Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy

Purpose: The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy is to provide a holistic physiotherapy and health sciences education that equips the learner with the theory and clinical practice in the form of work-integrated learning to communicate and apply the science of physiotherapy to enhance the health and quality of life of individuals and families in South Africa. The qualification enables the learner to demonstrate their ability to initiate a comprehensive assessment and treatment of an individual, group, family, and population in all fields of Physiotherapy. In addition, the qualification enables the learner to develop and apply scholastic skills in communication, collaboration, advocacy, leadership as well as management of physiotherapy and health services. The qualification provides the learner with a solid base for developing and conducting sound research. The qualification also provides the learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, practice, and attitudes that form the necessary basis for entry into the labour market, professional training, postgraduate studies, and professional independent practice.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

• Practice physiotherapy in the context of comprehensive health care, within the defined scope of practice and expertise of the profession, to continuously improve the quality of health of individuals, families, communities, and the population.
• Plan and perform patient-centred, evidence-based assessment and treatment in collaboration with the integrated management of the inter-professional healthcare team.
• Establish professional therapeutic relationships with patients, clients, caregivers, community leaders and community members during the rendering of professional services.
• Demonstrate leadership and management skills in professional practice while engaging in the stewardship of healthcare resources.
• Identify and respond to the healthcare needs of communities and populations by acting as advocates of health.
• Engage in the continuous enhancement of professional and research activities in a manner that will foster life-long, self-managed learning.
• Engage in professional, timeous communication with inter-professional team members, patients, clients, caregivers, community members and community.
• Demonstrate a commitment to patients, clients, caregivers, and inter-professional team members by applying best practices and adhering to high ethical standards.

Rationale: The Profession of Physiotherapy was first gazetted in 1928 in the Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Act of 1928, although registration with the Board was gazetted in 1931. Physiotherapy is a health sciences profession that promotes, assesses, treats (curative) and prevents human movement disorders, restoring normal function or minimising dysfunction and pain across lifespan such as in adults and children with physical impairment, to enable them to achieve the highest possible level of independence in their lives; preventing recurring injuries and disability in the workplace, at home, or during recreational activities and promoting community health.

The qualification was established to address the growing need for movement and functional disorders in human beings, from utero to the end-of-life stage by using physical activities, exercise and other physical agents or modalities. The qualification aims to develop a physiotherapist and health care professional who is competent in the promotion of health, prevention, curative care, rehabilitative care, and consultative as well as the conduction of appropriate and relevant research. The physiotherapist should be able to identify, assess, diagnose, treat, and manage functional and movement disorders in a variety of settings.

This qualification is designed in consultation with the professional body, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and is recognised as a requirement for a license to practice in Physiotherapy. The physiotherapy learners register with the professional board of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Biokinetics of the HPCSA. When learners qualify, they register with the HPCSA as community service physiotherapists and are employed in the public sector. Following successful completion of community service, the learners register with the HPCSA as independent practitioners and can be employed in various sectors, ranging from public health to education and training centers.

The typical learners are from various schooling and social backgrounds in South Africa and internationally. Career opportunities for qualified physiotherapists include private practices, hospitals, clinics, schools, industries, communities, and high-performance sports centers. They play a vital role in promoting physical activity, mobility, and functional independence in society.Qualified physiotherapists not only benefit from working overseas and engaging in research activities, but also contribute to societal well-being by helping individuals return to work, school, or leisure activities after injury or illness, thus supporting the economy through physical activity and productivity.