The course is structured in modules, combining scientific training and basic cultural notions with specific professional skills that are also developed during work experience placements. The aim is to train professional operators who can make a valid contribution to the prevention and resolution of healthcare problems.

Future physiotherapists are taught how to:

• operate professionally, taking into consideration the most recent developments arising from both the scientific sector and from evidence-based practice,
• develop and apply problem solving methods, autonomously and in groups,
• take on professional managerial and consulting roles, demonstrating social and individual responsibility,
• conceptualise and act in a global and multidisciplinary manner,
• develop effective communication methods, aimed at and suited to various types of interlocutor.

In view of the limited number of places available, all candidates must sit a competitive examination (which is usually conducted in the month of May).
For admission to the full-time course, applicants must possess one of the following qualifications:

• federal vocational social-healthcare school leaving examination
• specialist healthcare or social school leaving examination
• vocational technical, commercial or artistic school leaving examination
• high school leaving examination or equivalent qualification

Acceptance of applicants without a specific school leaving examination (social-healthcare) is subject to attendance of supplementary modules.
Applicants aged more than 25 and who lack these qualifications may be admitted provided that in the opinion of the Department they have significant training and work experience; applicants belonging to this category must sit a general culture examination.

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession aimed at developing, maintaining or restoring the movement and functional abilities of a person, or of a group of people, during the various life phases. It includes interventions that can be executed in cases where motor, respiratory or cardio-circulatory functions are compromised by illnesses, congenital malformations, accidents or aging.
Physiotherapists work together with other healthcare operators to identify and implement intervention projects for individuals and for groups. Physiotherapy action should not be understood simply in therapeutic terms, but also in preventive terms. Physiotherapists use various treatment methods and techniques, ranging from strictly manual therapeutic approaches to the use of different physical agents and the application of neuro-rehabilitation methods. Evaluation of the results achieved is a fundamental part of the treatment process, the final aim of which is functional recovery together with the social and professional reintegration of the client.

Physiotherapists identify and execute intervention projects in collaboration with other professional healthcare operators in a range of healthcare and rehabilitation institutions, or they can practice their profession in clinics and/or at the home of the patient.