Abstract:

Physiotherapy or Physical therapy is a healthcare profession focused on optimizing and restoring physical function and mobility. It employs a combination of manual techniques, therapeutic exercises, and specialized equipment to address various musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions. By offering comprehensive education and training in physiotherapy, universities contribute significantly to the development of competent practitioners who can address a diverse range of patient needs. These specialists not only enhance the overall quality of healthcare but also contribute to reducing the burden on other healthcare sectors by offering effective, non-invasive interventions. Thus, the formation of specialists in physiotherapy at universities is crucial for meeting the evolving healthcare demands and ensuring the well-being of individuals across diverse populations. In this research, the teaching guides of the 36 subjects of the nursing degree were examined and the 10 generic competencies of the University of Almeria were analyzed: UAL1 to UAL10. UAL1- Basic knowledge of the profession, UAL2- Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), UAL3- Ability to solve problems successfully, UAL4- Oral and written expression with clarity in Spanish, UAL5- Development of critical and self-critical sense, UAL6- Ability to work in groups, UAL7- Learning a foreign language, UAL8- Commitment to business ethics, UAL9- Ability to design, manage and undertake a task by oneself, and UAL10- Corporate social responsibility. The objective of this work is to establish the possible weaknesses of the existing transversal skills in the Physiotherapy degree program. By conducting a comprehensive analysis, this study aims to determine whether the skills offered by the Physiotherapy program at the University of Almeria are aligned with the demands of the current labor market. The results of this study allow us to reflect on the acquisition of transversal skills in the field of physical therapy, as they are paramount for a smooth transition into the professional working world. Beyond the technical skills acquired through academic study, these transversal competencies, such as effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving, are crucial for success in the dynamic and collaborative environment of healthcare. Physiotherapists often work in interdisciplinary teams, requiring the ability to communicate complex information to colleagues, patients, and other healthcare professionals. Moreover, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are indispensable when designing tailored treatment plans for diverse patient populations. The capacity to adapt to evolving healthcare trends and technologies is equally vital. These transversal competencies not only enhance the effectiveness of physiotherapists in delivering patient-centered care but also contribute to their overall professional growth and adaptability in the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare. Consequently, the incorporation of transversal competencies acquired during physiotherapy studies significantly enriches the graduates' readiness for the multifaceted challenges of the professional world.

Keywords:

Skills, Physiotherapy, University Degree, Curriculum.