Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy

The first purpose of the qualification is to provide the students with a wide range of graduate level knowledge and skills unique to physiotherapy which will enable them to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and to work independently in the public or private sectors in communities, hospitals, clinics, special schools, industry and sports domain. There is an explicit commitment to a Primary Health care approach of client management throughout the programme.

The second purpose of the qualification is to equip the students with management, leadership and research skills which will enable them to participate in health care development and policy making.

The third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with a cadre of physiotherapists to provide effective, efficient and accessible rehabilitation services while continuing to improve their knowledge and skills prior to acquiring postgraduate qualification.

1. Competency in written and oral English
2. The ability to study independently, integrate and apply knowledge, to solve problems, relate well to others and behave in a socially responsible manner

Senior Certificate with Matriculation exemption or equivalent university admission qualification.

Additional requirements

A pass (E) in Mathematics at Higher Grade or of not less than 50% (D) at Standard Grade; and

A pass (E) in Physical Science at Higher Grade or of not less than 50% (D) at Standard Grade

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access may be granted through RPL.

a). Critical cross-field outcomes (generic to all teaching and learning))

b). General outcomes (contextually demonstrated general knowledge, skills and values of the programme)

c). Specific outcomes, including professional outcomes, contextually demonstrated

1. Be able to demonstrate a level of professional excellence which will equip them to claim a place in the international community of physiotherapists.
2. Recognise and commit hum/herself to the health needs of the South African community
3. Confident in the scope of physiotherapy practice
4. Prepared for life-long learning and continuing education
5. Understands and is competent to practise within the primary health care philosophy
6. Demonstrates a client-centred approach to both the promotion of good health and the delivery of health care
7. Prepared for research and enquiry
8. Able and confident to adapt and to be innovative
9. Able to work autonomously and co-operatively with other disciplines
10. Demonstrates an ethic of accountability to both his/her clients and the profession
11. Communicates effectively
12. Demonstrate competency in professional life-skills

1). Demonstrating sound knowledge and understanding of health care, the promotion thereof and of the prevention and management of movement dysfunction

• Applying knowledge of the normal structure, functions and development of a person as a whole and as an individual within the context of the family and the community to real situations
• Scientifically applying theoretical knowledge and appropriate technical skills effectively and safely
• Gathering, evaluating and deploying relevant information in a range of contexts
• Analysing problems and making scientifically-based decisions; recognising the client as an individual; understanding the influence of social, economic and psychological factors that may affect the client's condition and subsequent progress in management
• Taking a history, performing a subjective and physical evaluation, interpreting the findings and planning effective management
• Appropriate and timeous referral to other health services
• Demonstrating understanding of disability and its socio-economic implications

2). Demonstrating knowledge of national and international health policies and the health system in South Africa

• Being aware of human rights as referred to in the country's constitution
• Being aware of the health needs of the country
• Recognising the cultural, social and historical context of clients
• Being sensitive to and aware of the beliefs/values of other community within which he/she works
• Appreciate the importance of sustainable community development
• Appreciate the impact of social change, the political decision-making process and economic imperatives of business, industry and government on health management

3). Demonstrating an understanding of the uniqueness of physiotherapy as a discipline

• Being able to identify the limitations of physiotherapy
• Being able to analyse and explain the theoretical/scientific basis for physiotherapy techniques
• Demonstrating knowledge of legislation guiding physiotherapy practice

4). Identifying his/her own limitations and having the capacity to evaluate his/her personal level of knowledge and the need to seek assistance/guidance when necessary

• Being aware of and accepting personal weaknesses
• Being responsible for personal learning and development
• Being aware of a range of learning strategies and preferred learning styles
• Sustaining intellectual curiosity and critical thinking as a professional person

5). Understanding the underlying philosophy of primary health care

• Being aware of the interaction of broader health issues affecting South African society
• Being able to disseminate knowledge and give advice on health issues
• Appreciating the historical and current socio-economic and political issues facing the community and contributing to health problems

6). Being sensitive and tolerant to the values, cultural and religious differences pertaining to health and illness of clients, their families and communities

• Appreciating differences that arise from religion, language, culture and place
• Being able to act as an advocate for clients and communities
• Respecting the client as an individual and as an active participant in his/her health issues

7). Analysing information critically

• Being aware of aspects of health management that need to be investigated
• Formulating a research proposal and applying the principles of research methodology
• Conducting and annotating a scholarly project that reflects research principles and is relevant to health issues
• Demonstrating appropriate awareness and understanding of research in physiotherapy

8). Adapting techniques and client management appropriately to the working environment

• Developing new programmes for client management and health promotion

9). Maintaining a positive concept of self as capable and autonomous

• Working in a self-directed way
• Being able to make informed decisions
• Working collaboratively with different groups, identifying the needs of others and building positive relationships
• Working in a team (co-operating with all team members, sharing ideas, forging personal recognition, negotiating solutions when opinions differ, resolving conflict, recognising strengths of other team members, sharing responsibility, conveying a shared vision for the team and displaying a commitment to make the team function effectively)
• Understanding the holistic approach to multidisciplinary decision-making within the health team
• Displaying sensitivity to other team members when organising and presenting ideas

10).Being able to distinguish between ethical and unethical conduct

• Behaving and conducting him/herself in a professional manner
• Demonstrating a commitment to the physiotherapy profession
• Recognising social justice issues relevant to health and physiotherapy
• Demonstrating responsibility to clients/community
• Being able to compile and maintain structured client records
• Being aware of values that compromise health

11). Being able to communicate in the regional languages (isiXhosa and Afrikaans)

• Recognising that there are different family structures, communities and societies with whom health professional interact and communicate
• Demonstrating the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with clients, families, colleagues and other members of the health care system

12). Demonstrating basic management skills and being able to apply legitimate and appropriate procedures within a wide range of settings

• Demonstrating verbal, written, computer, mathematical, visual and affective literacies

Being able to manage time effectively

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

A minimum of 1000 hours of clinical work are required to meet the minimum standards for the profession as outlined by the Health Professions Council of SA.

The learner must succeed in all courses to be eligible to receive the qualification. A pass mark for each course is considered to be 50%. All courses in a particular year have to be passed before a learner is allowed to advance to the next year of the programme

A learner who fails a course may be entitled to present him/herself for re-examination in a supplementary examination, or may repeat the course and the subsequent assessments, at the discretion of the Health Sciences Faculty Examinations Board. A learner who fails a course for the second time will be excluded from the programme.

The examinations in theoretical courses include formal tests during the year and a final written paper. Practical and clinical courses include formal tests during the year and a final practical or clinical examination at the end of the year. Practical and clinical tests and examinations have a large oral component to them. The combination of year marks/final examination marks for each course is determined before the programme starts by the University Senate on the recommendation of the Department and Faculty and is known to the candidates. Both internal and external examiners have responsibilities for all parts of the examination i.e. including those parts of it that are administered during the course in the form of tests, assignments and projects. Where class work contributes to the final mark, it does not exceed 49% of the total. The form of assessment for Z coded courses is by portfolios, simulations, assignments, group presentations, projects or modular tests.

Assessment methods utilised during the final year of study are

• Applied Physiotherapy 111A: written assignments, theory examinations comprising essay-type questions requiring integration and application of all knowledge, skills, values and attitudes learnt during the entire four years of the programme.
• Applied Physiotherapy 111B: year mark comprises performance in the clinical area for the whole block and a final block clinical test that involves the treatment or assessment of a patient. The final exam comprises the treatment of one patient and the assessment of two patients whom the student has not seen before. This requires the integration and application of all knowledge, skills, values and attitudes learnt during the entire four years of the programme.
• Physiotherapy Research Project: research project is written up describing the hypothesis, literature overview, methodology, data collection, analysis of data and findings.
• Health Sciences: Practice Management: workshops are conducted in small groups on various aspects of management. Group assignments are written and presented orally on the design of a business plan.