Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Goals

Movement is life. Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) prepares physical therapy professional with highly-developed clinical reasoning skills to prevent, assess, diagnose and treat people with movement problems in the areas of orthopedic, sports, neurological, cardio-pulmonary, women’s health, pediatrics, oncology, emergency, aged care, and community service

With critical enquiry and evidence-based practice as the foundation, the program promotes the acquisition of cutting-edge clinical and research skills/behaviors that are essential for a physical therapy practice in a complex and continually evolving health care environment.

This program provides quality graduates who contribute significantly to the wider community, by using non-invasive, physical activity-based lifestyle promotion for healthy body and graduates with potential to self-learn to grow professionally and to respond to change and challenges.

Vision:

The Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) Program at the Gulf Medical University will be distinguished for:

• Clinical excellence and advancement of evidence informed Physiotherapy practice
• Scholarly achievements and professional recognition of students, faculty and clinical collaborators
• Dedication to the health and well-being of the UAE community

Mission:

The mission of the Master of Physical Therapy Program of Gulf Medical University is:

• Fosters excellence through its dedication to physical therapy science, clinical skill proficiency, research and evidence-based practice, service & professional duty, and lifelong learning.
• Fosters innovative education to progress the science of physical therapy, to influence current and emerging health care practices and policies, and to advance the profession at national and international level.
• Engage in community and university activities as representative of our teaching, research and professional functions that benefits the quality of health and life of all people.

By the end of the course the graduate of the Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) program will be able to:

PLO1. Incorporate the knowledge from foundational and clinical sciences with advanced physical therapy practice.

1.1 Distinguish between normal and abnormal findings through the application of the competencies in the fields of biomedical, behavioral and clinical sciences when undertaking physical therapy management.

1.2 Use a general and systems approach to explain the indication for physical therapy intervention in health promotion and rehabilitation.

PLO2. Evaluate the patient information appropriate in physical therapy practice and derive a detail problem list and precise diagnosis.

2.1 Collect relevant information through history taking and review of medical records.

2.2 Examine, grade and document medical and clinical status of body systems.

2.3 Perform applicable tests and measures needed for appropriate patient evaluation.

2.4 Analyze the data collected through patient evaluation to derive relevant problem lists and arrive at precise diagnosis.

2.5 Integrate the patient evaluation data to develop physical therapy protocols and reassess the prognosis.

PLO3. Execute advanced physical therapy protocols in the delivery of care and justify them based on evidence-based practice.

3.1 Design a plan of management that is safe, effective and patient/client- centered.

3.2 Involve patient/client, family members, payers and other professionals in planning of care.

3.3 Select and apply appropriate physical therapy interventions consistent with physical therapy practice guidelines and re-assess the treatment outcome using appropriate outcome tools.

3.4 Substantiate the selection, practice and prognosis through the highest level of evidence-based practice.

PLO4. Undertake physical therapy practice as demanded of a member of the rehabilitation team on complex clinical cases.

4.1 Apply management principles when dealing with the other members of the healthcare delivery team.

4.2 Apply basic principles of finance, business and marketing to maintain one’s practice in compliance with the standards of the regulatory bodies.

4.3 Be aware of one’s limitations and promptly seek consultation with another team member considering the best interest of the patient.

4.4 Be aware of the different modalities of management and refer the client to another health professional when physical therapy alone will not resolve the health problem of the client.

PLO5. Undertake research investigations on problems requiring research analysis and communicate the conclusions or solutions in the most pertinent format.

5.1 Conduct scientific studies to contribute to the development of the physical therapy profession.

5.2 Plan and conduct and participate in research activities to develop new knowledge and skills.

5.3 Deal with the challenges of complex issues related to physical therapy and arrive at newer ideas and views of problem solving.

5.4 Compare, validate and device scientific approaches to solve research problems.

PLO6. Undertake practice of the physical therapy profession incorporating ethical learning, standard practice, ideal approach and desirable attitude.

6.1 Observe and execute professional code of conduct as applicable to physical therapy practice.

6.2 Demonstrate integrity in all dealings with patients/clients in the delivery of care.

6.3 Comply with all legal requirements as applicable to physical therapy practice in UAE.

6.4 Consider all resources that are appropriate and available to the individual patient/ client in the planning and delivery of care.

6.5 Exhibit concern for patient’s well-being above all other considerations

PLO7. Communicate commendably at all times with clients, fellow practitioners, interdisciplinary team members, payers and policymakers.

7.1 Use the principles and strategies of communication effectively in planning and preparing health education materials and when interacting with payers and policymakers.

7.2 Choose verbal, nonverbal, or written communication methods of communication that match the age, gender and culture and professional relationship between patient/client and other members of the health care delivery team.

7.3 Be aware of the effect of one’s communication approach and strategies on patient/client and other members of the health care delivery team.

7.4 Demonstrate awareness of the effects of culture and language upon interpersonal communication between patient/client and other members of the health care delivery team.

7.5 Be willing to adapt one’s communication strategies to match the needs of the patient/client and other members of the health care delivery team.

PLO8. Promote health, fitness and wellness both at the level of the individual and the community, based on the principles of education.

8.1 Advocate for health and fitness needs in UAE.

8.2 Be involved in the various community education activities concerned with promotion of health and fitness.

8.3 Educate and promote community efforts to prevent disease, impairment and health risks considering the age, gender, culture as applicable to physical therapy practice.

8.4 Identify gaps in health awareness and health risk factors in the community to develop and provide relevant information to all through appropriate channels.

8.5 Be involved as an integral part of a network of local schools, government agencies, professional organizations, businesses in the health sector and individuals to provide consultation in physical therapy practices.

PLO9. Evaluate one’s physical therapy skills on the basis of current scientific evidence.

9.1 Continue to access current information to update one’s knowledge and critically justify guidelines published by professional physical therapy organizations.

9.2 Integrate and reflect the new information in the delivery of care so that the patient/client will be able to benefit from the latest advances in the field of physical therapy.

MPT Program Competency Mapping and Values:

MPT Competencies are mapped with the competency standards for Physiotherapy are described in the Essential Competency Profile for Physiotherapists in Canada (2017) by Canadian physiotherapy association (CAP) and from Master’s level physiotherapy competency model (Bulley et al 2005).

Mapping of Master of physical Therapy program’s PLOs with CAP and Master’s level physiotherapy competency model is described in below table.

*CAP- Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Program Director

Dr. Ramprasad Muthukrishnan,
Associate Professor.

Plan of study (2022 cohort onwards)

Plan of study (Till 2021)

Course Descriptions

Semester – 1

MPT-PMS 601: Physical Therapy in Musculoskeletal Conditions

This course provides the learner with the knowledge regarding the advanced assessment techniques, standard evaluation scales and principles of physical therapy management for musculoskeletal disorders. This course gives the student the additional skills needed to assess and treat complex musculoskeletal dysfunctions using physical therapy techniques. The student will gain knowledge and develop skills to use different soft tissue techniques, special orthopedic physical therapy approaches, taping and strapping techniques in the rehabilitation of various musculoskeletal disorders of upper extremity, lower extremity, and spine. There will be emphasis placed on developing the knowledge and skills related to rehabilitation following different orthopedic surgeries.

MPT-SPR 602: Sports Rehabilitation

This course imparts knowledge regarding the principles of assessment and rehabilitation skills related to sports injuries. This course enables the specialized knowledge needed to assess and manage sports injuries using appropriate physical therapy interventions. The course emphasizes on identification of commonly occurring sports injuries, its mechanisms, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention. This course also highlights the importance of nutrition and pharmacology in sports rehabilitation.

MPT-PSD 603: Physical Therapy in Systemic and Psychosomatic Disorders

This course emphasizes on theoretical, physiological, and behavioral basis to manage common systemic and psycho-somatic conditions in physical therapy. This course includes case-based learning incorporating standardized assessment tools and clinical decision-making skills. Students must demonstrate efficient physical therapy examination and treatment abilities in a timely manner which is reflective of a contemporary rehabilitation practice.

MPT-ERG 604: Ergonomics

This course equips students to apply the science of ergonomics in healthcare and industry. The course emphasizes on work related problems, work designing, industrial health, special care for children, aged and disabled persons by applying ergonomics principles.

MPT-PMK 605: Patho- Mechanics and Kinesiology

This course will equip the learner to apply the principles of advanced biomechanics, musculoskeletal anatomy, and basic physics in the clinical system. The learner will develop core knowledge, advanced skills and attitudes needed in the examination of various soft and hard tissues, analysis of normal and abnormal movements, physics of human movements.

MPT-EPN 606: Exercise Physiology and Nutrition

This course aims at the learner to integrate the concepts of exercise physiology, nutrition, and human energy expenditure for various activity levels. This course imparts the core knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to assess the systems of energy delivery and its utilization in different populations. Students further emphasis on the physical and physiological adaptations for various exercise training methods. With the integration of the information and knowledge gained from the course work students learn how to apply an exercise program for the special population.

Semester – 2

MPT-PND 607: Physical Therapy in Neurological Disorders

This course offers opportunities for learners to develop and practice advanced therapeutic principles associated with rehabilitation of neurological disorders. This course provides the student with the core knowledge and advanced skills needed to treat neurology related disabilities emphasizing on the analysis of clinical findings, to design and implement advanced intervention programs for patients with increasingly complex problems.

MPT-PPD 608: Physical Therapy in Pediatric Disorders

This course is aimed to provide advanced learning of theory and practical approaches to developmental disabilities, standard assessment methods, advanced developmental therapies, and different workplace practices related to pediatric physical therapy. This course emphasizes the advanced clinical reasoning ability and evidence-based practice to develop child/family-centric approaches. This course provides an opportunity for the student to learn and apply the advanced physical therapy skills needed to assess and treat complex pediatric disorders by considering cultural diversity and the psychosocial dimension of disability.

MPT-PCR 611: Physical Therapy in Cardiovascular & Respiratory Conditions

This course aims at improving the knowledge and understanding of the students to learn and apply evidence-based practice in the management of individuals with cardiopulmonary diseases. Further emphasis is placed on physical therapy examination, diagnosis, development of a physical therapy plan of care and documentation to enhance the clinical practice. With the integration of the information and knowledge gained from the course work, students learn how to apply assessment and physical therapy treatment approaches using different techniques through case-based learning. This course gives the student the additional opportunities to practice in the community to provide cardiorespiratory fitness training, disability evaluation and counseling for the patients.

MS-RM 609: Research Methodology

The course focuses on basic principles of research and the basic ethical and legal principles pertaining to the research. Opportunities will be provided to develop an inquisitive attitude on the part of the trainee by active participation in clinical or laboratory research, research seminars and presentations.

MS-BS 610: Biostatistics

The course equips students with concepts and methods of descriptive and inferential statistics along with their applications. Topics include qualitative and quantitative data, characteristics, sources and presentation, comparison of means and proportions, sampling techniques, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, parametric and nonparametric tests, linear regression and correlation critical interpretation of research results and the use of computers for data processing and statistical analysis is also practiced.

Semester – 3

MPT-CLR 612: Clinical Rotations

This course is aimed to develop advanced clinical skills and deliver quality patient care in the field of physical therapy. With opportunities of experiential learning and hands on training on advanced rehabilitation technologies, students evaluate, diagnose, plan, and execute advanced physical therapy treatment protocols using evidence informed guidelines for diverse groups of clients including complex clinical conditions. Upon completion students demonstrate competencies relevant to professionalism and collaboration to become innovative and reflective practitioners.

Semester – 4

MPT-THS 613: Thesis

This course is aimed to develop advanced research skills to execute well developed research project in collaboration with an academic, scientific, and clinical team in the field of physiotherapy. This course enables students to perform knowledge synthesis, data collection, analysis, and scientific writing, in line with policies of Intellectual Property Right. At the end of the course the student has to submit a thesis and defend the work in the viva. The student will also prepare and submit a publishable article.

Admission Criteria

• Applicants shall meet all admission criteria for entry into the higher education programs offered by the University, as laid down in the Standards (2019) published by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education – Higher Education Affairs, UAE.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Physical therapy from an accredited University in the UAE or equivalent one from outside the UAE.

• Distinct undergraduate performance of cumulative grade point average(CGPA) of 3 on a 4-point scale, or equivalent grade (“B”)

• A Valid license to practice Physiotherapy issued from MoH / DHA / HAAD is preferable or proof of licensure process is preferrable.
• A CGPA less than 3.0 may be admitted conditionally provided that the student registers 6-9 credits hours in the first semester of his/her studies and obtains a “B” average or above.
• The Applicant must complete English proficiency requirement before admission.

Selection is based on interview with Admissions Committee.

Conditional Graduate Admission Read More

Required mandatory documents:

• Recognized baccalaureate degree and transcripts attested from the Ministry of Education, UAE
• Equivalency certificate for graduates from outside UAE
• Passport copy and Emirates ID Card (if UAE Resident- Family book)
• Valid English Proficiency Score sheet (EmSAT/IELTS/TOEFL etc.)
• Passport-size Photographs x 5
• Curriculum vitae
• Two Recommendation letters
• Statement of Purpose
• Relevant academic or professional experience certificates if any

Apply Now: [link]

Highlights

• Emphasis on advanced clinical skills
• Evidence-informed practice
• Hands-on training in state of the art research facility
• Flexible study schedule for working professionals
• Curricular Concentration on Research projects and publication
• Graduate with cutting-edge clinical skills with our on-campus Thumbay physical therapy and rehabilitation center technologies
• 360-degree clinical assessment and feedback.

Clinical Training

Master of Physical Therapy program (MPT) at Gulf Medical University is a graduate program aimed to equip students with advanced musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, and evidence-based professional practice training as a next-generation physical therapy clinician.

Physical therapists specialize in the assessment and treatment related to movement with a strong foundation of clinical training at our state of art Thumbay Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ajman [Link] & Thumbay Hospital, Ajman [Link]

Renowned experts from different specialization of physiotherapy with state of art facilities and laboratories such as gait-balance, virtual reality, robotics, ergonomics, hydrotherapy, electromyography, isokinetic, and exercise testing and prescription will define and advance your career progressed into the specialist level.

360 Degree Clinical Assessment for MPT program

Multisource feedback is the mainstay for the achievement competent clinical skills. MPT graduates are expected to acquire a wide range of advanced clinical competencies essential to provide effective and safe physical therapy practice.  A 360- degree assessment of the clinical competencies incorporated in MPT program provides extensive constructive and consistent feedback mechanism, largely formative and succinctly summative in form. Multisource feedbacks are obtained from various resources such as patients, clinical supervisors, clinical preceptors, peers, and administrators. This process not only provide opportunity to self-evaluate the level of competencies that they have acquired however concurrently provide assessor a reliable account of their graduate’s performance in the established competencies. These feedbacks are not limited to Case reflections, discussions, mini-clinical evaluations, journal & case presentations, and clinical encounters.

Completion Requirements of the MPT Program:

• Successful completion of 41 credits (cohort 2022 onwards).
• Successful completion of 39 credits (cohort 2021 and before).
• A minimum pass mark of 70% (Grade c) for each course except Thesis and a cumulative average of 80% (Grade B) is required for graduation.
• Submitting and defending a thesis to the satisfaction of the Thesis Evaluation Committee with a minimum pass mark of 80%.
• A minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
• Securing a minimum attendance of 80%.

Physical Therapy Career options

• Clinical career not limited to acute care, outpatient clinical setup, Rehabilitation Hospitals, Nursing facility, Home Health, Hospice, Government federal facilities, Sport clubs, Fitness industries.
• Work in the education sector as teacher, lecturer in school and colleges and also as sport and activity physiotherapist.
• Work in the community sector as Rehabilitation manager, Rehabilitation coordinator for various international health agencies, Tech Startup/Entrepreneur, NGOs, Rehabilitation supply companies and Telehealth setup.
• Work as clinical scientist in Government and Private Sport Centers, Sports Agencies, Hospitals, and Research Institutions and Laboratories.
• Progress your career with Ph.D in specialties of Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation and Health Sciences.