Program Description: BSc in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation program is to graduate physiotherapists who are fully prepared to practice the profession independently, within interprofessional teams, and based on scientific evidence. The goal is to maximize the function, health, well-being, and quality of life of patients and society.

Furthermore, the program aims to meet European standards and align with the European physiotherapy competencies as defined by the European Commission’s Classification of European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO). This is achieved through qualified academic staff, advanced teaching methodologies, and measurable learning outcomes that integrate both professional and scientific knowledge.

The program is designed to ensure that students acquire the minimum core competencies recommended by World Physiotherapy, addressing the growing needs of society within an increasingly complex healthcare system, while adhering to the professional codes of ethics of Physiotherapy in Kosovo.

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) program in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation is developed in accordance with the research and development strategy of the Faculty of Medicine. Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring international recognition of the ECTS credit system and the awarded academic degree.

The study program is aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) Qualifications Framework, as well as with the standards set by World Physiotherapy and the ER–Statement on Physiotherapy Education in the European Region.

The learning outcomes correspond to Level 6 qualifications (Bachelor level), as defined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the EHEA Qualifications Framework.

 

The knowledge that the student will acquire upon completion of the studies includes:

Upon completion of the program, the student will have acquired:

• Advanced knowledge in the field of Physiotherapy, including a critical understanding of theories and principles based on scientific evidence;
• An understanding of the role of physiotherapy within the context of community health needs and national healthcare priorities;
• Knowledge of professional and ethical behaviour in physiotherapy practice;
• Knowledge of basic medical sciences, human movement sciences, and various medical conditions along with their conservative and surgical treatments, to identify the psychological, social, economic, and cultural aspects of diseases and their impact on the community.

Skills to Be Acquired Upon Completion of the Studies

Upon completion of the studies, the student will have acquired the following skills:

• Possess advanced skills, demonstrating mastery and innovation necessary to solve complex and unpredictable problems in the field of physiotherapy;
• Perform independent work within the scope of physiotherapy practice;
• Have the ability to examine and identify dysfunctions that require physiotherapeutic intervention;
• Be able to select appropriate methods for conducting subjective and objective physiotherapeutic examinations, in order to identify pathological conditions;
• Be capable of designing an appropriate physiotherapy treatment program based on the findings from the examination;
• Have practical skills to effectively implement the physiotherapy treatment program.

Competencies to Be Acquired Upon Completion of the Studies

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will have developed the following competencies:

• Management of activities or projects within the professional field;
• Taking responsibility for decision-making in unpredictable work or study contexts;
• Assuming responsibility for the management and professional development of individuals and groups;
• Ability for critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas;
• Strong communication skills with patients, other healthcare professionals, and community members;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a healthcare team.

To provide a holistic overview of what students are expected to achieve upon successful completion of the program, the above learning outcomes  aligned with Level 6 qualifications (BSc) of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) are summarized in the following ten learning outcomes:

Learning Outcomes for Students after Completing the Program:

1. To be able to evaluate and plan the physiotherapeutic treatment and determine the physiotherapeutic diagnosis based on scientific evidence.
2. To exercise the profession of physiotherapist with full responsibility and autonomy, in accordance with the codes of professional conduct, legal and ethical responsibilities.
3. To be able to demonstrate analytical and practical skills to identify and resolve issues affecting health; be able to specify and apply evidence-based practices in clinical physiotherapeutic decision-making.
4. To be able to effectively use innovative therapeutic and diagnostic equipment in the field of physiotherapy.
5. To be able to communicate with patients and the healthcare team.
6. To have the ability to work in a health care team showing professional and interprofessional communication skills with the community at the national and international level.
7. To have skills for critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas.
8. To be able to adopt the principle of lifelong learning; critically evaluate the reliability and validity of information and use up-to-date scientific and technological practices.
9. To be able to contribute to the prevention and promotion of public health through the development of new approaches to meet the various needs of society and to develop health policies in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
10. To be able to take responsibility and demonstrate effective work and management skills autonomously, as an individual and as part of a healthcare team.

The following diagram shows the relevance and contribution of each learning outcome to the achievement of competences of physiotherapists defined based on the guidelines on developing a curriculum for physiotherapists at the basic level of the education program (GUIDANCE FOR DEVELOPING A CURRICULUM FOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST ENTRY LEVEL EDUCATION PROGRAMME ) and Statement on Physiotherapy Education of Europe​ region.

 

Diagram no. 1. Inter-linkage and contribution of each learning outcome to the achievement of the physiotherapist competencies.