Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) diploma in physiotherapy graduates have recorded a 100 per cent marketability rate for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), said Faculty of Health Sciences dean, Prof. Dr Sakinah Harith.
She said all the 175 graduates had secured employment in the government as well as the private sector, while there are those who earn lucrative income after opening private treatment centres.
“The significant increase in the number of private physiotherapy treatment centres as well as the current increase in demand in sports injury treatment, has provided more employment opportunities for these graduates who are usually appointed as physiotherapy medical therapists in government service (under Grade U29).
“While the proactive ones choose to explore business opportunities in the field, others have the opportunity to further their studies such as to pursue a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate in philosophy (PhD),” she said in a statement today.
The diploma in physiotherapy, one of seven academic programmes offered by the UniSZA’s Faculty of Health Sciences, organised by the School of Rehabilitation Sciences (PPSR) at Gong Badak Campus, Kuala Nerus was fully recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) on Aug 26, 2013.
According to Sakinah, throughout the course, students are exposed to theoretical knowledge and methods of treating patients in cases of stroke, paralysis, physical development problems for children, patient management after fractures and surgery, sports injuries, and respiratory system problems including long COVID syndrome and other related problems referred by health professionals.
“Students will also gain practical experience as they will be placed in government hospitals in Terengganu and Kelantan, apart from being involved at several private physiotherapy treatment centres,” she added.