About Physical Therapy Program | كلية العلوم الطبية التطبيقية

About Program

The Bachelor of Physical Therapy (BPT) Program at King Khalid University, established in 2003 under the Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, was initiated to address the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s increasing demand for qualified rehabilitation professionals. The program emerged in response to the nation’s growing healthcare needs resulting from population expansion, an aging society, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and the need for post-surgical rehabilitation services. It is designed to prepare competent Saudi physiotherapists capable of providing evidence-based care across both urban and rural communities. The establishment and continuous development of the program are strategically aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, particularly its objectives to enhance the healthcare system, localize the health workforce, and strengthen the capacity of national institutions in delivering high-quality health services.

The faculty comprising a distinguished group of academics and clinical specialists continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing the program’s academic rigor, research productivity, and professional relevance. In the last academic year alone, faculty members produced over 120 peer-reviewed publications, reflecting the program’s strong research culture. While this achievement is commendable, the self-study report underscores the need to expand the number of active research projects and strengthen student involvement in research activities to promote sustainability and deeper scholarly engagement. Likewise, student feedback and course evaluation results indicate a need to broaden practical exposure in specific areas, including prosthetics, radiology, and specialized rehabilitation fields such as women’s health and burn management.

Overall, the infrastructure and learning resources are adequate and supportive of current academic needs. Nevertheless, strategic initiatives are underway to modernize teaching and learning processes through the integration of digital technologies, virtual laboratories, and simulation-based training environments. Community engagement remains one of the program’s strengths, demonstrated by its active participation in regional health awareness campaigns and social outreach activities. Moving forward, these efforts will be further institutionalized through structured community service modules and sustained partnerships with regional healthcare providers.

Quality assurance processes are comprehensive and well-embedded within the program’s governance structure. Regular evaluations of courses, program learning outcomes (PLOs), faculty performance, and student satisfaction form the backbone of continuous improvement. The Program Advisory and Curriculum Committees meet periodically to refine curricular content, enhance assessment practices, and ensure alignment between learning outcomes and market requirements. Recent improvements—such as revising course specifications, enriching clinical mentorship, and promoting student-centered learning demonstrate the program’s strong culture of reflective practice and ongoing enhancement.

The Bachelor of Physical Therapy (BPT) Program at King Khalid University stands as a nationally recognized, quality-driven, and strategically aligned academic initiative. It reflects the Kingdom’s broader commitment to advancing healthcare education and workforce readiness under Vision 2030. Through the continuous efforts of its faculty, the active engagement of students, and the expansion of research and community collaborations, the program remains well positioned to meet emerging healthcare challenges and contribute meaningfully to the development of Saudi Arabia’s rehabilitation sector.

Program Vision

To be a leading program in physical therapy education, research, and community engagement, fostering lifelong learning and excellence in healthcare delivery

Program Mission

Foster an enriching educational environment that prepares competent physical therapists to provide quality healthcare delivery, engage in research and evidence-based practice, and contribute to community health needs through dedicated service and personalized therapeutic approaches

Program Goals

Create a supportive and dynamic educational environment that fosters critical thinking, professional ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare students for entry-level practice in physical therapy.
Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to deliver safe, effective, and evidence based physical therapy services for diverse patient populations.
Promote research in physical therapy by integrating evidence-based practices into education and clinical applications.
Address community health challenges by fostering partnerships, delivering quality physical therapy services, and promoting lifelong learning to adapt to advancements in healthcare.

Graduate Attributes

Critical Thinking: Develop problem-solving skills and clinical reasoning to address diverse patient needs.
Ethics and Professionalism: Demonstrate ethical behaviour and professionalism in all aspects of physical therapy practice.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work effectively within interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.
Evidence-Based Practice: Integrate research and scientific evidence into clinical decision-making.
Community Engagement: Address community health challenges through partnerships and outreach programs.
Lifelong Learning: Pursue continuous education and professional growth to adapt to advancements in healthcare.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge Domain:

K1: Recall the fundamental sciences forming the foundation of physical therapy practice.

K2: Interpret clinical and diagnostic parameters in physical therapy for diverse populations.

K3: Demonstrate understanding of ethical, legal, and research principles in modern physical therapy.

2. Skills Domain:

S1: Perform comprehensive patient assessments to develop individualized care plans.

S2: Apply evidence-based interventions to restore function and enhance quality of life.

S3: Utilize clinical reasoning to evaluate treatment outcomes and adapt interventions effectively.

S4: Integrate scientific research into clinical decision-making to advance physical therapy practices.

3. Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility

V1: Exhibit ethical and professional behaviour aligned with cultural and legal standards.

V2: Communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams.

V3: Engage in community health outreach to promote accessibility and awareness.

V4: Pursue lifelong learning and specialization to stay updated with advancements in physical therapy.

Curriculum Structure

Program Structure	Required/ Elective	No. of courses		Credit Hours	Percentage
Institution Requirements	Required	13		34	26
Institution Requirements	Elective	0		0	--
College Requirements	Required	5		11	10
College Requirements	Elective	0		0	--
Program Requirements	Required	32		82	64
Program Requirements	Elective	0		0	--
Capstone Course/Project	NA	NA		NA	NA
Field Training/ Internship	12 Months Practice in Hospital		1440 hours		---
Residency year	NA	NA		NA	NA
Others	NA	NA		NA	NA
Total		50		127	100
Graduation Requirement
The students need to complete all courses with Pass grade to enter internship. The student cannot enter Internship till he passes all the courses from level 1-8. After that the student must complete the internship year (the completion of internship training is for 12 months), after which he/she will receive graduation document.

Program learning Outcomes Mapping Matrix

Align the program learning outcomes with program courses' according to the following desired performance levels (I = Introduced & P = Practiced & M = Mastered).

Course code & No.	Program Learning Outcomes
	Knowledge and understanding			Skills				Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility
	K1	K2	K3	S1	S2	S3	S4	V1	V2	V3	V4
NGL -019								I	I	I
IC1 -111								I	I	I
ARAB - 201								I	I	I
PHYS -102	I	I
ZOOL -105	I	I
CHEM -110	I	I
CHEM - 111	I	I
COMM -141			I				I
CS -101			I						I
ICI -112								I	I	I
ANAT -211	I	I
PHTH - 213		I		I
PHTH -214	I	I	I
PSL- 223	I	I
MBC- 228	I	I
ARAB-2 (202)								P	P	P
PHTH -211		P	P	P		P
ANAT - 214	P	P		P
PHTH -222		P	P	P		P
PHL- 225	P	P
PATH-236	P	P
PSL -242	P	P		P
ICI-113								P	P	P
PHTH -212		P	P	P		P
PHTH 302		P	P		P	P	P	P	P
PHTH 303			M	M	M	M	M	M	M
PHTH 317		P	P	P		P
PHTH 318		P	P	P		P
PHTH 319		P	P		P	P	P	P	P
ICI 4-114								P	P	P
PHTH 224		P	P		P	P	P	P	P
SUR 322	P	P
PHTH 323	P	P
PHTH 324		P	P		P	P	P	P	P
PHTH 325	P	P
PHTH 326			M	M	M	M	M	M	M	M
PHTH 327		P	P					P	P
PHTH 221	P	P		P
PHTH 411		P	P		P	P	P	P	P
PHTH 412		P	P		P	P	P	P	P
PHTH 413			M	M	M	M	M	M	M	M
PHTH 414		P	P		P	P	P	P	P
MED 442	P	P
COMM 472			P				P	P			P
PHTH 421			P					P	P	P
PHTH 422		P	P		P	P	P	P	P
PHTH 423	M		M				M	M			M
PHTH 424	M		M				M	M			M
PHTH 425								M	M	M
PHTH 426			M	M	M	M	M	M	M	M

Teaching and learning strategies

Domain	Program Learning Outcomes	Teaching Strategies	Assessment Methods
Knowledge and understanding	K1: Recall the fundamental sciences forming the foundation of physical therapy practice.	Effective lecturing Effective classroom discussion Practical Active Learning Case studies Problem-based learning Group Discussions Flipped classrooms Projects Counselling	Multiple Choice Questions Short answer type questions Discussions Assignments Quizzes Practical exam Continuous assessments OSCE Logbook Interactive Case Based Discussions Presentation Research Projects reports Summary Writings
	K2: Interpret clinical and diagnostic parameters in physical therapy for diverse populations.
	K3: Demonstrate understanding of ethical, legal, and research principles in modern physical therapy.
Skills	S1: Perform comprehensive patient assessments to develop individualized care plans.	Effective lecturing Effective classroom discussion Practical Active Learning Case study Case Discussions Problem-based learning Flipped classrooms Clinical postings Literature discussion Group Discussions Virtual case studies, Presentation Projects	Multiple Choice Questions Short answer type questions Discussions Assignments Quizzes Practical exam Continuous assessments Interactive Classroom Activities OSCE Case presentations Logbooks, lab reports, Class Discussion Group tasks Class participation Project presentations
	S2: Apply evidence-based interventions to restore function and enhance quality of life.
	S3: Utilize clinical reasoning to evaluate treatment outcomes and adapt interventions effectively.
	S4: Integrate scientific research into clinical decision-making to advance physical therapy practices.
	V1: Exhibit ethical and professional behavior aligned with cultural and legal standards.	Practical Clinical Postings Case studies Active Learning Virtual case studies Case Discussions Group Discussions Projects Counselling Assignments	Multiple Choice Questions Short answer type questions Practical examinations Discussion Assignments Quizzes Logbooks Class Discussion Group tasks Class participation Project presentations Peer evaluations, attitudes & values assessed through various rubrics, Participation In community activities OSCE Interviews
	V2: Communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and
	V3: Engage in community health outreach to promote accessibility and awareness.
	V4: Pursue lifelong learning and specialization to stay updated with advancements in physical therapy.

Guidance and Orientation Programs for New Students

The Physical Therapy Program offers tailored orientation programs to address the specific needs of its students:

Program-Specific Orientation:
- Overview of the physical therapy curriculum, including program learning outcomes and clinical training requirements.
- Introduction to faculty members, lab facilities, and clinical equipment.
Hands-On Workshops:
- Demonstrations of basic physical therapy techniques and equipment during orientation week.
Career Path Guidance:
- Sessions on potential career opportunities in physical therapy, including specialization fields.
Mentorship Programs:
- Assignment of senior students or faculty members as mentors to guide new students through their first semester.

Student Counseling Services

The program provides specialized counselling services to meet unique student needs:

Academic Counselling:
- Program advisors assist students with course selection, clinical training schedules, and academic performance improvement.
- Workshops on time management and effective study techniques tailored for a rigorous physical therapy curriculum.
Professional Counselling:
- Guidance on clinical placements, internships, and professional certifications.
- Assistance with preparing resumes, cover letters, and interview techniques for physical therapy roles.
Psychological Counselling:
- Access to dedicated counsellors familiar with the pressures of healthcare training.
- Stress management sessions and support groups for students in high-demand clinical settings.
Social Counselling:
- Programs to foster teamwork and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds.
- Events to encourage networking and social integration within the healthcare community.

Special Support

The program provides targeted support for students with exceptional needs:

Support for Low Achievers:
- Revision classes, Class Discussion, and peer-assisted study sessions for struggling students.
Support for Students with Disabilities:
- Accessible classrooms, laboratories, parking area and Washrooms.
Support for Gifted and Talented Students:
- Opportunities for participation in advanced research projects or teaching assistant roles.
- Guidance for pursuing specialized certifications or attending professional conferences.
Emotional and Academic Interventions:
- Dedicated support staff to monitor and intervene early for students at risk of dropping out.
- Regular check-ins and follow-ups to ensure all students are progressing successfully.

Learning Resources, Facilities, and Equipment

1. Learning Resources

Learning resources required by the Program (textbooks, references, e-learning resources, web-based resources, etc.)

The Physical Therapy Program ensures access to comprehensive and up-to-date learning resources, including:

Textbooks and References:
- Core textbooks are available in the university library which covers anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, pathology, and rehabilitation courses.
- Advanced references for specialized topics like Cardiopulmonary, neurological, orthopaedic, and paediatric physical therapy.
E-Learning Resources:
- Subscriptions to academic platforms such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest for research and evidence-based practice.
- Access to online learning management systems (Blackboard) with integrated modules, assignments, and quizzes.
Web-Based Resources: KKUx, Flexible learning paths
- Open-access databases and digital libraries for free educational materials.
Journals and Research Articles: King Khalid University website
- Access to peer-reviewed journals in physical therapy and related disciplines for students and faculty.

Annually College provides KKU Central Library and Saudi digital library provides the department with a form to order a list of books and references for the program

2. Facilities and Equipment

Library:
- Well-stocked physical and digital libraries offering textbooks, journals, and audio-visual materials.
- Dedicated quiet zones and collaborative workspaces for group discussions.
Laboratories:

Anatomy Lab

Purpose: Provide hands-on learning of human anatomy, essential for understanding the physical structures involved in therapy.

Equipment:

Anatomical models of muscles, bones, joints, and organs.
Dissection kits (if cadaveric study is part of the program).
Interactive digital anatomy tables or software for virtual dissections.

Exercise Therapy Lab

Purpose: Allow students to practice and learn therapeutic exercises for rehabilitation and fitness.

Equipment:

Treadmills and exercise bikes.
Resistance bands, dumbbells, and medicine balls.
Balance boards, stability balls, and proprioceptive devices.
Stretching mats and therapeutic wedges.

Electrotherapy Lab

Purpose: Train students in the use of electrical modalities for pain management and rehabilitation.

Equipment:

Ultrasound therapy machines.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units.
Interferential therapy devices.
Combination therapy units (e.g., ultrasound + electrical stimulation).

Cardio-pulmonary (Respiratory) Lab

Purpose: Equip students to handle patients with cardiopulmonary conditions, focusing on cardiovascular and respiratory therapy.

Equipment:

Pulse oximeters and blood pressure monitors.
Spirometers for lung function testing.
Oxygen therapy devices.
Treadmills and ergometers for cardiopulmonary fitness testing.
Cardiac rehabilitation monitors (e.g., ECG devices).

Orthopaedic Labs

Purpose: Focus on treating and rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries.

Equipment:

Splinting and casting tools.
Gait analysis systems.
Orthotics and prosthetics fitting kits.
Skeletal models for understanding joint mechanics.
Traction devices and modalities for orthopaedic therapy.

Paediatric Labs

Purpose: Train students to address developmental, congenital, and functional issues in children.

Equipment:

Paediatric therapy equipment (e.g., small-sized treadmills, therapy balls, and wedges).
Toys and play-based therapy tools.
Adaptive devices and paediatric orthotics.
Sensory integration tools (e.g., swings, tactile boards, and vests).

Neurological Rehabilitation (Adult Neurology) Labs

Purpose: Prepare students to work with adults recovering from neurological disorders or injuries.

Equipment:

Gait and motion analysis systems.
Neuromuscular stimulation devices.
Balance training systems, such as harnesses and stability platforms.
Virtual reality tools for neurological rehabilitation.
Wheelchairs, walkers, and assistive devices for mobility training.

Classrooms:

- Spacious and well-ventilated rooms with ergonomic seating and advanced teaching aids (smartboards, projectors).
- Dedicated seminar halls for workshops and guest lectures.

Clinical Training Facilities for students:

- This clinical training course is designed for physical therapy students to gain hands-on experience in assessing, treating, and managing patients across diverse specialty areas: neurology, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, orthopedics, and burn rehabilitation. Under the supervision of specialized physical therapists, students will refine their clinical reasoning, intervention planning, and treatment techniques tailored to each specialty population.
- Partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centres for real-world exposure for students.
- On-campus clinics for practice under supervision.

Field Training facility for Internship students (12 months): Graduation requirement This internship training program aims to provide hands-on clinical experience and enhance the knowledge and skills of physical therapy students in specialized areas of neurology, cardiopulmonary, orthopedics, and burns rehabilitation. Students will apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, develop clinical reasoning, and cultivate patient-centered care practices under the supervision of experienced professionals.

3. Procedures to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment

Safety Standards:

Compliance with health and safety regulations, including University guidelines.
Regular inspection and maintenance of all equipment and facilities.

Hazard and Infection Control:

Availability of hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Hazard management guidelines

Emergency Preparedness:

Clearly marked emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits in all facilities.
Conducting regular drills for fire safety and medical emergencies.

Accessibility:

Wheelchair-accessible classrooms and facilities to accommodate students with disabilities.
Adjustable equipment to ensure inclusivity.

Health Monitoring:

Mandatory health screenings for students and staff as needed.
Availability of on-site medical assistance or referral services.

Mental Health Support:

Counselling services to address stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
Stress management workshops and peer-support programs.

Environmental Controls:

Proper lighting, ventilation, and temperature regulation in all facilities.
Noise control measures to ensure a focused learning environment.

A List of the Program Achievements, Awards, and Significant Accomplishments

The Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy program at King Khalid University has demonstrated consistent achievement in faculty development, academic contributions, and community service. Faculty members have received recognition through awards, certificates of appreciation, and leadership roles in professional workshops, including specialized training events such as the Kinesio Taping Therapy workshop. Several faculties, including Dr. Ajay Prashad Gautam, were honored with awards for community service and extracurricular contributions, while others such as Dr. Batool Alkhamis, Dr. Snehil Dixit, Dr. Ravi Shankar Reddy, Dr Jaya Shanker, Dr Basant, Dr Irshad, Dr Kumar, and Dr. Devika Rani, contributed to specialized lectures and clinical training initiatives.

At the program level, the department has successfully organized skill-based training sessions and actively participated in institutional and community health awareness events, including World Physical Therapy Day, World Diabetes Day, and Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns. Collaborative initiatives such as the Medical Consultation Caravan (2024) further reflect the program’s engagement with public health priorities.

Overall, these accomplishments highlight the program’s strong culture of academic excellence, professional engagement, and community service, aligning with institutional KPIs and supporting national goals under Vision 2030.