| Program Introduction |
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is structured in alignment with the HEC Undergraduate Education Policy V 1.1. (2023) and subsequent guidelines issued by HEC with an aim to effectively address the evolving healthcare needs of both Pakistan and the broader global community. Rooted in evidence-based practice and informed by contemporary healthcare principles, the program is designed to equip students with a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and therapeutic competencies necessary to respond to emerging and persistent health challenges. In a country like Pakistan where the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, neurological impairments, and chronic lifestyle-related diseases remains a critical public health concern—there is an increasing need for well- trained Physical Therapy professionals capable of delivering rehabilitative and preventative care. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is structured to prepare students to fulfill this need by offering a comprehensive and focused curriculum and allied standards that include specialized courses in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, geriatric care, sports therapy, and related domains. In addition to core subject knowledge, the program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, informed decision-making, and effective communication within collaborative and interdisciplinary care environments. Students will also be encouraged to adopt a holistic, patient-centered, and preventative approach to physical health that not only supports individual recovery but also promotes functional independence, mobility enhancement, and overall quality of life. Upon successful completion of the 3 program, graduates will emerge as skilled, compassionate, and adaptable physical therapists, well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare landscape both within Pakistan and on the international stage. |
| Program Objectives |
| Upon completion of the 5 year BS DPT program, graduates will be able to: |
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Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences relevant to physical therapy, both in their fundamental context and in their application to the discipline of physical therapy. |
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Understand, correlate and apply theoretical foundations of knowledge to the practice of physical therapy; evaluate and clarify new or evolving theory relevant to physical therapy. |
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Demonstrate the behaviors of the scholarly clinician by developing and utilizing the process of critical thinking and inquiry, particularly focused on the improvement of the practice of physical therapy and the delivery of health care. |
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Engage in reflective practice through sound clinical decision making, critical self-assessment and commitment to lifelong learning. |
5. |
Demonstrate mastery of entry level professional clinical skills. Provision of these services is based on the best available evidence and includes physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, prevention activities, wellness initiatives and appropriate health care utilization. |
6. |
Prepared to influence the development of human health care regulations and policies that are consistent with the needs of the patient and of the society. |
7. |
Demonstrate leadership, management, and communication skills to effectively participate in physical therapy practice and the health care team. |
8. |
Incorporate and demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviors to all persons. |
9. |
Demonstrate the professional and social skills to adapt to changing health care environments to effectively provide physical therapy care. |
| Market Need / Rationale of the Program |
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a clinical doctoral degree (entry level degree) that reflects the growth in the body of knowledge and expected responsibilities that a professional physical therapist must master to provide best practice to the consumer. All physical therapists are obligated to engage in the continual acquisition of knowledge, skills, and abilities to advance the science of physical therapy and its role in the delivery of healthcare. The qualified physical Therapist can be placed in: |
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Government sector: Physical Therapists are appointed in hospitals in government sectors as Physical Therapists in Grade – 17 as the initial grade of appointment. |
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Physical Therapy Institutes as demonstrator: As lecturer, Senior Lecture, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor depending upon their educational qualification and experience. |
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Hospital and Clinics: As Clinical Therapists, senior Therapist and Supervisor of the facility according to their qualification and experience. |
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Sports Sector: As Sports Physical Therapist, team Physical Therapist and clinical Heads of sports clinic. |
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Rehabilitation Centers: As Rehabilitation specialist both in adult and pediatric. |
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Women Health: A newly emerging field where Physical therapist provide specialized care in Obs/Gynae and urinary /Bladder incontinent issues related to women. |
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ICU/CCU/PICU/NICU: As Respiratory Therapist where a Physical Therapist play a life-saving role. |
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Geriatric and Neurological Rehabilitation Center: Old age in itself is been considered a separate branch of medicine where a physical therapist play an important role in diagnosing, giving assessment and management of conditions while keeping in mind the age related abnormalities of the individuals. In addition to that a lot of Neurological conditions including Stoke, Parkinson’s, MS, MND are mostly related to the individuals with older age groups. |
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School Systems and Special Education institutes: Physical Therapists are involved in the physical assessment of the students and their management as it is necessary for timely screening of the students so that necessary help be advised to the parents. |
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Private Practice: Physical Therapist can also establish their own private practice as per rules and regulation of the government. |
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Nursing Care: In addition to these, Physical Therapists are working in Nursing care Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Long Term Care Facilities. |
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Home Healthcare services: Physical Therapist also involve in home health care as most of the patient in their old age or with some neurological deficit unable to attend Out-patient Physical Therapy Care and it is mandatory to provide physical therapy services to these patients at home. |
| Admission Eligibility Criteria |
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12 years of study completed |
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Study Program/Subject F.Sc. Pre Medical or equivalent |
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Entry Test |
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Any other (if applicable) |
