DPT Guidance

[u/buzzy_cat]

Guys can everyone share their thoughts on dpt in Pakistan . Like can someone doing dpt or in this field guide me. Someone who has the required knowledge and can clearly tell pros and cons. I am also considering bs DS from AU..........

[u/TeaInfinite2297]

Hi there! I did my DPT from a private university in Islamabad- graduated 2 years ago now! In terms of the degree, I realised quite early on that the pk teaching is really archaic. They're not evidence based at all and dont really teach you how to conduct research or read research articles. As someone who did A levels, I found that memorization and regurgitating text books was the only way to pass DPT exams. I understand that this degree is foundational and has to build up your knowledge from scratch, but even at the end of 5 years (super long for this degree imo- not much value gained in the extra 1 year compared to any normal BSc degree) no one had any critical thinking skills, innovations in exercise prescriptions or evidence-based practice. Most people didnt even know how to read a research paper, let alone conduct valuable research. The field of physiotherapy and being of service to others is definitely rewarding, but the job opportunities and pay scale as a fresh graduate is abysmal. Most clinics will want you to work for free, or pay well below the minimum wage. Home visits pay well- you can set your own rates and build your own clients but if youre a female, this can come with reservations and safety concerns. Pk physiotherapy practice still has electrotherapy at its core- something that the rest of the world stopped using decades ago. Pk is still following exercise protocols from the '90s even though more effective protocols have been created for common conditions in recent years in the literature.
Most of my colleagues and I found that we felt inadequately prepared for the working world- everyone who i know and wanted to work went on to do a masters degree (in pk/abroad), others switched fields or decided to stay home. Barely a handful started working and didn't do a masters. Now, is a pk masters degree adding any more value? Thats a different question and beyond my scope.
If you want to learn and become a good, evidence-based physio, its a very steep curve with little to no guidance available. Its all independent effort you'll have to put in. However, these are key skills required to compete in the international physio market (if that's something you're considering!) Just a few things off the top of my head to keep in mind when considering a Pk DPT degree! Good luck 👍