Physiotherapy (BPT) Programs and Colleges in Nepal

Physiotherapy education has evolved worldwide in various ways, reflecting the diverse needs and historical contexts of different regions. The foundation of physical therapy as an autonomous profession owes much to Per Henrik Ling of Sweden, often referred to as the "Father of Gymnastics." The formal recognition of physical therapy as a healthcare profession emerged globally in the second decade of the 20th century, driven by significant events such as the polio epidemics and World War I.

In the United States, the need to treat polio victims and wounded soldiers from World War I spurred the introduction of physiotherapy in 1917. Similarly, other countries began formal physiotherapy education at different times: the UK in 1894, Canada in 1917, Australia in 1906, and New Zealand in 1913. However, physiotherapy education took several more decades to be established in developing countries, with Pakistan introducing programs in 1956 and Nigeria in 1966.

Formal Physiotherapy Training in Nepal

In Nepal, physiotherapy services began around 30 years ago when a few nurses from Bir Hospital received physiotherapy training and started working as physiotherapists. The field gradually gained momentum with the support of international volunteers who provided physiotherapy training in various hospitals. 

The first formal Certificate level course in physiotherapy was introduced by Ms. Mary Beatrice Martin from Canada at the Institute of Medicine (IOM) from 1983 to 1990. Later, the Certificate in Physiotherapy (CPT) course was offered at Dhulikhel Medical Institute (DMI) under Kathmandu University (KU) from 2003 to 2009.

Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT) Education in Nepal 

In June 2010, Kathmandu University upgraded the CPT course to a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) to align with the recommendations of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT). As of 2024, Kathmandu University is offering a Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT) program through five medical colleges, while Pokhara University runs this program in its School of Health and Allied Sciences.

The entrance test for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program, known as MECEE-BL, is conducted by the Medical Education Commission (MEC). Student selection is based on MEC guidelines, which consider marks obtained in open competition (merit-based) and reservation (merit-based within specific clusters).

Compared to many other countries, physiotherapy education in Nepal commenced relatively late. While Nepal is working to produce qualified physiotherapists at the bachelor's level, other countries have already advanced to producing highly qualified physiotherapists at the master's or PhD level.

It's crucial for physiotherapy education in Nepal to reflect the nation's health and societal priorities. With global developments and rapid changes in education, Nepal needs to keep pace with advancements to enhance the quality of physiotherapy services. To improve health outcomes, it is essential that physiotherapists receive the best possible education and training to effectively contribute to healthcare teams.