Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy

The Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in physiotherapy. The programme falls under the Health Sciences category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Physiotherapy Fundamentals and Anatomy, Kinesiology and Biomechanics, Therapeutic Exercise and Manual Therapy, Electrotherapy and Therapeutic Modalities, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Neurological Physiotherapy. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Therapeutic Exercise and Manual Therapy, Paediatric Physiotherapy, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Fundamentals and Anatomy, Sports Physiotherapy and Injury Management. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Sports Physiotherapy, Paediatric Physiotherapy. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy pursue careers as Physiotherapist / Physical Therapist, Neurological Physiotherapist, Sports Physiotherapist, Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapist. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 324,000
Private, up to: Ksh 220,500
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Physiotherapy Fundamentals and Anatomy
Kinesiology and Biomechanics
Therapeutic Exercise and Manual Therapy
Electrotherapy and Therapeutic Modalities
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Neurological Physiotherapy
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Paediatric Physiotherapy
Sports Physiotherapy and Injury Management
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Physiotherapy

Modules

12 in the programme

Anatomy and Physiology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Human body structure and function with emphasis on musculoskeletal, nervous and cardiopulmonary systems.
Physiotherapy Fundamentals and Anatomy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Physiotherapy fundamentals, anatomy, musculoskeletal anatomy, neuroanatomy, physiology, pathology, physiotherapy assessment, outcome measures, and supporting physiotherapy fundamentals.
Therapeutic Exercise and Manual Therapy
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, joint mobilisation, soft tissue mobilisation, myofascial release, massage therapy, stretching, strengthening, and supporting therapeutic exercise.
Exercise Therapy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Therapeutic exercise prescription, progression and rehabilitation programme design.
Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, fractures and post-surgical cases.
Electrotherapy
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Application of electrical and physical modalities for pain relief and tissue healing.
Neurophysiotherapy
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Rehabilitation of patients with stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions.
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, COPD, asthma, exercise testing, aerobic conditioning, and supporting cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Management of cardiac and respiratory conditions, post-operative care and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Research Methods and Community-Based Rehabilitation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design, community rehabilitation principles and evidence-based physiotherapy practice.
Paediatric Physiotherapy
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Paediatric physiotherapy, developmental delays, paediatric conditions, cerebral palsy, paediatric assessment, paediatric gait training, and supporting paediatric physiotherapy.
Sports Physiotherapy and Injury Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Sports physiotherapy, sports injuries, injury prevention, sports rehabilitation, return to sport, taping, bracing, and supporting sports physiotherapy.

Specialisations

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Focuses on orthopaedic conditions, sports injuries, back pain, neck pain, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Sports Physiotherapy
Concentrates on sports injuries, injury prevention, sports rehabilitation, and return to sport. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Paediatric Physiotherapy
Focuses on paediatric conditions, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and paediatric rehabilitation.
Neurological Physiotherapy
Specialises in stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, TBI rehabilitation, and neurological conditions.
Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
Focuses on cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, COPD, and cardiopulmonary conditions. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
Focus on assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, fractures, joint disorders and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Neurophysiotherapy
Specialisation in rehabilitation of patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with morning lectures on physiotherapy fundamentals, kinesiology, or musculoskeletal physiotherapy, followed by laboratory practicals, clinical rotations, or physiotherapy practicum at rehabilitation centres. Students conduct physiotherapy assessments, perform therapeutic exercises, provide manual therapy, apply electrotherapy, and work on their research project. Clinical rotations at KNH, MTRH, county hospitals, and rehabilitation centres provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — road traffic accidents, stroke, and musculoskeletal conditions create strong demand for physiotherapists.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Direct impact — physiotherapists directly restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
Physical demands — physiotherapists perform manual therapy, lift patients, and engage in physical rehabilitation activities.
Emotional demands — working with patients in pain, disability, and long-term rehabilitation can be emotionally challenging.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 349 health sciences courses

Public275k to 324k

275k at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology324k at University of Nairobi

Private110k to 221k

110k at AMREF International University221k at Great Lakes University of Kisumu

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Public 275.4K, UoN 324K (uonbi). AMREF 109.5K, GLUK 220.5K (KUCCPS/educationnewshub).

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, sports club sponsorships, and international physiotherapy scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

3 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective counties demonstrating financial need.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Physiotherapy, Physical Therapy, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant physiotherapy or healthcare experience is advantageous.

Biology or Biological Sciences
C+
Chemistry
C+
English or Kiswahili
C
Mathematics or Physics
C

How you are assessed

5 components

End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and physiotherapy care plans throughout each semester.
Clinical Rotation Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of clinical rotations at rehabilitation centres including patient care, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent physiotherapy research project, assessed through written report and presentation.
Physiotherapy Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of physiotherapy competencies including assessment, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and electrotherapy.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya (PCK). Graduates must register with PCK to practise. The Physiotherapy Act governs physiotherapy practice. Rehabilitation services are expanding across Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.
Physiotherapy Council of Kenya
ProfessionalRequired
PCK accredits physiotherapy programmes, regulates physiotherapy practice, and registers physiotherapists. Graduates must register with PCK to practise.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Physiotherapist / Physical Therapist
High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 160,000
Provides physiotherapy assessment, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and rehabilitation at hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or private clinics registered with PCK.
Neurological Physiotherapist
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 170,000
Specialises in stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and neurological rehabilitation at rehabilitation centres or hospitals.
Sports Physiotherapist
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 170,000
Provides sports physiotherapy, sports injury management, injury prevention, and return to sport rehabilitation at sports clubs or private practice.
Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapist
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 170,000
Provides cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and cardiopulmonary physiotherapy at hospitals or rehabilitation centres.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as physiotherapists and physical therapists. Physiotherapy is in high demand driven by rehabilitation needs. Salaries range from KES 75,000 to 170,000 per month. Ministry of Health, county hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and private clinics offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Stethoscope
Medical equipmentPrimary
Primary diagnostic tool.
KenyaEMR
Health is
Electronic medical records.
Surgical Instruments
Medical equipmentPrimary
Surgical tools and equipment.
Laparoscopic Equipment
Medical equipment
Minimally invasive surgery systems.
PACS
Imaging systemPrimary
Picture Archiving and Communication System.
Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for patient records, treatment tracking and rehabilitation outcome data management.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for physiotherapy research and clinical outcomes analysis.
Physiotools
Software
Exercise prescription software for creating customised rehabilitation programmes.
R
Software
Programming language for clinical research data analysis and epidemiological studies.
DHIS2
Software
District Health Information System for rehabilitation health data management and reporting.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Physiotherapists just give massages.
Physiotherapists provide comprehensive rehabilitation including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapy, gait training, balance training, and functional rehabilitation — massage is one component of physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy is only for sports injuries.
Physiotherapy treats musculoskeletal conditions, neurological conditions, cardiopulmonary conditions, paediatric conditions, post-surgical rehabilitation, stroke, spinal cord injury, and various medical conditions — sports injuries are one area.
There are limited career opportunities for physiotherapists in Kenya.
Kenya's road traffic accidents, stroke prevalence, musculoskeletal conditions, and sports injuries create demand for physiotherapists at hospitals, rehabilitation centres, sports clubs, private clinics, and NGOs.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.