Divine Word University

Department of Physiotherapy

Degree Program

Program Structure

Entry Requirements

Academic Progress

Clinical Placements

 

History and purpose

The Diploma in Physiotherapy program commenced in 2000 and was upgraded to a Bachgelor degree program in 2009 at Divine Word University. Prior to that, professional physiotherapists studied abroad, since Papua New Guinea did not have its own training program.To meet the need, Divine Word University, in cooperation with Callan Services for Disabled Persons, developed a curriculum for a Diploma in Physiotherapy.

The Physiotherapy program aims to educate students for the profession of physiotherapy. Physiotherapists work in the fields of prevention and treatment of movement disorders that result in functional problems in daily life activities of people. People in Papua New Guinea who may benefit from physiotherapy assistance include people with amputations, brain damage, spinal cord injury, Cerebral Palsy, poliomyelitis, leprosy, burns, nerve or tendon damage, or congenital deformities such as clubfeet and spina bifida. Also people benefit who have joint pains, back and neck problems or sports injuries.

Program Structure

The Physiotherapy program requires four-years of full-time study leading to the award of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy. The program has a balance of theory and practical work. During the program there will be extended periods of placements in hospitals and village settings for practical application of learning. By working alongside experienced physiotherapists in both hospital and community settings, students develop the skills to respond competently to individual patient needs and to work as a member of a health care team.

The Diploma of Physiotherapy consists of a three-year program. The program has two phases.

Phase 1 is predominantly theoretical, with emphasis on basic knowledge and skills. The theory will be brought to the students through lectures and the more practical 'learning through problem solving' method. During this phase a one-week Clinical orientation takes place in one of the training hospitals. Essential units must be passed to graduate. Prerequisite units must be passed before proceeding to the next unit in the sequence. The first phase covers three semesters.

Phase 2 focuses is on practical experience and active research. The practical experience consists of placements in training hospitals and CBR in the fourth and fifth semester. In addition, these two semesters will have seven school-based weeks.

In accordance with all other studies at Divine Word University each year of study is divided into two semesters. The number of contact hours gradually decreases from first to sixth semester, as the number of independent study hours increases.

Entry Requirements

In accordance with the vacant physiotherapy positions in Papua New Guinea there will be an intake of 15 students every second year. The Diploma of Physiotherapy will attract both school leavers with Grade 12 and non-school leavers who have worked in the rehabilitation field for some time.

School leavers must have gained a minimum grade of B in English, Maths and at least one of the Sciences (either Biology or Chemistry) at Grade 12.

Non-school leavers with some sort of bridging certificate such as physiotherapy aides with an associate certificate in rehabilitation, nurses and Health Extension Officers must have a minimum of upper passes in English, Maths and Science at Grade 10. In addition to this they should have at least two (2) years of prior work experience in rehabilitation, with a recommendation from their supervising physiotherapist. The University requires evidence in certificate form of the bridging studies that they have completed.

All applicants will be required to write a supervised English essay to explain why they would like to do the Physiotherapy Program.

All applicants for the Diploma of Physiotherapy will be advised to seek exposure to rehabilitation services and people with disabilities prior to their application. Preference in offering places on the course will be given to those applicants who seek rehabilitation and disability experience. Applicants who do not succeed in gaining such exposure because no such services exist in their area will not be disadvantaged.

Academic Progress

Teaching methods used during contact hours are a combination of theory and practice in lectures, tutorials and practical laboratories. Gradually the emphasis will shift from theory to the practical application of skills. In the first semester theory and practice are in the approximate proportion of 70%:30% whereas in the sixth semester the proportion is approximately 30%:70%.

At Divine Word University, credit points are assigned to each unit in a program to denote the workload involved. To complete a qualification, students must achieve a set number of points. To achieve a Diploma of Physiotherapy, students must:

 

Clinical Placements (Practical)

Clinical placements are essential components of the Physiotherapy program.. It is through these placements that the student gradually develops the skills of an independent professional. During clinical placements the student will integrate and apply knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired during the theoretical phase. The student will also develop and practise problem-solving skills in the clinical situation. By working alongside experienced physiotherapists in both hospital and community settings, s/he will develop the skills to respond competently to individual patient needs and to work as a member of a health care team.

The clinical orientation is used to ensure that students have the aptitude for the profession of physiotherapy. The two clinical placements, each of 10 weeks duration, demand increasing skill level and independence in practice.

Professionalism

The program aims to train students for the profession of physiotherapy. A physiotherapist should be an autonomous, professional person who has the theoretical and practical knowledge and the attitude to assess, treat and advise patients, without regard to their age, race, sex, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs. By doing so s/he supports people with disabilities to obtain equal rights and opportunities.