Doctor of physical therapy (DPT)

Physical Therapy, also known as physiotherapy is a dynamic profession concerned with evaluation and rehabilitation of patient disabled by pain, disease, or injury and their treatment by physical therapeutic measure. The objective of the program is to produce group of highly competent physiotherapists to fulfill the increasing atnational and international level.

Doctor of physiotherapy (DPT):-  The doctor of physiotherapy (DPT) – 5 years program is a Post-baccalaureate degree conferred upon successful completion of  duration. The DPT Degree was created by American Physiotherapy Association (APTA). The “Vision 2020” states that “By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physiotherapy recognized by consumers & other health-care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, intervention for, & prevention of impairments, functional limitations, & disabilities related to movement, function & health.

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 World Health Organization (WHO) at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center premises. Initially, the school offered a 2 years Diploma course with the minimum entrance qualification of matriculation (science group). In 1961, the 2 years program was upgraded to a 3 years Diploma. Later on, the program was raised to BSc Physiotherapy Degree (3 years) in 1963, affiliated with the University of Karachi, and pertinent changes were added & made in the syllabus according to the need. The International faculties of Physiotherapy had upgraded their syllabi. In order to match those standards; in 1999, BSc Physiotherapy course was upgraded to 4 years BS Physiotherapy Degree Course. Recently, following the “Vision 2020 of APTA”, the 4 years BSPT Program was upgraded to 5 years DPT (Doctor of Physiotherapy) Program in 2008 to meet the International standard. At present, 26 Institutions are serving in the field of Physiotherapy in Pakistan.