Introduction
About Us
The Department of Physical Therapy at I-Shou University is located in Yanchao District, a 20-minute drive from Kaohsiung, the largest city in southern Taiwan. As part of the College of Medicine, the department was established in 2002 by Professor Wei-Min Huang, the chair of the Department of Healthcare Administration, and two professors, Wen-Shen Liao and Nan-Ying Yu. The first class consisting of fifty undergraduate students began in 2002 and these students graduated in 2006.
Faculty and Teaching
The Department of Physical Therapy has a dynamic and growing faculty dedicated to excellence in education and research. At present, there are eight faculty members in the department. Each member specializes in different areas of physical therapy including orthopedics, neurology, cardiovascular and respiratory physical therapy, pediatrics, and geriatrics.
As a newly established department, we have the opportunity to provide a professional learning environment for students. Each classroom has a variety of multimedia devices built into the lecture podium. Air conditioners, computers and projectors are available in all classrooms. Four major laboratories (Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Neurological Physical Therapy, Electrotherapy and Thermal Agents, Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy) equipped with sufficient teaching aids are available for students to learn and practice their professional skills.
The program is fully accredited and offers a comprehensive entry-level professional physical therapy program which leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy.
Physical Therapy as a Career
Physical therapists may work as generalists or engage in different areas of patient care, such as orthopedics, neurologic rehabilitation, sports medicine, pediatrics, and long-term rehabilitation. They may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, prosthetic and orthotic centers, or schools. Physical therapists may also work in facilities such as fitness centers, health clubs, spas, occupational health centers, senior citizen centers or sports centers. Upon completion of the studies, graduates may pursue advanced studies in the following areas: physical therapy, medical engineering, healthcare administration, public health, sports medicine, or other related basic/clinical medical fields. In addition to clinical work, physical therapists work as researchers, managers or consultants or teach at universities.