University of Santo Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences

The University of Santo Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences or UST-CRS is an academic institution composed of dedicated Catholic academics competent in their respective fields of expertise who are committed to develop highly skilled, morally upright, compassionate and dynamic allied rehabilitation professionals by providing quality education, research opportunities, clinical and postgraduate training in order to meet the evolving health care needs of the Filipino society and the Global Community.

In its effort to maintain its status as the premier school in rehabilitation sciences, the College aims to become the center for research and academic excellence in the field, the forerunner of professional advancement and the model in providing effective community health care services particularly in physical therapy and occupational therapy.

The main objective of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences is to develop Christian allied rehabilitation professionals who are fully competent in utilizing selected knowledge and skills in planning, organizing, directing and implementing programs for the care of individuals whose ability to function is impaired or threatened by disease or injury.

History

In the early 70's the lack of manpower to care for million disabled Filipino was staggering. There were less than 50 qualified licensed Physical Therapists in the country, out of an estimated need for at least 3000.

To address this need, The UST Institute of Physical Therapy opened its doors in June 1974 to applicants for the course of Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. At that time, the first two years of the four-year baccalaureate degree fell under the College of Science while the last two years were administered under the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. The first batch of 14 students graduated in 1977.

By March of 1987, the school was granted a semi-autonomous status academically while still functioning administratively under the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. It exercised full control of the revised 5-year curriculum that was initiated in school year 1988-89.

In December 15, 1993, the school was granted full autonomy academically and administratively by then Rector, Very Reverend Fr. Rolando dela Rosa, O.P. The head of the Institute was likewise elevated from being a Director to a Dean.

In fulfillment of its commitment to develop highly competent allied rehabilitation professionals, the degree of BS in Occupational Therapy was also offered. This post-graduate certificate course is an intensive 8 week seminar-workshop which aims to spur the professionalization of sports science in the country.

The Institute has grown tremendously for the past twenty five years. Presently the entire student population is 600, AbOUT forty five times more than the original number of enrolees. The facilities of the school is by far the most sophisticated and most complete in the country and is at par with those found abroad.

Degree Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy - a five-year academic program of studies for an allied health profession that engages a person in occupation to facilitate activity and participation in culturally meaningful tasks, and address impairments physically and/or mentally. It uses purposeful activities that have potential benefits in achieving functional outcome. Thus, developing, improving and restoring the highest possible level of independence of any individual who is limited by physical injury or illness, cognitive impairment, psychological dysfunction, developmental or learning disability. Occupational Therapy also aims to achieve total development of individuals and the promotion of one’s mental health and physical well-being.

• Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy - a five-year academic program of studies for an allied medical profession whose main purpose is the promotion of optimal health and function by providing services that develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability, relieve musculo-skeletal pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or diseases. Physical Therapy includes the art and science of evaluation and treatment by means of therapeutic exercise, heat, cold, light, water, manual manipulation, electricity and other physical agents for the care of individuals whose ability to function is impaired or threatened by disease or injury.

• Bachelor of Science in Sports Science - a four-year program for a multidisciplinary field concerned with the comprehensive understanding of the scientific basis of sporting performance including general physical activity pursuits such as goal oriented fitness regimens and recreational sports as well as elite sports and the area of athletic performance enhancement.

External Link

• University of Santo Tomas - Official Website