The Allied Health Professionals Council of Pakistan (AHPC) released a formal notification on 14.05.2024. In their 5th meeting held on 25.04.2024, the AHPC committee decided that holders of 5-year DPT undergraduate degrees shall use the title 'Dr.' with their name and suffix 'PT'.
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| Source: Dr. Naqeeb khan PT (DPT,MSPT) Facebook Page. |
In 2021, the NCAHP (National Commission of Allied and Healthcare Professionals) Act was passed in India, but to date, none of its provisions have been implemented. An official website for the NCAHP has not been created yet. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Indian physiotherapists.
Who are Physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists, also known as physical therapists, are trained professionals whose practice begins with the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of various conditions, including injuries, paralysis, disabilities, movement disorders, muscle and joint pain, etc.
History of Physiotherapy in Pakistan:
The School of Physiotherapy was established in 1956 by the Federal Government, Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, with the assistance of the World Health Organization (WHO) at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center premises. Initially, the school offered a 2-year Diploma course with the minimum entrance qualification of matriculation (science group). In 1961, the 2-year program was upgraded to a 3-year Diploma. Later, the program was elevated to a BSc Physiotherapy Degree (3 years) in 1963. In 2007, for the first time in Pakistan, the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) was introduced. With tireless efforts and dedication, physical therapists across Pakistan approved a curriculum for a 5-year DPT program from the Higher Education Commission.
What is the DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) program?
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is an undergraduate health science program dealing with human health. The duration of the DPT course is 5 years.
DPT Admission Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates must have completed matriculation and intermediate with science subjects, including physics, chemistry, English, and biology.
- Candidates are required to pass the subjects with at least 50% marks.
- Candidates with a BSc degree (3 years physiotherapy program) can also enter the DPT program.
Higher Education after DPT program:
The Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) is a postgraduate two-year specialized physical therapy degree program. It allows students the opportunity to obtain research-based and professional qualifications to practice. It is a two-year postgraduate degree program equivalent to 18 years of schooling (MS/MPhil) according to HEC criteria.
Clinical Specialization:
- Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT)
- Neuro-Muscular Physical Therapy (NMPT)
- Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy (CPPT)
- Women's Health Physical Therapy (WHPT)
- Sports Physical Therapy (SPT)
- Pediatrics Physical Therapy (PPT)
- Community Health (CHPT)
Non-Clinical Specialization:
- MSPT in Anatomy
- MSPT in Physiology/Sports Physiology
FAQs:
What is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree?
A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is an undergraduate professional degree that qualifies graduates to become licensed physical therapists.
What are the prerequisites for a DPT program?
Prerequisites typically include courses in biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. Additionally, many programs require observation hours in a physical therapy setting.
How long does it take to complete a DPT program?
DPT programs usually take about 5 years to complete.
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