UERMMMC College of Physical Therapy - History

History

Since its inception in 1988, the College of Physical Therapy has always adhered to the curriculum changes imposed by the DECS, and presently the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), including the latest adventures of the CHED which is the Association in Health Science in Education (AHSE) curriculum in Levels I and II. In addition, it has periodically modified the content of its courses, in response to rapid changes, but always within the limits allowed by law. It has always designed its program to be flexible and compatible with the requirements of other programs as a result of which its graduates are given the greater option to pursue higher learning and to increase their marketability in the global job market.

The college started in 1987 through the initiative of President Isidro D. Carino and the diligent efforts of Dr. Juan A. Alcazaren, Head of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Division, Dr. Arnel V. Malaya, and Mrs. Serafina Maxino. With a provisional permit from DECS to offer the 5-year BSPT program, the College opened its doors in June 1988 with 202 freshmen students and 52 second year students.

On January 1991, Dr. Malaya took over the deanship of the college and continued to serve as such until now. Dr. Josephine Bundoc acted as College Secretary until 2001 until she was replaced by the present college secretary Dr. Raquel S. Cabazor.

In 1991, the College was granted full recognition by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports to offer all levels of the 5-year Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy program. In 2004, it was granted Level 1 accreditation by the PAASCU.

The College of Physical Therapy is also accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as a Continuing Education Provider (CPE) since 1996. It continuously conducts postgraduate courses with foreigner and Filipino professionals as course speakers even though CPE units were not required by PRC. It is just one of its modest contributions as one of the leading centers of physical therapy education in the country.

The curriculum of the College has undergone changes to adapt to the growing needs of its students. It has always adhered to the curricular requirements prescribed by DECS or CHED as well as by U.S. and UK credentialing agencies in order to increase the marketability of its graduates overseas. Among which are: the adoption of the Associate in Health Science Education (AHSE) program, a common-two-year course to all health allied courses in preparation to professional sciences of their choice in the higher year levels; the increased number of general education units as required by US credentialing agencies; the National Service Training Program (NSTP) option to participate in community work and/or civic projects; the inclusion of pharmacology courses which are frequently included in the National PT and US State Boards; and the adoption of the Problem-based Learning approach through clinical internships and regular educational enhancement sessions.

In its short span of existence, the College of Physical Therapy continues to maintain its lofty position among the top three PT schools in the Philippines. In fact, in 1996, CHED, in a press release, cited the College as the best PT school in the Philippines. It has received a Level I accreditation from PAASCU and is now preparing for Level II accreditation by August 2005.

The College of Physical Therapy has level III and accredited by the Commission on Higher Education as Center of Excellence. The College is the first and only level III Physical Therapy accredited program in the country. Has 100% passing rate as of January 2011 licensure exam.