Physiotherapy Program

1. PHYSIOTHERAPY PROGRAM

The Physiotherapy Program is one of the seven programs currently offered by the Fırat University Health Services Vocational School, which began education in 1990. The program is offered within the Health Services Vocational School, located within the Fırat University Rectorate Campus. During their two-year associate degree education, students receive both theoretical and practical courses. The language of instruction in the program is Turkish. Students carry out their practical applications in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at the Fırat University Faculty of Medicine Hospitals. The student quota for this program is 65. By utilizing all the opportunities of modern education, we strive to provide our students with training at a level that will enable them to compete with other universities both nationally and internationally. The technological infrastructure and educational facilities of the department are organized in a way that allows students to gain the necessary skills and responsibilities they will encounter in their professional lives.

Graduates of our program are employed as professionals in both the public and private sectors. The goal of this program is to educate physiotherapy technicians who are equipped with contemporary knowledge and skills, with the ability to research, solve problems, communicate effectively, and use technological tools, while adhering to ethical principles and valuing human health. This education is provided through a two-year associate degree program in state hospitals, private hospitals, university hospitals, physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics, and private specialized centers, where there is a significant shortage of qualified personnel.

The physiotherapy sector is constantly evolving and renewing itself through technological advancements, which is why the demand for qualified personnel in this field is increasing. The growing number of individuals with congenital or acquired disabilities further increases the need for qualified personnel to assist physiotherapists in the rehabilitation process. With this perspective, associate degree programs in physiotherapy are increasing globally. The education process in this program will integrate new developments and the needs of the modern era. The quality of education will be supported by the equipment available at our University Hospital and additional equipment in line with advancing technology.

Physiotherapy is a profession that plays a significant role in improving health and quality of life by diagnosing and treating movement disorders caused by injuries, diseases, and aging, using evaluation methods specific to physiotherapy after a diagnosis by a specialist physician. Physiotherapists develop and apply treatment approaches, many of which have been developed by physiotherapists themselves, to enhance movement and function in cases of pain and dysfunction. Today, physiotherapists provide services in all situations where movement and function are threatened due to various reasons, and their numbers continue to increase as they contribute to improving quality of life and health. With the increasing lifespan of populations worldwide and in Turkey, the aging process, and the extension of illness periods, the development of the physiotherapy profession has become inevitable. The need for physical therapy and rehabilitation applications is growing due to injuries, diseases, orthopedic disabilities, movement system disorders, and various diseases causing pain and dysfunction. The success of treatments greatly depends on the application being carried out by well-trained auxiliary healthcare personnel.

2. TYPE OF EDUCATION AND OBJECTIVES

Full-Time 1st Education

3. DEGREE AWARDED

Associate degree. To obtain an associate degree in the Physiotherapy program, a student must successfully complete 120 ECTS and achieve a minimum overall academic average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale. Upon completion of the program, graduates are awarded an Associate Degree diploma and the title of Physiotherapy Technician. The conditions outlined in the Fırat University Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree Education-Teaching and Examination Regulation are applicable.

4. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students are admitted to this program through centralized placement by ÖSYM (Student Selection and Placement Center) based on their TYT (Basic Proficiency Test) scores.

5. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

After graduation, the students of this department can work in a wide range of areas. Graduates of this program can work as health personnel in hospitals in both the public and private sectors. Since there is a significant need for qualified personnel in this field in Turkey, graduates can easily find employment. Graduates are awarded an associate degree diploma along with the title of Physiotherapy Technician. Graduates may work in the following areas:

• National and international inpatient treatment centers (e.g., universities, state hospitals, etc.)
• Orthopedics and Traumatology, Neurology/Pediatric Neurology, Psychiatry, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery, General Surgery, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Pulmonology/Thoracic Surgery, Pediatrics, Urology, Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, ENT, all Intensive Care Units, Plastic Surgery Units, Burn Units, Rheumatology departments
• Emergency Departments and Dental Units
• Private Education and Rehabilitation Centers, Prosthesis-Orthosis production and rehabilitation centers
• Primary Healthcare Institutions, Industrial Sectors, Schools, Sports Clubs, Nursing Homes, Vocational Rehabilitation Centers
• Thermal/Spas, Specialty Centers, Home Care Centers, Health tourism hotels, and both public or private facilities

6. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students must successfully complete all the courses in the program, accumulate at least 120 ECTS credits, and achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.00 out of 4.00.

7. RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Students who have previously studied at another higher education institution, either domestically or internationally, and have officially enrolled, may apply during the first week for credit and grade transfer. Their requests will be evaluated by the relevant teaching unit's board, and decisions will be made for the transfer of credits for the entire education on a one-time basis.

Students who have completed secondary education or its equivalent abroad and have obtained the required score in the university entrance exam may enroll in this program. Additionally, students may transfer horizontally from an equivalent program at another higher education institution. For credit transfer, Fırat University’s Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree Education-Teaching and Examination Regulation applies.

8. PROGRAM PROFILE

The profession of physiotherapy plays a crucial role in health by using physiotherapy and rehabilitation-specific evaluation methods to treat any injury, disease, disability, and aging that causes movement disorders, pain, and dysfunction after diagnosis by a specialist physician. Physiotherapists plan and implement treatment approaches developed by physiotherapists worldwide to improve health and quality of life.

The department aims to graduate physiotherapists who can apply scientific, physical, psychological, social, environmental, and community-based approaches in physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices to ensure the active and independent life of healthy or disabled individuals and improve their quality of life. The program aims to graduate physiotherapists who will contribute to society’s development and increased productivity.

This program, guided by scientific perspectives and professional ethics, aims to graduate physiotherapists who have the necessary skills to evaluate, problem-solve, and make clinical decisions to protect and enhance the physical health of healthy individuals. They will also support individuals with congenital or acquired dysfunctions, activity limitations, and participation problems by maximizing their functionality and activity to ensure their societal participation. These physiotherapists will be equipped to perform scientific research, engage in lifelong learning, and contribute to the field through interdisciplinary collaboration.

9. PROGRAM OFFICIALS

Program Head: Lecturer Ezgi GENÇ Fırat University Health Services Vocational School 0424-237 00 00 / 6536

10. TRANSFER TO HIGHER DEGREES

Graduates can transition to Bachelor's degree programs in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Nursing, Nursing and Health Services, or Health Management through the Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS).

11. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND RECOGNITION

Students must successfully complete all the courses in the program, earn at least 120 ECTS credits, and achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.00 out of 4.00.

12. STRUCTURE OF THE EDUCATION PROGRAM

The program consists of 4 semesters. Each semester includes courses worth 30 ECTS credits, totaling 120 ECTS credits. The courses are offered on a semester basis.

13. PROGRAM COMPETENCIES

1. Basic knowledge of the principles of relevant fundamental and biomedical sciences (anatomy, physics, physiology, etc.) related to physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
2. Knowledge of behavioral and social sciences (disability and society, physiotherapy and rehabilitation in public health, introduction to psychology and critical thinking, ethics in physiotherapy, health services, and rehabilitation, etc.) related to physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
3. Knowledge of physiotherapy and rehabilitation fields (adult and pediatric neurological rehabilitation, orthopedic and rheumatic disease rehabilitation, orthotic rehabilitation, prosthetic rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, occupational therapy, sports health and rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, etc.).
4. Knowledge of movement sciences (kinesiology, basic measurement and assessment in physiotherapy, principles of therapeutic movements) and theories on neurophysiological, sensory-perception motor integration, motor learning, biopsychosocial approaches, body mechanics, and ergonomics regarding evaluation and treatment.
5. Knowledge of research methods and techniques in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
6. Knowledge to evaluate the nature, source, limits, accuracy, reliability, and validity of information.
7. Knowledge of diagnostic measurement tools, clinical evaluation methods, processes, and methodological approach principles related to physiotherapy and rehabilitation in various environmental settings (hospital, rehabilitation center, nursing home, industry, home, school, workplace, sports, recreation, etc.).
8. Knowledge of evidence-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices to protect, improve, and maximize functional outcomes for both patients and healthy individuals in various environmental settings (hospital, rehabilitation center, nursing home, industry, home, school, workplace, sports, recreation, etc.).
9. Knowledge of management and organization of institutions and organizations providing physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in the private and public sectors.
10. Communication skills with individuals (healthy or ill), families, different social groups, and other healthcare professionals.
11. Knowledge to access scientific information, track current literature, evaluate, and apply it in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
12. Ability to interpret and evaluate scientifically proven data using advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, define and analyze problems, develop solutions for clinical problems with professional and ethical values, and make clinical decisions based on research and evidence.
13. Ability to apply, monitor, and evaluate evidence-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs to protect, improve, and maximize individuals' health and functional abilities.
14. Ability to identify country-specific priorities in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, plan, and implement them.
15. Ability to share knowledge acquired in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation and work as part of a team, using communication skills.
16. Ability to develop inter-institutional relationships, communication, and joint service development.
17. Ability to work independently using advanced knowledge in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation to protect and improve the health of healthy individuals and, when necessary, collaborate with other healthcare professionals as a team member.
18. Ability to make necessary evaluations and, based on the results of these evaluations, plan and implement patient treatments independently, in collaboration with physicians.
19. Ability to take responsibility both individually and as part of a team to solve complex and unforeseen problems encountered in physiotherapy and rehabilitation practice.
20. Ability to plan, manage, and evaluate activities aimed at the development of individuals under their responsibility.
21. Responsibility for generating scientific knowledge in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation and conducting descriptive and analytical research.
22. Ability to evaluate basic and advanced knowledge and skills acquired in physiotherapy and rehabilitation with a critical approach, determine learning goals and resources, and access resources effectively and efficiently.
23. Serve as a role model to colleagues and society with knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes.
24. Organize and implement projects and activities in cooperation with other professional groups for the benefit of the community, guided by a sense of social responsibility. Continue to generate knowledge and remain open to development through lifelong learning and effective interdisciplinary collaboration.
25. Use information and communication technologies in areas required by physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
26. Document professional activities and practices effectively and safely, maintaining accurate and effective records.
27. Identify the duties, rights, and responsibilities related to the physiotherapy profession and behave according to professional ethics, principles, and standards.
28. Behave according to and participate in quality management and processes.