South Africa Physiotherapists are First line practitioners (i.e. a health professional who can autonomously diagnose and treat), can refer patients to medical practitioner specialists and X-Ray imaging and issue a certificate of illness. There are eight schools of physiotherapy, usually attached to the corresponding medical school.
The bachelor's degree (B.PhysT, B.Sc.(Physio) or B.Physio) consists of four years of general practice training, involving all aspects of the discipline. Typically, the first year comprises largely theoretical ("basic sciences") instruction, while the second includes a focus on human anatomy and -physiology. Gradually, time spent in supervised practice increases until the fourth year, in which the student generally spends about 80% in practice. In their final year, students are also expected to complete various research projects, which fulfill the requirements of an Honours degree. At the postgraduate level, several of the universities offer course work based Master's degrees (MPhysT, M.Sc.(Physio)) focused on a specific area of practice, and including a "mini-dissertation". Research based degrees are the MSc. and Ph.D. (Physio).
After graduation, professional practice can only be entered into after completing a state governed, compulsory year of community service. Practicing physiotherapists are also required to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, the registering body for physiotherapists being the Professional Board for Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Biokinetics. They are often required to be trained in advanced life support for emergencies in their departments and private practices.
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