The Research of Korea Physical Therapy Curriculum

우리나라 물리치료학과 교육과정 실태 분석

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate purpose of education, goal and curriculums of physical therapy department. Methods: It was carried out a questionnaire survey with total 74 colleges that have the department of physical therapy including the 3-year course (36 colleges) and 4-year course (38 college) from June 10 to August 7, 2010 and collected the data from total 64 colleges including 35 colleges with 4-year course and 29 colleges with 3-year course. Results: First, the purposed and objectives of the physical therapy education of the individual colleges were all excellent, but those of the colleges with 4-year course was a little higher than those of the colleges with 3-year course. Second, the evaluation of the curricula of the individual colleges showed that they have low degree of connection, continuation and integrity and the theory and practice were not harmonized, and scores were low especially in the practice. Third, we have classified the curricula of the individual colleges and found that the practice-based education was lacking among the curricula of Korea. Conclusion: In this study, the fundamental data for the establishment of the integrated and professional physical therapy education system was provided to improve the physical therapy education and the efficiency of the clinical work in the current, fast-moving status of physical therapy. Further study is necessary to present a more standardized curriculum.