Malaysia’s Top 3 Private Universities to Study Physiotherapy

Find Out What You will Study in a Bachelor of Physiotherapy Degree at the Best Private Universities in Malaysia

A Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) is a degree preparing you to qualify as a physiotherapist in Malaysia, and treat a range of health conditions. At Malaysia’s top private university, you will learn from expert physiotherapists and provides you with the knowledge, skills and clinical experience needed to prepare for a rewarding career in physiotherapy.

Job demand for physiotherapists in Malaysia is on the increase as we become a developed nation and awareness for quality healthcare grows. An ageing population and a nation increasingly participating in sports and exercise will require qualified and trained physiotherapists to handle the problems that may arise from them. Physiotherapy can be defined as a treatment method that focuses on the science of movement and helps people to restore, maintain and maximize their physical strength, function, motion and overall well-being by addressing the underlying physical issues.

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Which are the Top Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Physiotherapy?

The healthcare professionals in Malaysia who provide physiotherapy are called physiotherapist. They are highly trained, with physiotherapy qualifications, and are skilled at pinpointing the root causes of an injury, as well as treating them.

Often, a problem originates in a completely different part of the body than the spot where the pain is centralized. To become a qualified physiotherapist in Malaysia students need to obtain a degree in Physiotherapy from a top private university.

Choosing to study at the best university will allow you to study from experienced lecturers with industry experience, access to advanced facilities and equipment and well connected health care partners for clinical placements. Here are Malaysia’s top 3 private universities to study the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons):

1. MAHSA University
2. Aimst University
3. INTI University

No. 1. MAHSA University

MAHSA University is Malaysia’s premier health care private university with more than 30 years of experience. Students have access to high end facilities and equipment at its 48-acre campus in Bandar Saujana Putra.

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) at MAHSA University is designed in consultation with a panel of local and international experts, resulting in a highly sought after curriculum that combines theoretical learning and practical sessions in physiotherapy centres and hospitals. The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) is designed in consultation with a panel of local and international experts, resulting in a highly sought after curriculum that combines theoretical learning and practical sessions in physiotherapy centres and hospitals.

MAHSA University’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) is a 4-year undergraduate degree programme that prepares students for a career caring for and rehabilitating patients with neurological, cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal or other debilitating conditions through the use of expert techniques to reduce pain, improve movement and restore muscle control to maximize mobility.

Students will immerse themselves in the study of functional anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, foundation of psychology, physiotherapy rehabilitation, clinical practice and health science research. They will also learn the use of physical manipulation of the anatomy to regulate muscles and nerves, the many exercises that can be performed for specific needs, and the uses of electrotherapy, ultrasound, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy in their rehabilitative efforts.

No. 2. Aimst University

AIMST offers two programs in physiotherapy. A three-year Diploma in Physiotherapy and four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) program.

The diploma program is opened for SPM leavers and the degree program caters for STPM and foundation students.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy program also admits students with Diploma in Physiotherapy for credit transfer to two and a half (2½) year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons).

Both the programs are well designed to produce graduates with in-depth knowledge and skills to assess and formulate physiotherapeutic diagnoses and provide appropriate interventions, rehabilitation and treatments to patients with a physical disability, functional limitation and other illnesses and injuries.

Both diploma and degree courses in physiotherapy are developed to educate and train graduates to be physiotherapy practitioners.

The course utilizes a problem-oriented approach in physiotherapy education emphasizing student-centred learning.

The course aims to develop and cultivate skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and decision making, which are essential for professional practice as a physiotherapist.

The practical experience gained through workplace learning help to nurture clinical competence and enhancing hand-on skills.

No. 3. INTI International University

The 4-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy is offered at INTI International University at the campus in Nilai. Total fees for the programme will amount to more than RM90,000. This intensive four-year programme combines an extensive practical training element in a clinical environment and a thorough grounding in the medical and anatomical knowledge necessary to prepare graduates for a career as a physiotherapist. The course enables students to professionally assess and treat patients with a programme of physiotherapeutic exercises and corresponding treatment along with the skills needed to identify and correct potential disabilities in patients and their lifestyles before they occur. Students will also be trained in the critical soft skills necessary for success as a practitioner in public or private practice that include problem solving, organisational
abilities, communication and management skills.

Students will learn how to evaluate, treat and prevent functional limitations. They will be equipped with the skills to formulate physiotherapeutic exercises and treatments for those with physical disabilities. Students will also be trained in the areas of assessment and screening, which will enable them to identify factors and
possible disabilities before they set in. This programme will also improve students’ management, communication, problem-solving and organisational abilities.

Accreditation and Recognition

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy should be accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and approved by the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia.

What is the Duration of Study for a Bachelor of Physiotherapy?

The course takes four years (8 semesters) of full-time study to complete.

What is the Education Pathway to Become a Physiotherapist in Malaysia?

Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels may enter the Foundation in Science for 1 year and then continue into the 4-year top rated Physiotherapy degree. In order to enter the Foundation in Science, students must have a Minimum of 5 credits including Mathematics, 2 science subject and 2 other subjects

UEC graduates who achieve a Minimum Grade B in 5 subjects including Chemistry & Biology/Physics may enter directly into Year 1 of the Physiotherapy degree programme.

SPM or IGCSE/O-Level students may also go for the external Pre-U programmes. Pre-University students with the relevant results in STPM, A-Levels, SACEi, CPU, AUSMAT, etc. can enter directly into Year 1 of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons).

Alternatively, students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels will need at least 5 credits in the relevant subjects to enter the Diploma in Physiotherapy course. SPM students must have a PASS in Bahasa Melayu and English and 5 credits including Mathematics, ONE science subject (Biology/Physics/Chemistry/General Science/Applied Science); and Any other THREE subjects (including Bahasa Malaysia and/or English if credits). For IGCSE/O-Level graduates, they will need a PASS in Bahasa Melayu or English and 5 Grade C in Mathematics and ONE science subject (Biology/Physics/Chemistry/General Science/Applied Science); and Any other THREE subjects (including Bahasa Melayu and/or English if obtained Grade C)

Upon completion of the diploma in physiotherapy with a minimum CGPA of 2.75, students may continue on to Year 2 of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons).

What are the Entry Requirements to Join a Bachelor of Physiotherapy Degree in Malaysia?

• Pass STPM/Matriculation/Pre-University or equivalent qualification with minimum GPA 2.33 in 2 of the following subjects: Biology/Physics or Mathematics/Chemistry
• A-Levels or equivalent qualification with minimum Grade D in 2 of the following subjects: Biology/Physics or Mathematics/Chemistry
• Recognized Diploma with CGPA less than 2.75 in related field and a minimum of 3 years (36 months) working experience in the related field
• English Proficiency: Malaysian candidates: MUET Band 3 or IELTS (5.5)/TOEFL (550) International candidates: IELTS (5.5)/TOEFL (550) paper based or equivalent
• South Australian Matriculation (SAM): Score 12 in 3 subjects including Chemistry & Biology/Physics & 1 other subject
• International Baccalaureate (IB): Minimum score 24 including Chemistry & Biology/Physics
  Recognized Diploma with minimum CGPA of 2.75 in related field
• UEC: Minimum Grade B in 5 subjects including Chemistry & Biology/Physics
• CPU/CIMP/Ontario Secondary School Diploma/Western Australian Curriculum Council/HSC/UNSW/New Zealand Bursary/ American High School with Advanced Placement (AP): 60% for 3 subjects including Chemistry & Biology/Physics & 1 other subject

Who Should Study Physiotherapy?

• Interest in Biology 
  • Students who excel in Biology can consider studying Physiotherapy. You will study how the body works and assist in its healing process.
• Interest in Sports
  • Students who desire to work in the sports and fitness industry can go for this course. Careers in sport are difficult to come by but if you obtain a degree in Physiotherapy, and you will give yourself a decent chance of being employed in the area. Professional sports teams need their physiotherapists. Alternatively, you could become a sports injury specialist.
• Interest in Health Care
  • Graduates will work in hospitals and health care centres
• You Prefer a Hands-On Practical Course and Career
  • Physiotherapy courses include plenty of hours in the classroom where you learn from experts in the field. Besides the usual brand of lectures and seminars as the core of learning, there’s a fun practical aspect to studying the subject area. Your days will be full of problem-based learning, tutorials and eventually work experience in hospitals or clinics.
• Desire to Help People Lead a Healthy Life 
  • If you enjoy helping people and is able to empathise with their problems, this is an excellent course for you
  • Becoming a physiotherapist means you can play a key role in enabling people to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life. It’s a profession that works with people to identify and maximise their ability to move and function
• You like to Encourage and Motivate People
  • Some patients may in pain or not able to move, making them depressed. It is your job to encourage and motivate them to see the end goal and the benefits of performing the exercises daily
  • It comes naturally to you to persuade and influence them to perform the exercises
• You have a lot of Patience
  • The path to healing may take a while and some patients may not listen to you, therefore you will need to be patient in helping them.
• You Enjoy Working with People
  • If you are a people person and enjoy interacting with people, this course will provide you with many opportunities

Studying Physiotherapy at a Top Private University in Malaysia

Physiotherapists are experts in movement throughout the lifespan – from birth right through to old age. If you have trouble with any aspect of body movement, a Physiotherapist has the expertise to find out why. Their training and expert knowledge of how the body works allows them to help people – whether ill, injured, disabled or healthy – to exercise and to regain or improve their function.

Using knowledge from our extensive scientific background of human anatomy and physiology, Physiotherapists can help to assess, diagnose and treat injuries and conditions that affect people in all ages or to assist a patient to prevent injury in the workplace or sports related.

Physiotherapists use mainly physical means such as exercise, manipulation, mobilisation, massage and electrotherapy to help patients achieve their full potential.  Traditionally, physiotherapy was regarded as rehabilitative and mainly hospital-based, but the profession has always been active in other health care areas and collaborate with doctors and pharmacists.

They also review exercise routines, new supplements on the market and physiotherapists have invaluable expertise to offer in educational and preventative roles in the community, the workplace and in private practice in Malaysia.

What will you Study in a Physiotherapy Degree Course?

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy course will provide intensive training in relevant clinical environments, and the chance to study with expert physiotherapists and leading researchers. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills you need to practice as a physiotherapist, using exercise, movement analysis, manual therapy and specialist techniques to restore, improve and promote health.

The degree programme will prepare you for a range of career opportunities, working independently or as part of a team of healthcare professionals.

Programme Outcomes for the Physiotherapy Degree Include:

After successfully completing the 4-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme, graduates are:

• Physiotherapists who are knowledgeable, skilful and able to make a professional decision as a team involved in the health care services.
• Physiotherapists who can communicate effectively in managing patients and possess quality leadership in an organization.
• Competent physiotherapists with the ability to optimize the use of technology in assessing, analyzing, managing patients.
• Physiotherapists who fulfil the government’s aspiration in health services towards the public in terms of improving accessibility, quality and effective health care in the nation based on evidences.
• Physiotherapists who integrate faith, knowledge and good character in their lives in accordance with the vision and mission of the university and accountable to society.

Upon completion of this programme, students will be qualified to

• aid and rehabilitate patients with reduced mobility due to muscular, neurological, cardiovascular, or respiratory conditions.
• diagnose and assess physiological problems and devise treatment plans to improve patients’ mobility.
• reduce pain and discomfort in patients in their physiotherapeutic efforts; encourage and cheer patients and give them moral support.
• give sound advice to patients and their families and educate them about the improvement of their situations and the prevention of unwelcome conditions.
• promote patient health and well being.
• write reports and maintain records of patients’ treatment and progress
• manage clinical risks.

At the end of the programme, student shall be able to:

• Apply physiotherapy knowledge in making sound clinical decisions.
• Apply appropriate physiotherapy skills in managing patients.
• Provide physiotherapy service for rehabilitation for the community.
• Act appropriately according to the professional ethical conduct.
• Work efficiently in multidisciplinary healthcare teams with effective communication skills and good leadership.

What are the Subjects that You will Study in a Physiotherapy Degree at a Private University in Malaysia?

Subjects for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy will vary from university to university. The degree programme involves lectures, Problem-based Learning, in-house practical sessions, research project, elective postings and clinical placements. Below are just a sample of subjects that you will study in the 4-year degree programme.

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Behavioral Science
• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• Electrotherapy
• Physiotherapeutic Skills
• Pathology
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
• Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
• Neurological Physiotherapy
• Exercise Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Physiotherapy in Medical and Surgical conditions
• Sports Physiotherapy
• Biostatistics in Physiotherapy Research
• Evidence Based Practice
• Physiotherapy in Women’s Health
• Physiotherapy in Acute Care
• Paediatrics Physiotherapy
• Geriatric Physiotherapy
• Spinal Care and Rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Community Physiotherapy
• Ergonomics and Occupational health
• Medical Imaging
• Radiological anatomy
• Research / Project
• Physiotherapy Skill:Electrotherapy
• Physiotherapy Skill: Exercise Therapy & Manual Skills
• Applied Anatomy And Physiology In Neurology
• Physiology Practice In Musculoskeletal
• Physiotherapy Practice In Cardiorespiratory: Respiratory Conditions
• Clinical Practice
• Physiotherapy Practice In Neurology
• Physiology Practice In Musculoskeletal
• Physiotherapy Practice In Cardiorespiratory II: Cardiac Condition
• Physiotherapy Practice In Neurology
• Physiology Practice In Musculoskeletal
• Research Methods I: Writing Research Proposal
• Physiotherapy Practice In Geriatrics
• Physiotherapy Practice In Women’s Health
• Physiotherapy Practice In Paediatrics

What do Physiotherapists do in Malaysia?

Physiotherapists are experts in movement throughout the lifespan – from birth right through to old age.

If you have trouble with any aspect of body movement, a Physiotherapist has the expertise to find out why. Their training and expert knowledge of how the body works allows them to help people – whether ill, injured, disabled or healthy – to exercise and to regain or improve their function.

Using knowledge from our extensive scientific background of human anatomy and physiology, Physiotherapists can help to:

• Assess, diagnose and treat injuries and conditions that affect people in all ages
• Assist a patient to prevent injury in the workplace, exercise or sports related
• Promote healthier lifestyles for all

Physiotherapists use mainly physical means such as exercise, manipulation, mobilisation, massage and electrotherapy to help patients achieve their full potential.  Traditionally, physiotherapy was regarded as rehabilitative and mainly hospital-based, but the profession has always been active in other health care areas.  Physiotherapists have invaluable expertise to offer in educational and preventative roles in the community, the workplace and in private practice in Malaysia.

What are the Career Opportunities for a Physiotherapist in Malaysia?

Physiotherapists or Physical therapists have an important role in Malaysia Healthcare services of people of all ages. They help to restore functional mobility when patients are having injuries, illness, or are living with chronic illness or long-term impairments.

Physiotherapists can choose to work across a broad spectrum that ranges from paediatrics to care of the elderly, and from occupational health to intensive care.

Physiotherapists practice in diverse employment opportunities in a variety of settings, which include hospitals, medical centres, physiotherapy clinics, outpatient clinics, orthopaedic clinics, health and wellness clinics, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, extended care facilities, education and research centres, schools, hospices, fitness and sports training centres, and industrial facilities. A strong scientific background with excellent communication skills, good clinical reasoning, caring, patient are the basic characteristics a physiotherapist.

As you gain experience, you might prefer to work with a variety of medical conditions or to specialize. Your career might progress in numbers of rewarding directions, whether towards clinical practice, or further study to be a lecturer or researcher.