Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is a dynamic profession with an established theoretical base and widespread clinical applications.  It is concerned with the promotion of human health, the prevention of disability, and the evaluation and rehabilitation of patients disabled by pain, disease, or injury.   Physical therapeutic measures are used in the treatment.

Physical therapy is provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, a specialist in physical therapy.  Physical therapists, also known as physiotherapists, are professionally educated at the college or university level and also may obtain clinical specialist certification.

The Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University Department of Physical Therapy was the second physical therapy program to be established in Saudi Arabia.  In 2000 it was opened for male students and then in 2006 it was opened for female students. 

College

College of Applied Medical Sciences

Campus

Dammam

Track

Health

Level

Undergraduate

Degree

BSc

Gender

Female, Male

Years of study

5 (Includes Preparatory and Internship years)

Credit hours

137

Additional requirements

Internship

Stage One

The first year or Preparatory year of the program, students will concentrate on the University requirements in the humanities and sciences.

Stage Two

In the second year, students will begin their specialization in the medical sciences by taking anatomy, physiology and introductory courses in physical therapy.

Stage There

The third and fourth years are devoted to the professional program, where physical therapy courses are emphasized as well as clinical education experience, which provides the students with concurrent opportunities to apply both their acquired knowledge and clinical skills.

Internship

Followed by a training year (internship) to promote practical skills that were learned throughout their years of study at IAU.

Career Opportunities

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation units
• Health centers
• Athletic facilities
• Schools
• Research centers
• Geriatric care units

First year

Students will complete their Preparatory Year in the Health track.

Second year

The coursework in the second year will cover the basics of anatomy and physiology as well as include introductory courses in physical therapy.

Third and Fourth years

These two years are devoted to the professional program.  Various physical therapy specialties will be emphasized along with clinical education experiences that provide students with opportunities to apply both their acquired knowledge and clinical skills.

Fifth year (Internship year)

During the Internship year, graduates from the program will be able to study and clinically practice as technologists through a rotation program in various hospital departments. Students will be evaluated periodically after each phase until the end of the internship year.