The academic content of the Physiotherapy Associate Degree Program provides students with a comprehensive education in basic health sciences and physiotherapy practice. The curriculum is usually organized in a two-year program and includes theoretical courses, practical applications and internships. Here are the main components of this curriculum:
Basic Medical Sciences: In the first phase of the program, students are introduced to basic medical sciences such as human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathology. These courses enable students to understand the structure and functions of the body and learn the causes and effects of diseases.
Physiotherapy Techniques: A large part of the curriculum is devoted to physiotherapy techniques and methods. In these courses, students are taught various rehabilitation techniques such as massage, exercise therapies, manual therapy, electrotherapy and hydrotherapy. It also includes specific applications for special conditions such as pediatric, geriatric and orthopedic rehabilitation.
Patient Assessment and Planning: Students acquire the skills to assess the condition of patients and develop appropriate treatment plans. In these courses, topics such as examination techniques, functional assessment and treatment planning are covered.
Clinical Practice and Internship: Putting theoretical knowledge into practice is one of the most important parts of this program. Students gain experience through internships in various health institutions. In this process, they develop their professional skills by working on real patient cases under the guidance of experienced physiotherapists.
Professional Ethics and Communication: Physiotherapy students are taught ethical principles that they should observe in their professional practice and methods of effective communication with patients. These courses help students to understand their responsibilities as professional health workers and to respect patient rights.
Elective Courses and Seminars: Students are offered a variety of elective courses to choose from according to their interests or career goals. The program also includes seminars, conferences and workshops given by experts in their fields.
The curriculum of the Physiotherapy Associate Degree Program is regularly updated to be compatible with the constantly developing health and rehabilitation sciences. In this way, students can follow the latest developments in the sector and have up-to-date knowledge and skills when they graduate. The aim of the program is to train students as competent, ethical and sensitive health professionals in the field of physiotherapy.