edwards Merchant

Office Attendant I: Miss Sandra Campbell

 

Contact our Office

The Section of Physical Therapy (3rd Floor)

Department of Basic Medical Sciences

Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex

Telephone: (876)-927-2235

Email: carron.gordon02@uwimona.edu.jm

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