Therapy and Rehabilitation

The educational and professional program "Physical Therapy" of the second (master's) level of higher education of Zaporizhzhya State Medical and Pharmaceutical University (Ukraine) is a modern professionally oriented program aimed at training highly qualified specialists in the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation in accordance with European standards and international recommendations.

The program corresponds to the second cycle of higher education according to the FQ-EHEA and level 7 of the European and National Qualifications Framework, has a volume of 120 ECTS credits and is implemented over a period of 1 year and 10 months

The program is developed taking into account the recommendations of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) and is based on modern approaches to rehabilitation, evidence-based medicine, multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach.

It integrates:

- biopsychosocial model of health;

- ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Limitations of Vital Activities and Health);

- principles of evidence-based physical therapy (Evidence-Based Practice);

- modern international approaches to clinical decision-making.

This allows the program to be competitive in the international educational space and prepare graduates for professional activities not only in Ukraine, but also abroad

One of the key advantages of the program is a significant amount of clinical practice - 30 ECTS credits, covering physical therapy for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, nervous system, pediatrics, gerontology and geriatrics, practice on the topic of the qualification work.Practical training takes place on the basis of the university clinic, city hospitals, rehabilitation centers, training and simulation laboratories. Dummies, simulators, modern simulators and rehabilitation equipment are used.

Special attention is paid to rehabilitation after combat injuries, polytraumas, amputations and war-related injuries, which makes the program extremely relevant in today's conditions and at the same time unique in the international context.

The curriculum includes comprehensive training in the key areas of physical therapy: internal medicine, orthopedics and traumatology, neurology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, gerontology, combustiology, palliative medicine, sports medicine.

This ensures the universality of training and expands the employment mobility of graduates in the field of health care

The program actively uses modern digital technologies, simulation training and distance formats:

- the Microsoft Office 365 (Teams) platform for training

- electronic repository and scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science, ORCID)

- online lectures jointly with international partners

- scientific webinars, simulation classes, interactive cases.

A strong aspect is the active involvement of students in research activities and the completion of master's work with a research or innovation component.

A significant advantage is the wide selection of optional components (30 ECTS), which allow students to build an individual educational trajectory according to their professional interests.Among the elective disciplines: kinesiological taping, adaptive means in physical therapy, rehabilitation for amputations, sports medicine, functional training, palliative care, complex rehabilitation after extreme conditions, medical psychology, public health. This corresponds to the global trend of personalization of education.

Since 2015, Z S M Ph U has been participating in the Erasmus+ program, which creates academic exchange opportunities for students and teachers.

The program is aimed not only at the training of a clinical specialist, but also at the formation of:

- managerial competencies;

- ability to do business in the field of rehabilitation;

- teaching and research skills;

- work in multidisciplinary teams.

Graduates can work in clinics, rehabilitation centers, private practices, sports medicine, educational institutions and continue their studies at the PhD level.

The educational program "Physical Therapy" of Z S M Ph U is modern, competitive, socially significant and adapted to international standards and today's challenges. Its key strengths are:

- practical orientation

- international compatibility of standards

- modern infrastructure

- attention to military and post-traumatic rehabilitation

- flexible individual learning trajectory