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Pakistan: a profile of the profession

The data has been provided by Pakistan Physical Therapy Association and to the extent possible are a true reflection of the situation in the country, however not all figures are authoritative and should be interpreted accordingly. For definitions and metadata please refer to the data guide. For questions or feedback please contact info@wcpt.org

Reference year: 2011

Professional title
English title:
Physical Therapy  (Protected by law)
 
Other title:
Physiotherapy  (Protected by law)
Membership
Number of physical therapist members:
720        (as at 31 December 2012)
Female : Male ratio:
0.36 : 1

Entry level student organisation:
Yes, represented by the WCPT member organisation
Practising physical therapists
Number of practising physical therapists:
1,250        (Estimated)
Special interest groups recognised by Pakistan Physical Therapy Association
    Recognised special interest groups:
  • None
Collaborative arrangements (twinning)
None
Physical therapist professional entry level education
Number of programmes:
24
Starting education level (minimum):
Upper secondary
Finishing education level (minimum):
Bachelors degree
Equivalent fulltime years:
4
Education for autonomous practice:
Yes

Note: qualification levels are consistent with ISCED 1997 levels
Practice
Scope of practice defined by:
WCPT member organisation
Direct access* permitted:
Yes
Standards of practice:
Yes, the WCPT standard
Code of conduct:
Yes, WCPT ethical principles

Physical Therapists are permitted to:
  • Act as first contact/autonomous practitioners
    •  
  • Assess patients/clients
    •  
  • Make a diagnosis
    •  
  • Treat (interventions, advice and evaluation of outcome)
    •  
  • Refer to other specialists/services
    •  
  • Offer preventative advice/services

    • * Direct access - a person can refer themselves to a physical therapist without referral from another health professional
    Regulation
    Registration required to practice:
    No
    CPD* required for re-registration:
    No
    CPD* required for membership:
    No

    The system of regulation in the country:
    The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan regulates Physical Therapy profession in academia. The Health Ministry of the country at provincial/regional levels provides rules for service structure in public sector. The Pakistan Physical Therapy Association provides recommendations and acts as an advisory body. PPTA has adopted all the policies and guidelines of WCPT that will be gradually implemented in the country keeping in view its country system.

    * CPD - Continuing Professional Development