Professional Certificate in Aquatic Physiotherapy

Aims

This course aims to teach physiotherapists the necessary knowledge and skills to practice aquatic physiotherapy effectively and safely. The course covers various aspects, including hydrostatic and hydrodynamic principles related to buoyancy and drag, physiological effects of immersion, risk reduction strategies, modifying sessions for clients with specific comorbidities, evidence for aquatic exercise, and designing treatment plans for musculoskeletal or neurological cases. By providing advanced professional training, this course will enhance the quality of aquatic physiotherapy services in different hospital or community settings.

Intended Learning Outcomes

a) Evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic physiotherapy programs through an evidence-based approach.

b) Apply advanced clinical reasoning skills in developing aquatic physiotherapy programs for diverse special populations.

c) Apply principles of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, and immersion in aquatic physiotherapy programs for diverse special populations.

d) Assess the outcomes of aquatic physiotherapy treatment, propose appropriate modifications and progressions based on changes in the clinical presentation.

e) Discuss the treatment goals, prognosis, risks, and management strategies of aquatic physiotherapy for diverse special populations

Covering Topics

• Hydrostatics and Hydrodynamics
• Physiology principles of immersion
• Body Balance and Functional loading in water
• Aquatic Physiotherapy and Exercise selection
• Screening, risk management and emergency procedures
• Pool Management
• Aquatic Physiotherapy in Neurology
• Paediatric Aquatic Physiotherapy
• Clinical Reasoning in Aquatic Physiotherapy

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Classroom lectures

• Practicum

• Discussion forums

   This course is recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF) at Level 6 and is now available on Qualification Register (QR) (QR Registration No.: 24/000818/L6; Validity period from 10 September 2024 to on-going).  For details of the HKQF, please visit the QR website: https://www.hkqr.gov.hk.

  This course has been included in the list of reimbursable course under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF) (CEF Course Code: 41K161368). This course is recognized under the Qualification Framework (QF Level 6).  For details of the CEF, please visit the CEF website: https://www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/cef.

The applicants should possess:

(i)  A bachelor’s degree or above in physiotherapy or physical therapy related rehabilitation disciplines obtained from a University or tertiary institution; and

(ii)  A practising licence as a registered physiotherapist in Hong Kong or outside Hong Kong.

Applicants do not possess the above entry requirements will be considered on case-by-case basis. These applicants may be required to attend an admission interview for better understanding of their goals and experiences.

• Prof. SO Chun Lung Billy

Chairperson, Aquatic Physiotherapy Specialty Group, HKPA

Secretary, International Organization of Aquatic Physiotherapists

Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, PolyU

• Mr HO Chun Yung Boris

IT Officer, Aquatic Physiotherapy Specialty Group, HKPA

Visiting Clinical Associate, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

• Ms WONG Chi Kwan Catherine

Vice- Chairperson, Aquatic Physiotherapy Specialty Group, HKPA

Physiotherapist

• Ms CHOW Chi Ying

Educational Officer, Aquatic Physiotherapy Specialty Group, HKPA

Physiotherapist I, The Centre on Health and Wellness

The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation

• Ms KONG Siu Yin Iris

Liaison Officer, Aquatic Physiotherapy Specialty Group, HKPA

Physiotherapist, Hospital Authority

• Mr LAW Pui Kai Joseph

Treasurer, Aquatic Physiotherapy Specialty Group, HKPA

Department Head & Senior Physiotherapist, Integrated Medical & Allied Health Services

Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong

• Ms WONG Kit Yee Lavinia

Advisor, Aquatic Physiotherapy Specialty Group, HKPA

Senior Clinical Associate, Tung Wah College

• Ms KWOK Man Ying Manny

Secretary, Aquatic Physiotherapy Specialty Group, HKPA

PhD candidate, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, PolyU

• Ms NG Yuk Mun

Education Officer, Aquatic Physiotherapy Specialty Group, HKPA

Director (Service), The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation

• Dr WONG Wing Sum Sam

Vice-Chairperson, Aquatic Physiotherapy Specialty Group, HKPA

Executive Director, Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, PolyU

• Ms HUI Fung Ying Winnie

Education Officer, Aquatic Physiotherapy Specialty Group, HKPA

Physiotherapist Supervisor, Heep Hong Society

60 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points recognized by the Physiotherapists Board will be provided by Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association by achieving at least 75% attendance.

Students who have passed the assessments and attended at least 70% of the course will be presented with a Professional Certificate awarded by PolyU SPEED.

Submission of Application

1.  Application form can be downloaded from this website.  Before completing the application form, please read carefully the "Guide for Applicants" on the form.

2.  Please submit one application form and settle the course fee by bank draft/ crossed cheque/ On-line Card Payment System for each course applied. For details of payment methods, please refer to Section 4 of the application form or this web page.

3.  Non-permanent residents of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) holding

(i) work visa/ entry permit; OR

(ii) visa/ entry permit under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) (except those from Mainland, Macao and Taiwan); OR

(iii) dependent visa/ entry permit (except those from Mainland, Macao and Taiwan), issued by the Director of Immigration of HKSAR Government may enroll in short-term courses in SPEED without seeking prior approval from the Director of Immigration.

These applicants are required to attach a copy of their identity document(s) and the valid visa/ entry permit to their application.  On admission, they will be required to provide the original identity document(s) and visa/ entry permit for verification. Throughout the course of study, it is the responsibility of individual students to ensure that their identity documents and visas/ entry permits are valid. Other non-local applicants can neither be registered as students nor commence their studies on the short-term courses in SPEED.

4.  Applications should be submitted on or before the deadline for application via one of the following means -

(a) By post:
Submit the completed application form, supporting document (copy of your graduation certificate, annual practising certificate issued by Physiotherapists Board), a recent passport-size color photo and a copy of your HKID card/ valid visa/ entry permit (if applicable) together with the bank draft/ crossed cheque/ payment confirmation page (for online payment) to School of Professional Education and Executive Development, HHB-1201, 12/F, PolyU Hung Hom Bay Campus, 8 Hung Lok Road, Hung Hom,Kowloon.

(b) By e-mail (for application with payment settled via online system only):
Submit the completed application form, supporting document (copy of your graduation certificate, annual practising certificate issued by Physiotherapists Board),a recent passport-size color photo and a copy of your HKID card/ valid visa/ entry permit (if applicable) together with the payment confirmation page by e-mail to ceo@speed-polyu.edu.hk.

5.  Applicants will be notified of their application results via email by the School after the application is closed.  Please contact the School if you do not receive any notification 1 week before course commencement.  For unsuccessful applications, course fees paid will be refunded to the applicants.

Payment Methods for Course Fee

Please choose either one of the following payment methods for course fee: 

(1)  Bank Draft/ Crossed Cheque

You could submit a bank draft/ crossed cheque (made payable to "The Hong Kong Polytechnic University") by post or by hand.  Please write your name, the course code and class code at the back of the bank draft/ crossed cheque.  Post-dated cheque will not be accepted.

(2)  On-line Card Payment System (by FPS/ Visa/ Master/ China UnionPay card)
You could settle the course fee via On-line Card Payment System by FPS/ Visa/ Master/ China UnionPay card.  For successful payment, please print the payment confirmation page for record and quote the invoice number (as shown on the payment confirmation page) on Section 4 of the application form. No separate hardcopy of the payment receipt will be issued for you.

According to the School's Refund Policy, course fees paid are normally not refundable, except cases of unsuccessful applications/ course cancellation.  Fees paid and places allocated are not transferrable.

Please click below link to veiw the timetable.

GA1X Timetable