In a momentous announcement, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) revealed that 516 out of 811 aspiring physical therapists have triumphed in the June 2024 Physical Therapists Licensure Examination. This significant achievement underscores the dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence of candidates who undertook the rigorous examination administered by the Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy across multiple testing centers in N. C. R., Baguio, Cebu, and Davao.
Among the noteworthy highlights of this year's licensure examination are the outstanding performances of several educational institutions, as recognized by Commission Resolution No. 1814 series of 2024. Topping the list is the Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation, emerging as the top-performing school with an impressive passing rate of 96.55%, having 23 out of 29 examinees successfully pass the examination. Following closely behind is the esteemed University of Santo Tomas, securing the second spot with a commendable passing rate of 95.45%, as 21 out of 22 examinees attained success in the examination. Our Lady of Fatima University-QC clinched the third spot with an 85.00% passing rate, marking a significant achievement in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Additionally, the PRC also recognized the exemplary performance of individual examinees who garnered the highest rankings in the June 2024 Physical Therapists Licensure Examination. Leading the prestigious list is Michael Raymar Andrada Nivera from Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation, achieving an outstanding rating of 91.95%. Following closely behind are Bien Jude Catalon Yamon, also from Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation, with a notable rating of 91.05%, and Nicole Deszherie Manuel Recaido from the University of the Philippines-Manila, securing a commendable rating of 90.95%.
The success of these top-performing schools and individual examinees not only reflects their academic prowess but also underscores their commitment to excellence and dedication to the physical therapy profession. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring physical therapists across the country, motivating them to strive for academic excellence and professional competence in their pursuit of becoming licensed practitioners.
The PRC, along with the Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy, extends its heartfelt congratulations to all successful examinees and top-performing schools in the June 2024 Physical Therapists Licensure Examination. Their remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the high standards of education and training in the field of physical therapy in the Philippines, further solidifying the profession's vital role in promoting health, wellness, and rehabilitation in the nation.
PRC Philippines
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Functions Overview of the Physical Therapists Profession
Physical therapists (PTs) in the Philippines play a crucial role in the healthcare system, focusing on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with physical impairments or disabilities. Their work encompasses a variety of functions aimed at improving patients' mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall physical function. Here’s an overview of the key functions of physical therapists in the Philippines:
Assessment and Diagnosis
1. Patient Evaluation: Physical therapists conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ physical conditions. This includes taking medical histories, conducting physical exams, and utilizing various diagnostic tools and tests to identify impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities.
2. Functional Assessment: PTs evaluate patients' ability to perform activities of daily living and assess their overall functional capacity. This helps in formulating an appropriate treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs.
Therapeutic Interventions
1. Exercise Prescription: PTs design and implement individualized exercise programs aimed at improving strength, flexibility, endurance, and overall physical fitness. These exercises are crucial for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries and those managing chronic conditions.
2. Manual Therapy: This involves hands-on techniques to manipulate muscles and joints, reduce pain, increase range of motion, and improve tissue health. Techniques include mobilization, manipulation, and massage.
3. Electrotherapy and Modalities: PTs use various physical agents such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat, and cold therapy to reduce pain, enhance tissue healing, and improve muscle function.
4. Balance and Coordination Training: Special exercises are designed to enhance patients' balance and coordination, particularly important for elderly patients or those with neurological conditions.
Patient Education and Counseling
1. Health Education: PTs educate patients and their families about their conditions, the goals of physical therapy, and the importance of adherence to prescribed exercises and activities. This education helps empower patients to take an active role in their recovery.
2. Lifestyle Advice: They provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, ergonomics, and body mechanics to prevent further injury and promote overall health and well-being.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
1. Post-operative Rehabilitation: PTs play a crucial role in the recovery process after surgeries, helping patients regain strength, mobility, and function through targeted rehabilitation programs.
2. Neurological Rehabilitation: Working with patients who have suffered from strokes, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological conditions, PTs focus on improving mobility, balance, and functional independence.
Specialized Care
1. Pediatric Physical Therapy: PTs address developmental disorders, congenital conditions, and injuries in children, using age-appropriate interventions to enhance growth and development.
2. Geriatric Physical Therapy: Specializing in the care of older adults, PTs help manage conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and balance disorders, aiming to maintain independence and improve quality of life.
3. Sports Rehabilitation: Working with athletes, PTs help in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries, ensuring a safe and effective return to athletic activities.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
1. Team Collaboration: PTs often work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, collaborating with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
2. Referral and Liaison: When necessary, PTs refer patients to other healthcare specialists for additional treatment or evaluation, ensuring a holistic approach to patient health and well-being.
Research and Continuing Education
1. Evidence-Based Practice: PTs are committed to integrating the latest research findings into their clinical practice, ensuring that treatments are based on the best available evidence.
2. Professional Development: Continuous education and training are essential for PTs to keep up with advancements in the field and maintain high standards of practice.
In summary, physical therapists in the Philippines are integral to the healthcare system, providing essential services that enhance patients' physical function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. Their multifaceted role involves direct patient care, education, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, underscoring their importance in promoting health and rehabilitation across diverse patient populations.