Análisis crítico de la educación de la Fisioterapia en Colombia

Objective

To analyze undergraduate education in physiotherapy in the Colombian territory based on supply, human resources, educational quality and scientific capacity.

Material and methods

We conducted a descriptive study of second-order research during the years 2009 and 2010. The educational offerings, admission standards and their relationship to drop-out rates and professional qualifications were analyzed. The quality of education and scientific capacity were taken from the science, technology and innovation program in Colombia.

Results

Of the 34 programs recorded, most were from Cundinamarca, Valle del Cauca and Santander. From 2002 to 2008, the number of students admitted increased from 10.944 to 14.500, this representing an annual increase of 10%. The average test score for quality of higher education was 97.0, this being slightly lower when compared to the years 2007 and 2008 (99.0 and 101.0, respectively). Scientific capacity indicators reveal 516 published articles. Undergraduates showed an average of five or fewer publications while there were more than 20 publications for those on the doctorate level.

Conclusions

An increase in the number of programs, number of admissions and low scientific capacity were reflected in this work. The minimum requirements of education to ensure professional excellence of future physiotherapies are topics that deserve in-depth discussion by the Ministry of Social Protection, the Ministry of Education, Physiotherapy and programs of scientific associations.