1. About the Course
The Diploma course prepared to start from 2008. This is due to a major restructuring of courses at the Daffodil International University. The Diploma in Physiotherapy is

• Suitable for Local / overseas qualified physiotherapists as a bridging course to the Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework


• Partial preparation for Local / overseas qualified physiotherapists wishing to undertake the Bangladesh Physiotherapy Council examinations (required to obtain registration to practice as a physiotherapist in Bangladesh)


• A refresher course for locally qualified physiotherapists wishing to re-register following a period of prolonged absence from physiotherapy practice

The Diploma provides an opportunity for students to develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical basis underlying physiotherapy intervention in the major clinical specialty areas, practical experience through short clinical placements, and an introduction to research methods, scientific communication and health promotion.

2. Structure
The Diploma in Physiotherapy comprises a one-year full-time program of theory and clinical practice from February to November.

• In Semester 1, the aim is to develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical basis underlying physiotherapy intervention in the major clinical specialty areas (musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic, and neurological physiotherapy)
.

• In semester 2, students undertake theory and supervised clinical practice in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.


• The course also includes seminars and practical sessions focusing on interpersonal communication and clinical reasoning skills, an introduction to research methods and scientific communication, and health promotion in the context of physiotherapy practice.

3. Subjects for Postgraduate Diploma in Physiotherapy
Courses of the Program

Semester	Code	Subject Name
1	513  889	Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Studies 1
1	513  890	Neurological Physiotherapy Studies 1
1	513  891	Cardiothoracic Physiotherapy Studies 1
1	513  887	Introduction to Research Methods
2	513  884	Physiotherapy Studies 2
2	513  892	Health Promotion & Professional Communication
2	513  888	Exercise in Clinical Practice

4. Entry Requirements
All applicants must hold a qualification that enables graduates to practice as physiotherapists. Applicants will be required to demonstrate that they have had a minimum of 12 months clinical experience since graduation. Both academic achievement and clinical experience will be considered by the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referee reports and employer references. The Selection Committee may also consider documented evidence that applicants have continued to update knowledge and skills in the discipline.

5. Entry from the Postgraduate Diploma to the Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework
Students who pass the Diploma with at least an H2B (70%) in subject 513-884 Physiotherapy Studies 2 and an average of at least an H3 (65%) across all other subjects may apply for entry into the Master of Physiotherapy (by Coursework) program. The availability of specific streams in the Master of Physiotherapy (by Coursework) program in any year is dependent on minimum numbers of students enrolling.
6. Generic and Specific Skills
On completion of the course graduates should have developed the following skills:

Generic Skills

• a capacity for self-directed learning and the motivation for life-long independent learning.


• problem-solving abilities, with flexibility of approach.


• a capacity for effective oral and written communication.


• an ability to critically evaluate and synthesize research literature.


• a capacity to manage competing demands on time.


• an appreciation of the team approach to learning in complex areas.


• An awareness of cultural differences in patient assessment and management.


• an understanding of professional responsibility and ethical principles in relation to individuals and community, both locally and internationally.

Specific Skills

• a deeper knowledge of anatomy, applied anatomy and physiology underpinning physiotherapy practice.


• clinical skills and techniques applicable to physiotherapy practice in the areas of musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic and neurological physiotherapy, including clinical reasoning skills, assessment and treatment techniques, development of treatment plans for comprehensive patient management.


• a capacity to sources information from computerized medical literature databases.

7. Subjects with Practical Components
All students are required to participate in practical experience, including participation in mixed gender classes. Practical classes provide the opportunity to experience the roles of therapist, patient and observer. Participation will require students to remove appropriate clothing to permit inspection and exposure of the body part for treatment. This allows visual assessment, palpation of the part for diagnosis and accuracy of apparatus positioning. In the patient role, students experience the sensations and effects of the various forms of assessment and treatment in preparation for the giving of explanations and advice to patients. In order that no student is disadvantaged, the only exceptions from participation are when a student has specific medical contraindications. It is expected that students behave in a professional manner at all times when working with fellow students.
8. Eligibility to Practice in Bangladesh
For an overseas qualified physiotherapist to be eligible to practice as a physiotherapist in Bangladesh, it is necessary to pass the Bangladesh Physiotherapy Council assessment. Completion of the Postgraduate Diploma of Physiotherapy will not qualify applicants to practice physiotherapy in Bangladesh.