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Paraguay: a profile of the profession

The data has been provided by Asociacion de Kinesiologos y Fisioterapeutas del Paraguay 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:
Physiotherapist  (Not protected by law)
 
Other title:
Kinesiología  (Not protected by law)
Membership
Number of physical therapist members:
212        (as at 31 December 2011)
Female : Male ratio:
1.68 : 1

Entry level student organisation:
No
Practising physical therapists
Number of practising physical therapists:
1,000        (Authoritative*)

Note: *this data has come from a registration authority, a government source or statistical agency.
Special interest groups recognised by Asociacion de Kinesiologos y Fisioterapeutas del Paraguay
    Recognised special interest groups:
  • None
Collaborative arrangements (twinning)
None
Physical therapist professional entry level education
Number of programmes:
20
Starting education level (minimum):
Diploma
Finishing education level (minimum):
Graduate diploma
Equivalent fulltime years:
4
Education for autonomous practice:
Some

Note: qualification levels are consistent with ISCED 1997 levels
Practice
Scope of practice defined by:
Not defined
Direct access* permitted:
Yes
Standards of practice:
No
Code of conduct:
Yes, WCPT member organisation specific code of conduct

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:
    Yes
    CPD* required for re-registration:
    No
    CPD* required for membership:
    No

    The system of regulation in the country:
    There is currently no law that regulates the practice of physiotherapy in Paraguay. If the person has finished a course at a university, the health ministry will issue the registration as a physiotherapist, with which it may exercise the profession, without there being any specific regulation. Physical therapists educated outside of Paraguay must also register with the Ministry of Health.

    * CPD - Continuing Professional Development