Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
Health Sciences and Social Services - Rehabilitative Health/Services
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to train undergraduate professionals in physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is a health-care profession that focuses on using physical approaches to promote, maintain, and restore an individual's physical, psychological, and social well-being regardless of their health or economic status.
Physiotherapists primarily manage physical problems, especially those related to the neuro-muscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, to help individuals regain their optimal functional capacity. Their skills involve bio-mechanical, electro-physical, and biochemical elements, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and electro-physical modalities. Physiotherapists use problem-solving and clinical reasoning to apply these skills effectively to meet individuals' diverse needs.
In their role, physiotherapists assess and evaluate an individual's current or potential needs, considering psychological, social, and cultural factors that may affect functional ability. They work collaboratively with patients, clients, and caregivers to optimize functional ability and potential through negotiation and partnership.
Physiotherapists also play a key role in promoting health and preventing health problems by educating individuals and communities about self-care. They may also provide guidance to caregivers and other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated approach that enhances an individual's independence.
Physiotherapists are involved in healthcare at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, as well as in community-based interventions. They can work independently as first-line practitioners or as part of a healthcare team to deliver high-quality rehabilitation and care services to patients.
Outcomes
- Physiotherapy problem-solving. The qualifying learner is competent to identify, assess and manage physiotherapy problems creatively and effectively.
- Application of fundamental and specialist knowledge. The qualifying learner is competent to apply knowledge of basic, medical and human sciences, as well as physiotherapy science, from first principles to solve physiotherapeutic problems.
- Understanding the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. In the contexts of the whole individual and his or her place in the family, society, the population and the environment, at the end of the BSc(Physiotherapy) degree, the qualifying learner will have knowledge of health and its promotion, disease and its prevention, rehabilitation and management in these contexts.
- Professional and General Communication. The qualifying learner is competent to communicate and teach effectively both orally and in writing with peers, colleagues, patients, members of the health care team and the public.
- Investigations, experiments and data analysis. The qualifying learner is competent to: a) Critically evaluate the professional literature. b) Design appropriate research. c) Analyse and evaluate data. d) Contribute to the existing body of knowledge of the profession.
- Lifelong learning. The qualifying learner is competent and understands the requirements to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of up-to date expertise and techniques.
- Team and multidisciplinary work. The qualifying learner is competent to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments showing leadership and performing critical functions.
- Professional ethics and practice. The qualifying learner is critically aware of: a) The need to act professionally and ethically and to take responsibility within own limits of competence. b) The need to act within the legal requirements of the profession and is competent to exercise judgement commensurate with knowledge and experience.
Assessment Criteria
Qualifying Learner Outcomes:
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Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:
- Apply a problem-solving model to assess patients.
- Analyse information and make decisions on assessments, treatments, and diagnoses.
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Theoretical Knowledge:
- Compare anatomy and physiology of normal and pathological organ systems.
- Describe pathology, clinical presentation, and management principles of medical conditions.
- Understand the role of physiotherapists in managing conditions and working with other team members.
- Explain physiotherapy modalities, assessment techniques, treatment planning, and healthcare models.
- Apply physics and biomechanics in therapeutic techniques and equipment.
- Utilize computers for communication and information retrieval.
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Community and Individual Context:
- Establish contact with community leaders and understand cultural sensitivities.
- Analyse healthcare delivery models and roles of healthcare workers.
- Conduct individual assessments, plan management programs, and execute interventions effectively.
- Empower patients through education and home programs.
- Understand healthcare needs at both population and individual levels.
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Communication and Counseling:
- Demonstrate effective communication, counseling, and teaching skills.
- Show empathy, self-awareness, and non-judgmental behavior.
- Understand stages of loss and provide support.
- Disseminate profession knowledge to colleagues and the public.
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Research Skills:
- Conduct literature searches, evaluate research designs, and draw conclusions based on findings.
- Prepare research proposals, undertake research, and present findings to colleagues.
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Lifelong Learning and Career Development:
- Value continuous learning and staying updated with research literature.
- Develop time management and problem-solving skills for career advancement.
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Accountability and Management:
- Demonstrate accountability to the team and community.
- Apply management principles for personal, caseload, assistant, and helper management.
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Ethical Practice:
- Understand the expectations from a physiotherapist regarding ethics and professionalism.
- Adhere to ethical rules of the HPCSA and maintain patient confidentiality.
- Describe the scope of physiotherapy practice and the role of regulatory bodies.
Integrated Assessment:
- Final clinical examination and ongoing assessments evaluate theoretical, practical, and presentation skills.
- Assessment methods include clinical examinations, case presentations, written reports, and oral examinations.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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