Professional and Academic Profile

The Bachelor's Degree Programme in Physiotherapy at the University of Florence prepares healthcare professionals qualified to provide prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation services in the fields of movement, cognitive function, and visceral disorders resulting from congenital or acquired conditions of various etiologies.

Physiotherapists work autonomously and in collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to promote functional recovery, improve quality of life, and support participation in daily activities. In accordance with medical diagnosis and referral, they design and implement individualized rehabilitation programmes, perform functional assessments, establish physiotherapy diagnoses, and evaluate treatment outcomes.

Graduates are trained to apply therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, physical modalities, massage therapy, and functional rehabilitation techniques for the management of musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory, and cognitive impairments. They are also competent in recommending and monitoring the use of assistive devices and prosthetic aids, providing patient and caregiver education, and contributing to health promotion and disease prevention initiatives.

Physiotherapists may practise in public or private healthcare institutions, rehabilitation centres, outpatient clinics, community healthcare services, sports medicine facilities, residential care settings, or as independent practitioners.

Programme Learning Outcomes

The programme combines theoretical knowledge, practical training, and clinical experience to develop the professional competencies required for contemporary physiotherapy practice.

The curriculum integrates courses in:

• Human anatomy, histology, and physiology
• Biomolecular and biotechnological sciences
• Human movement sciences
• Pathophysiology and musculoskeletal disorders
• Diagnostic methodologies
• Public health and healthcare systems
• Emergency medicine and first aid
• Neurological and psychiatric sciences
• Rehabilitation medicine
• Clinical medicine and surgery
• Maternal, child, and reproductive health
• Research methodology and evidence-based practice
• Human and behavioural sciences
• Professional ethics, legislation, and healthcare management

Particular emphasis is placed on research methodology and evidence-based practice. Students learn to critically evaluate scientific literature, formulate research questions, design studies, collect and analyse data, and interpret and disseminate research findings. These skills support the integration of scientific evidence into clinical decision-making.

The programme also includes Medical English courses designed to enhance students' ability to communicate in international healthcare contexts and access scientific literature. Through the University's Language Centre, students may pursue internationally recognised English-language certifications.

Professional Competencies

Upon graduation, physiotherapists are expected to demonstrate competencies in the following areas:

Professional Responsibility

Graduates are expected to practise according to ethical principles, professional standards, and current legislation, while maintaining a patient-centred approach that respects individual dignity, autonomy, cultural diversity, and social inclusion.

Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation

Graduates are able to:

• Perform comprehensive functional assessments
• Identify rehabilitation needs and establish physiotherapy diagnoses
• Define treatment goals and prognostic hypotheses
• Design and implement individualized rehabilitation programmes
• Monitor progress and modify interventions when necessary
• Evaluate clinical outcomes using appropriate assessment tools
• Provide technical advice regarding assistive devices, environmental adaptations, and mobility strategies

Therapeutic Education

Physiotherapists promote patient engagement and self-management by providing education that supports understanding of health conditions, treatment options, adaptation strategies, and long-term wellbeing.

Prevention and Health Promotion

Graduates are trained to identify risk factors and implement preventive interventions for individuals and communities. They promote healthy lifestyles, ergonomic principles, physical activity, and strategies aimed at preventing disability and secondary complications.

Management and Organisation

Physiotherapists acquire the knowledge required to manage clinical resources, ensure quality of care, maintain patient confidentiality, address clinical risk, and contribute effectively to healthcare organisations and multidisciplinary teams.

Lifelong Learning and Research

The programme fosters continuous professional development and encourages graduates to engage in lifelong learning, self-assessment, and research activities. Students develop the skills necessary to critically appraise scientific evidence and apply evidence-based practice in clinical settings.

Communication and Interprofessional Collaboration

Effective communication is considered a core professional competency. Graduates learn to establish therapeutic relationships with patients and caregivers, collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, and manage professional interactions constructively and ethically.