Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

Covers the structure and function of the human body including all organ systems, with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, nervous and cardiovascular systems relevant to physical therapy.

Kinesiology and Biomechanics

Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

Covers human movement analysis, joint mechanics, muscle function, posture, gait analysis and biomechanical principles applied to physical therapy.

Exercise Therapy and Manual Therapy

Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

Covers therapeutic exercise prescription, stretching, strengthening, manual therapy techniques including mobilisation and manipulation, and treatment progression.

Electrotherapy and Physical Agents

Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

Covers therapeutic modalities including heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, TENS, laser therapy and hydrotherapy, with indications and contraindications.

Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

Covers assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions including fractures, joint disorders, soft tissue injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation and spinal disorders.

Neurorehabilitation

Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

Covers assessment and treatment of neurological conditions including stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease and traumatic brain injury.

Cardiopulmonary and Paediatric Physical Therapy

Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

Covers cardiopulmonary rehabilitation including post-cardiac surgery, COPD and asthma management, and paediatric physical therapy for developmental disorders and childhood disabilities.

Sports Physical Therapy and Community-Based Rehabilitation

Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

Covers sports injury assessment and rehabilitation, injury prevention, community-based rehabilitation approaches and disability management in community settings.

Research Methods and Healthcare Management

Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

Covers research methodology, evidence-based practice, healthcare management, quality assurance, professional ethics and private practice management.

Research Project in Physical Therapy

Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore

An independent research project on a physical therapy or rehabilitation topic, assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Therapy

Focuses on musculoskeletal assessment and treatment, post-surgical rehabilitation and spinal therapy for careers in orthopaedic settings.

Neurorehabilitation

Specialises in neurological rehabilitation including stroke, spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy management for careers in neurorehabilitation centres.

Sports Physical Therapy

Focuses on sports injury prevention, assessment and rehabilitation for careers with sports teams, athletes and sports clinics.

Paediatric Physical Therapy

Specialises in developmental disorders, childhood disabilities and paediatric rehabilitation for careers in children's hospitals and schools.

HELB Loan

HELB Loan

LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

Kenyan undergraduate students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised universities

Continuous Assessment Tests

Written examination30% of the mark

Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering anatomy, physiology and kinesiology fundamentals.

Clinical Skills Practicals

Practicum40% of the mark

Assessment of clinical skills laboratory sessions including assessment techniques, exercise therapy and electrotherapy practicals.

Clinical Placement Assessment

Practicum100% of the mark

Assessment of clinical rotations at hospitals and rehabilitation centres, covering patient assessment, treatment planning and therapeutic interventions.

Research Project

Project100% of the mark

A final-year research project on a physical therapy or rehabilitation topic, assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Physical Therapist

Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 200,000

Assesses, diagnoses and treats movement disorders and disabilities using exercise, manual therapy and electrotherapy in hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centres.

Sports Therapist

Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 180,000

Specialises in sports injury prevention, assessment and rehabilitation, working with athletes and sports teams in sports clinics and training facilities.

Community Rehabilitation Officer

Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 130,000

Provides community-based rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, supporting mobility, independence and social inclusion in community settings.

Orthopaedic Physiotherapist

Moderate demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 190,000

Specialises in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, treating fractures, joint disorders, post-surgical patients and spinal conditions in orthopaedic settings.

Physical therapy is just massage and exercise.

Physical therapy is a science-based healthcare profession requiring deep knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, pathology and neuroscience to assess, diagnose and treat movement disorders and disabilities.

Physical therapists only work with sports injuries.

Physical therapists treat a wide range of conditions including stroke, cerebral palsy, post-surgical rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary conditions, workplace injuries and age-related mobility issues across hospitals, clinics and community settings.

Physical therapy is not a real medical profession.

Physical therapy is a recognised allied health profession regulated by professional bodies, with practitioners working alongside doctors and nurses in hospitals and rehabilitation centres.

There are limited job opportunities for physical therapists in Kenya.

Kenya's growing burden of non-communicable diseases, road traffic injuries and sports participation creates increasing demand for physical therapy services in both public and private healthcare settings.