BSc in Physiotherapy | Course Details｜OUHK

The Open University of Hong Kong Strives for Excellence in Physiotherapy Courses with its Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physiotherapy

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in physiotherapy - the course provides students with theoretical and practical skill to qualify as professional Physiotherapists.

Physiotherapy is rendered as an important step in patients' rehabilitation. With consideration of the uprising demand for manpower in public health in Hong Kong, the Open University of Hong Kong has set up an all-rounded physiotherapy course in terms of the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physiotherapy. The four-year physiotherapy course is tailored for students to develop necessary skills both theoretically and practically, paving the way to be qualified as professional Physiotherapists.

Physiotherapy aims to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan of an individual. That is why the physiotherapy course of the Open University of Hong Kong provides a holistic approach for students to understand the human body in a full picture. The physiotherapy course incorporates the concept of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) promulgated by the World Health Organisation. The model takes a coherent view of different perspectives of health, biological, individual and social while in the hope of maintaining of health, quality of life, fitness and well-being in all ages and populations.

The curriculum of the physiotherapy course offered by the Open University of Hong Kong has a strong focus on professional and lifelong learning skills. It adopts multiple learning and teaching strategies to facilitate student' learning. These strategies include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, self-guided practice, field visits, online learning environment, capstone project and clinical practicum. The university also strives to incorporate innovative ways of teaching into the curriculum.

Taught by experts in the field, the physiotherapy course is tailored to suit the current practice situation and learning needs. It also covers wide realm of studies including but not limited to Rehabilitation Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Electrophysical Therapy and Advanced Technology in Rehabilitation, Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy and Pharmacology, Clinical Neurology and Developmental Disabilities. All the skills and techniques are widely adopted in real physiotherapy settings and thus, students are equipped with necessary knowledge to build their professional profile and expertise.

Students of the physiotherapy course have to fulfil not fewer than 21 university-based courses and more than 1000 hours of Clinical Practicum in order to graduate. The practicum, which happens in summer terms with Year 4 Autumn and Spring terms, would offer students with real experience at healthcare settings and strengthen their capabilities in dealing with complicated situations and therefore, enhance their competitiveness.

Applicants who are interested to study in the physiotherapy course will have to fulfil the minimum entrance requirements of the programme. They will be assessed in terms of results of HKDSE (or equivalence) and other related criteria.

As the physiotherapy course is recognised by the Physiotherapists Board, graduates of the physiotherapy course will be qualified for practice as Registered Physiotherapists in Hong Kong. They can also apply for full membership of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association.

After certain years of clinical practice, students may also apply for the State Registered Physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council of the UK or sit for licensure examinations in the USA, Canada and Australia.

As Hong Kong is facing a shortage in practicing Physiotherapists, with the profession recognition after graduating from the physiotherapy course, Registered Physiotherapists may work across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, public and private health organizations, non-governmental organizations, private clinics, sports and fitness institutions, elderly homes, community centres, and special schools. For those who would like to engage in continue development, they could enrol into international postgraduate programmes. This renders the physiotherapy course the prerequisite to a career full of prospects both locally and internationally.