Overview :The Department of Physiotherapy is among the college’s 53 multidisciplinary academic programs, which stands out as one of the youngest yet most dynamic departments, constituted for its excellence in academics, research productivity, clinical integration, community engagement, and collaborative efforts.

Mission:The department is committed to provide promotion, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services tailored with innovative and quality education and training, consultancy along with collaboration and  problem based research. 

Vision : We aim to be one of the competent Physiotherapy and rehabilitation facility in clinical and community services through tailored education, collaboration, research and publicity in Ethiopia and East Africa by 2030.

Academic Excellence and Curriculum Innovation

In alignment with global standards , such as the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT, 2004) consensus on curriculum quality, clinical integration, evidence-based practice, and educator competency, Ethiopian Education and Training Policy (2023) and the Ethiopian National Qualification Framework (ENQF Level VI) for the Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (2022), the university adopted a Competency-Based, Integrated, Modular, and Harmonized Curriculum in 2022.  This curriculum is built upon the innovative  principles of the SPICES model (Student-centered, Problem-based, Integrated, Community-based, and Systematic), ensuring relevance to global, regional, and national health priorities. The curriculum is designed to produce graduates who are, Clinically competent, Evidence-driven, Ethically grounded and Socially responsive.

The curriculum offers a comprehensive foundation in:

  • Biomedical sciences (Human anatomy & physiology and Biochemistry)
  • Pathology and pharmacology
  • Health Ethics and professionalism 
  • Evidence based medicine (EBM)
  • Inclusiveness and health equity 
  • Principles of therapeutic exercise
  • Orthopedics and trauma care
  • Neurology 
  • Pediatrics and child health 
  • Musculoskeletal health 
  •  

 

  • Geriatrics Physiotherapy
  • Physiotherapy in women’s Health 
  • Physiotherapy in Sport and fitness 
  • Physiotherapy in Mental health
    Physiotherapy in Wellness & Health Promotion

Academic Programs

  1. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physiotherapy: Currently offered, based on a Competency-Based, Integrated, Modular, and Harmonized Curriculum.
  2. Master of Science (MSc) Programs :Planned to launch in the upcoming years in the following specializations:Neurological Physiotherapy, Pediatric Physiotherapy & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Staff Profile: The department is staffed by a diverse experienced team of professionals

Academic staffs 

  • Senior Lecturers: More than 12 experts in neurological, musculoskeletal, trauma and orthopedic, women’s health, cardiopulmonary, sports, and pediatric physiotherapy
  • Clinical Instructors(Graduate Assistants): More than 5 Graduate Assistants for Practicing physiotherapists who provide mentorship and real-world clinical insights
  • Adjunct Professors:  More than 3 Adjunct professors engage in academic lecturing and research advisory and collaborations

Administrative and technical support staff: The department has secretary, Technical Assistant and  operates under the close guidance and supervision of the Directorate of Rehabilitation and Palliative Care and the Directorate of Medical Services and Education, ensuring alignment with institutional standards and healthcare priorities. Additionally, the department receives comprehensive support from all college-level administrative offices, facilitating smooth academic, clinical, and operational functions.

Research and Innovation :Remarkable  milestones of over 40+ research publications in reputable journals 

 Facilities and Learning Resources

  • Biomedical Skill Labs: Shared resources for anatomy, biomechanics, and therapeutic techniques
  •  Skills Training Rooms: Simulated environments for patient assessment & treatment
  • Outpatient Physiotherapy Department (OPD): Equipped with Electrotherapy modalities therapeutic exercises, and functional rehabilitation modalities 
  • Inpatient Clinical Placements: Including pediatrics, surgical, medical & … ICU wards
  • 3D Technology Hub: Located at the Tana Research and Diagnostic Center (TRDC)
  • Library and Resource Center:Organized with access to textbooks, journals & digital learning platforms

Achievements and Milestones

  • Adoption of a Competency-Based, Integrated, Modular Curriculum in 2022
  • Launch of the Comprehensive Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit
  • Recruitment of 12 senior and young lecturers, 5 new vibrant Graduate Assistants and 1 adjunct associate professor, with 2 more underway
  • A mega Research project : Promotion of Musculoskeletal Health through Population based approaches 
  • Ongoing development of MSc programs in Neurological, Pediatric, and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, set to launch in the upcoming years

Community Engagement and Partnerships

  • Community engagement: We closely work with institutions in the city and vicinity areas Including health centers,  Bahir Dar Rehabilitation Center,  Hidden abilities children Rehab center  and One heart wholeness Therapeutic centers to reach the community.  
  • Partners: Including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), CURE Ethiopia Children's Hospital, and Reach Another Foundation (RAF), supporting staff development, curriculum enhancement, and pediatric rehabilitation infrastructure

Student Life

Physiotherapy students at the college  enjoy a vibrant academic and social environment. They participate in:

  • Weekly Student seminar forums
  • Community health campaigns (CBTP)
  • Interdisciplinary learning activities (TTP)
  • Professional development workshops (PDP)

Contact Us

  1. Berihun Assefa (Director of Rehabilitation and Palliative Care)
  1. Yibletal Wolelaw (Head Deaprtment of physiotherapy)