Programmes

Physical Therapy (BSc.)

Programme Overview

Physical Therapy is a health profession, concerned with health promotion, prevention of physical disabilities and the rehabilitation of persons disabled by pain, disease or injury. 

Programme Objectives

Aim

To prepare entry level Physical Therapists with the required knowledge, skills, attitudes and techniques to deliver quality health care, competently and effectively in order to improve level of health care in the Caribbean.

Objectives

Demonstrate competence in evaluating referred individuals
Provide safe and competent Physical Therapy care to clients of all ages
Demonstrate basic understanding of scientific inquiry/research methods
Apply research, knowledge and skills to solve Physical Therapy problems
Exhibit self-directness in pursing personal and professional growth 
Practice Physical Therapy within a context that is congruent with Code of Ethics
Make meaningful contribution to the quality of life of Caribbean people

Admission Requirements

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:

Be at least 18 years old at the time of admission of the programme.
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.
Each applicant accepted in the programme is subjected to a personal interview.
 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: 

Integrity and honesty
Ability to instruct, motivate and be patient with each other.
Ability to express warmth and understanding through helping, caring relationship
Ability to assume responsibility and use initiative.
Willingness to accept direction and instruction and assume responsibility for own actions
Ability to express self adequately, orally and in writing.
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.

Programme Structure

Year I

1. Human Gross Anatomy ANAT 1011

2. Human Physiology PHYL 1010

3. Biomechanics PHTH1140

4. Exercise and Massage Therapy PHTH1144

5. Critical Reading and Writing FOUN1014

6. Introduction to Psychology PSYC 1000

7. Basic Medical Science 1 PHTH 1012

8. Basic Medical Science 2 PHTH 1011

9. Medical Science 1 (Ortho) PHTH1110

10. Applied Anatomy PHTH1030

11. Evaluative Skills PHTH1143

12. Clinical Practice (5 weeks) PHTH 1510

Year II

1. Neurophysiology PHTH 2010

2. Neuroanatomy ANAT 2010

3. Physical Agents In Rehabilitation PHTH2243

4. Medical Science II PHTH2100

5. Musculosketal Rehabilitation I PHTH 2245

6. Musculosketal Rehabilitation II PHTH2241

7. Lifespan PHTH 2211

8. Introduction to Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences SOCI 1005

9. Exercise Physiology PHTH 2110

10. Electrotherapy PHTH 2244

11. Caribbean Civilization FOUN 1101

12. Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation PHTH 2242

13. Professional Socialization PHTH 2210

14. Clinical Practice 2- Summer PHTH 2251

Year III

1. Administration Management PHTH 3310

2. Selected Clinical Topics PHTH 3311

3. Community Medicine & Community Based Rehabilitation PHTH 3312

4. Medical Sciences III PHTH 3110

5. Neurological Rehabilitation PHTH 3342

6. Orthotics PHTH 3320

7. Scientific Enquiry PHTH 2212

8. Law, Governance, Economy and Society FOUN 1013

9. Clinical Practice 3 PHTH 3352

10. Clinical Practice 4 PHTH 3353

11. Final Professional Examination PHTH 3331

Careers after Graduation

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.