Updated Policies and Standards for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Education

January 21, 1998

CHED MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 007-98

 

In accordance with pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994," and for the purpose of rationalizing Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Education in the country with the end in view of keeping apace with the demands of global competitiveness, the following policies and standards for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Education are hereby adopted and promulgated by the Commission, thus:

ARTICLE I

Authorization

SECTION 1. Only Higher Education Institutions that own a base hospital with Rehabilitation Center with physical therapy/occupational therapy facilities which will comply with the policies and standards, managed by a physical therapist working with a physiatrist or Higher Education Institution's with notarized contract with an accredited rehabilitation center duly authorized by the Commission on Higher Education upon the recommendation of the Regulatory Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy of the professional Regulation Commission shall offer Physical Therapy and occupational Therapy courses.

SECTION 2. Representatives from the Commission on Higher Education and the Board of Examiners for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy shall make an ocular inspection of all facilities of the institution to assure that they conform with the required policies and standards as specified therein. The concerned professional associations may be consulted from time to time and may be invited to join the inspection team.

ARTICLE II

Mission Statement

SECTION 1. The main objective of the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy Education is to provide the country with Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists who are humane and scientifically competent to deliver the full spectrum of Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy services needed in modern health care.

SECTION 2. To meet this objective, integrated and sequential courses of study shall be planned, utilizing didactic instructions, laboratory practice and clinical education with the goals of:

2.1 Providing opportunity, instruction and guided experience by which the students learn the basic knowledge and acquire the skills essential to the practice of Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy.

ARTICLE III

Administration

SECTION 1. The general qualifications of the Dean/Director of the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy school are:

1.1 Must be a Filipino citizen.

1.2 A Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist with the following qualifications:

1.2.1 Must be a holder of a Master's degree in Health Science, MA Educational Administration or appropriate master's degree in a related discipline.

1.2.2 Must have a minimum of five (5) years of clinical and/or teaching experience.

1.2.3 Must be of good standing, a member of the PRO accredited professional association -or-

1.3 Must be a licensed Physician and Board Certified Physiatrist.

1.4 Must of good moral character.

1.5 Must be the head of only one institution at a time.

1.6 Preferably be active members of accredited scientific and professional organizations as indicated in their personal files.

ARTICLE IV

Faculty

SECTION 1. Each faculty member must possess the academic preparation appropriate to his teaching assignments:

1.1 To teach the liberal arts subjects, he must:

1.1.1 fulfill the policies and standards for Arts and Sciences Education stipulation on Faculty (Art. V) promulgated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

1.1.2 show competence in the field of specialization he is teaching.

1.1.3 have at least one (1) year of teaching experience.

1.2 To teach Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy professional subjects, he/she must:

1.2.1 have a B.S. degree in Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy.

1.2.2 be licensed Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist in the Philippines. If licensed abroad, such license should be accredited by the PRO Board of Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy. Those licensed abroad will be dealt with on a case to case basis.

1.2.3 have completed at least a seminar in teaching methods and strategies (in curriculum development teaching and evaluation techniques, etc.)

1.2.4 preferably at least one (1) year teaching experience for didactic lecturers or a one (1) year clinical experience for laboratory supervisors.

1.2.5 show competence in the subject/s he/she is teaching.

1.3 To teach Medical subjects, he/she must:

1.3.1 be a licensed Physician, as a registered Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist with a special training in the area/subject he/she is teaching or a masters degree in the subject.

1.3.2 have at least one (1) year experience in teaching the subject/s.

1.3.3 show competence in the subject/s he/she is teaching.

SECTION 2. When a vacancy occurs in the teaching force of the school during the year, a substitute with similar or higher credentials may be employed.

SECTION 3. Faculty Development Program. For an effective operation of the school, institute, college or university offering Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy, there should be a faculty development program to improve the profession. This program may be carried out through:

3.1 Scholarship grants to full time faculty members.

3.2 Educational loans or tuition fee discounts to faculty members enrolled in the graduate school.

3.3 Subsidized attendance in Continuing Education programs, conferences, professional and scientific meetings, etc.

3.4 The institution should encourage research among its faculty members for the improvement of the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy profession.

SECTION 4. Each college/university should have a faculty manual containing information and policies of all matters pertaining to the faculty.

SECTION 5. Clerical help should be provided to handle correspondence records and other secretarial functions.

ARTICLE V

Curriculum

(see attached prototype curriculum)

SECTION 1. The minimum requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy curriculum are flexible depending on the needs of the profession and in accordance with the policies and standards of CHED.

SECTION 2. The effectivity and implementation of the curriculum under these Policies and Standards shall be on the following schedules:

2.1 First Year School Year 1998-1999

2.2 Second Year School Year 1999-2000

2.3 Third Year School Year 2000-2001

2.4 Fourth Year School Year 2001-2002

2.5 Fifth Year School Year 2002-2003

ARTICLE VI

Instructional Standards

SECTION 1. The institution must maintain a high quality of education, utilizing appropriate updated syllabi and instructional procedures which contribute to a sound Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy education. A system of supervision should be instituted and implemented for the purpose of evaluating teaching competence.

SECTION 2. The institution should provide for a systematic and continuing plan of evaluation of the students' progress through a grading system not norm based but should be criterion referenced that is consistent with the standards set by the institution.

SECTION 3. No student shall be given credit for a course unless he/she has fulfilled the requirements for entrance thereto, has attended classes regularly and has reasonable minimum competence in each subject. The promotional record should be kept in the school within the following semester for examination in case of any grievance or complaint.

SECTION 4. The institution must prescribe the basic and standard textbooks to be used which are of recent edition and which reflect the current trends in the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy profession. The Institution may change textbooks only once in five (5) years.

SECTION 5. The institution must provide the necessary instructional materials like anatomy models, teaching slides, charts, etc. including audiovisual equipment for the use of the students for a more effective teaching-learning process.

SECTION 6. The number of sections in every year of the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy course should be in proportion to the size of the faculty, classrooms, laboratory and clinical facilities with a faculty-student ratio as specified in Sections 7 and 8 (8.4.3) of this Article.

SECTION 7. The ratio of faculty to student in practicum or laboratory classes in the sciences and Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy subjects must not exceed 1:20 while the ratio in lecture classes must not exceed 1:50.

SECTION 8. In the internship training program where the students develop professional skills by a systematic application of scientific knowledge to actual clinical situations in the hospital and in the community, the following conditions should be observed:

8.1 There must be a close correlation between the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience.

8.2 There must be a well planned and organize program of field experience in Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy techniques and management as a scientific tool in actual situation.

8.3 The institution must provide the students and affiliation centers with Manual on Clinical Training including minimum training requirements and evaluation procedures for the students' performance and the center's evaluation as well.

8.4 To assure the efficacy of the clinical training program, the following standards must be observed:

8.4.1 Hospitals and rehabilitation centers chosen for affiliation must be accredited by the Philippine Hospital Association, the Association of Philippine Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Schools and the Ministry of Health except Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy facilities utilized for rural and community services and Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy facilities in military services.

8.4.2 The minimum ratio of intern to patients treated in the facility must be 1:4.

8.4.3 The maximum ratio of clinical instructor of the affiliation center to interns must be 1:10 for Physical Therapy and 1:8 for Occupational Therapy. 

8.4.4 The interns during the course of their training must have exposure to a variety of clinical experiences which should include patients with the following disorders:

a. neurological

b. musculoskeletal

c. pulmonary

d. cardiovascular

e. psychosocial dysfunctions

8.4.5 Clinical experiences should include the treatment of a wide variety of patients of various age groups and of both sexes.

8.4.6 Clinical Instructors sent by the institution to the affiliation centers must periodically monitor the interns' performances.

 For OT

1. Students must always be supervised by an OTRP.

2. Ultimate responsibility lies on OTRP supervisor, not the student.

ARTICLE VII

Library

SECTION 1. Every school, institution college or university offering a Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy course should have adequate library space, facilities and resources, both basic and reference materials, relevant to liberal arts, Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy and medical subjects specified by the curriculum. These shall serve the needs of the students and should progressively grow in accordance with the expansion plans of the institution.

SECTION 2. Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy students should have access to science libraries, the total basic collection of relevant books must total not less than 5,000. Recency of edition should at least be 5 years.

SECTION 3. The institution offering the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy course must assure the availability of at least fifty (50) books, pamphlets, monographs and serials specifically used as basic and reference reading materials by students for the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy subjects.

SECTION 4. The library should subscribe to an adequate number of scientific journals and periodicals. It should also assure the subscription to at least one (1) journal of international circulation in Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy to update the students and faculty staff in the latest developments in the field.

SECTION 5. The institution offering the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy course has the freedom to select the basic textbooks to be used by the students in all the subjects specified in the curriculum. However, the library facility of the institution should possess one (I) copy of each of these basic textbooks for every ten (10) students enrolled but unable to procure these books.

SECTION 6. The quantity of other reading materials should also be in proportion to the enrollment and should be responsive to the needs of the students.

SECTION 7. The schools of physical therapy and occupational therapy are encouraged to acquire state of the art materials and equipment such as computerized library facilities with complete audio visual equipment (e.g. microfilms, tapes, etc.)

ARTICLE VIII

Laboratory Facilities

SECTION 1. Every school, institution, college or university offering a Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy course should provide for an adequate number of lecture rooms and laboratories equipped with blackboards and desks. In addition, the use of audiovisual aids should be encouraged.

SECTION 2. The school, institution, college or university offering a Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy course should have its own fully equipped laboratory, distinct from the clinical facilities of the hospital, for the purpose of providing instruction and practice to the students in the proper application of equipment.

SECTION 3. The laboratory room for Physical Therapy practicum should be well-lighted and ventilated and should be equipped with the following:

3.1 plinths with mattresses with a ratio of 1:2

3.2 stools with a ratio of I per student

3.3 grounded 3-pronged electrical outlets on all four walls

3.4 small dressing area

3.5 basic physical therapy equipment (at least one of each)

3.5.1 short-wave or microwave diathermy

3.5.2 therapeutic ultrasound machine

3.5.3 transcutaneous nerve stimulator or interferential current therapy machine

3.5.4 Faradic/Galvanic Electrical stimulator

3.5.5 ultraviolet and infrared lamps

3.5.6 chonaximeter or strength duration (IDC) generator or electromyography (optional)

3.5.7 cervical or lumbar traction machine

3.5.8 hydrocollator packs

3.5.9 paraffin wax bath

3.5.10 assistive devices (crutches, canes, walkers, etc.)

3.5.11 exercise equipment/weights

3.5.12 posture mirror

3.5.13 pillows, sheets, towels

SECTION 4. The specific requirements of the Occupational Therapy laboratory facilities are as follows:

4.1 A laboratory should have a minimum floor space of one square meter/i -2 students, with 1-5 students per locker;

4.2 Each laboratory should have:

4.2.1 Continuous and adequate supply of water, gas and/or electricity

4.2.2 Fire extinguisher which should be easily accessible

4.2.3 First aid and emergency shower

4.2.4 First aid kit/cabinet

4.3 The laboratory room should be well-lighted and ventilated and should include the following:

4.3.1 Therapeutic skills laboratory with equipment adequate and materials necessary for teaching and learning basic human occupation appropriate to the community such as various arts and crafts, cottage industries, recreational, social and educational activities.

4.3.2 Independent living skills laboratory with adequate facilities, equipment/tools and materials for the following activities:

4.3.2.1 mobility includes movement in bed, wheelchair mobility and transfers, and management of public or private transportation;

4.3.2.2 self-care includes dressing, feeding, toileting, bathing and grooming activities;

4.3.2.3 management of environmental hardware and devices includes the ability to use telephone, keys, faucets, light switches, windows, doors, scissors, and street control signals;

4.3.2.4 communication skills include the ability to write, operate a personal computer, read, type, and use the telephone, tape recorder, or a special communications device;

4.3.2.5 home management activities include marketing, meal planning and preparation, cleaning, laundry, child care, and the ability to manage household appliances.

4.3.3 Facilities for evaluation and treatment of:

4.3.3.1 Physical Dysfunction

a. furniture like chairs, tables/ plinths, bed, mirror, standing box, footstool, etc.

b. mat

c. adequate and appropriate evaluation and treatment equipment/tools and materials for motor, sensory, cognitive, perceptual, coordinative activities orthoses and prostheses

4.3.3.2 Psychosocial Dysfunction

4.3.4 Prevocational evaluation area with adequate facilities and relevant work and job samples.

4.4 The Institution offering occupational therapy/physical therapy program should not be limited by the list provided in Section 5. The head and faculty of the program should always inject creativity, resourcefulness and ingenuity in the acquisition of new and adapted equipment, tools and materials for a thorough and dynamic training of students.

SECTION 5. Laboratory facilities for medical subjects such as Physiology, Neurophysiology and Neuroanatomy are optional and may be substituted with class demonstrations.

5.1 Physiology Laboratory should be adequately equipped to carry on experiments or demonstrations in:

5.1.1 Arterial blood pressure

5.1.2 Respiratory experiments — respiratory

5.1.3 Respiratory experiments — control of separation

5.1.4 Investigation of general sensation

5.1.5 Nerve-Muscle experiment

5.1.6 Measurement of Radiation and Skin Temp.

5.1.7 Circulation

5.1.8 Quantitative stimulation of pain

5.1.9 Human metabolism and adaptation to exercise

5.1.10 Muscular efficiency and ergometry

5.1.11 Ventilatory capacity

5.2 Normal Tissue slides of:

5.2.1 epithelium — simple, squamous, cuboidal

5.2.2 skin

5.2.3 glands

5.2.4 conduction tissues

5.2.5 fatty tissues

5.2.6 reticular tissue

5.2.7 blood

5.2.8 bone marrow

5.2.9 cartilage

5.2.10 compact bone

5.2.11 skeletal muscle

5.2.12 cardiac muscle

5.2.13 blood vessel

5.2.14 lung

5.2.15 smooth muscles

5.2.16 nerves

SECTION 6. An anatomy laboratory is necessary in the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy education and shall contain the following:

6.1 human cadavers with a ratio of one (1) cadaver for every ten (10) students;

6.2 dissection tables;

6.3 skeleton

6.3.1 a mounted articulated skeleton for every group of five (5) students

6.3.2 a complete disarticulated skeleton for every group of five (5) students

6.4 timers and tags;

6.5 charts//atlasses/plastic models

ARTICLE IX

Admission, Selection And Retention

SECTION 1. The Institution shall establish its own set of admission criteria, policies and standards.

SECTION 2. A basic criteria for admission shall however include the following:

2.1 The applicant must have graduated from a general secondary course authorized by the government. Graduates of foreign school must have clearance from the Department of Education, Culture and Sports;

2.2 The applicant must have passed the National Secondary Achievement Test (NSAT);

2.3 The applicant must have never been convicted of any crime and is of good moral character;

2.4 The applicant must have passed a physical, psychological and social adjustment examinations to determine his/her suitability for the profession.

SECTION 3. The requirements in the promotion and retention of students shall be determined according to the criteria established by the institution (Standard of OT-consistent with criteria reference) offering the course.

SECTION 4. In general, however, no student shall be permitted to take a subject until he/she satisfactorily passed the prerequisite subjects.

SECTION 5. Psychological and guidance counselling shall be available to the students of the course.

So ordered.

Pasig City, Philippines, January 21, 1998.

(SGD.) ANGEL C. ALCALAChairmanCommission on Higher Education

(SGD.) MONA D. VALISNOCommissionerCommission on Higher Education

(SGD.) ESTER A. GARCIACommissionerCommission on Higher Education

(SGD.) KATE C. BOTENGANCommissionerCommission on Higher Education

(SGD.) ROBERTO N. PADUACommissionerCommission on Higher Education