Degree Programs &
Specialty Courses

Degree Programs

Through our partnership with AMREF International University, (AMIU), we have
developed two physiotherapy degree programs: a Bachelor of Science, (BSc) Upgrade
program and a four-year BSc program. Our role in each of these was to:

Produce 18 online three-credit physiotherapy courses and gift them to AMIU.
Recruit American physiotherapists to produce and record these courses.
Recruit teachers to travel to Nairobi to teach practical labs as needed.
Teach Kenyan physiotherapists on and off AMIU faculty to take over teaching of these courses (sustainability). As of this writing all but two of these have been turned over to Kenya faculty.

Bachelor of Science Upgrade: Kenyan physiotherapists traditionally enter a three -year physiotherapy program directly out of high school. They receive a diploma in physiotherapy. Several years ago, the World Congress of Physical Therapy took the position that the minimum standard to practice physiotherapy should be a BSc degree. This created a demand throughout Africa for programs that would upgrade physiotherapy diplomas to BSc. The program that we jointly developed with AMIU is a two-year program leading to a BSc degree. At least forty physiotherapists upgrade their diploma annually through this program.

Four-year BSc: The World Congress decree about the BSc as minimum standard to practice physiotherapy has created a demand from students graduating from secondary school to forego the diploma education in favor of the BSc. AMIU is using the courses we developed for the upgrade program as the basis for developing a four-year degree. This program has been enormously successful.

Specialization Courses

Specializations (Residencies): Basic physiotherapy education does not provide the in-depth knowledge necessary for advanced clinical reasoning and clinical skills for optimal patient care. Post graduate Residencies or Specializations provide this in-depth training.

We have developed SIX post graduate specializations and ONE Certified Clinical Instructor program. Each program has five modules which are four months in length for a total program time of 20 months. Our specializations include:

Certified Clinical Physiotherapist Instructor (CCPI)

This culturally responsive course equips East African physiotherapists with the skills to become effective clinical instructors and mentors. Through evidence-based training in feedback, assessment, and teaching strategies, the program helps build local education capacity so advanced physiotherapy training can be led and sustained by local clinicians. Graduates are certified by the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya.

Students watching a physical therapy demonstration on a foot

Orthopedic Manual Physiotherapy (OMPT)

This program advances education in the management of musculoskeletal conditions, including spinal and extremity dysfunction, pain syndromes, and post-surgical rehabilitation. The curriculum emphasizes the development of hands-on clinical skills and evidence-based practice, with minimal reliance on therapeutic modalities.

Health worker taking blood pressure of a woman

Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy (CPPT)

JEF is the first institution in East Africa to introduce comprehensive training in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy. Physiotherapists trained in this specialization play a critical role in saving lives, improving quality of life, and extending longevity. With cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases among the leading causes of death across Africa, our mission is to help address this growing burden and contribute to better health outcomes across the region.

Man on crutches interacting with people in a busy market.

NEURO-Rehabilitation Physiotherapy (NRPT)

Life expectancy in East Africa is steadily improving, now averaging between 63 and 69 years. With increased longevity comes a growing prevalence of conditions that require specialized rehabilitative care, including stroke, neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, and musculoskeletal conditions like osteoporosis, among others.

Pregnant woman holding her belly in a patterned wrap.

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy (PHPT)

JEF has introduced another important specialization in East Africa focused on improving the health and wellbeing of women. Many of the challenges women face are unique to their gender, and physiotherapy can play a vital role in addressing them. Until recently, the role of physiotherapy in treating pelvic floor conditions was not widely recognized. We are helping to bridge this gap, empowering women to achieve better health and an improved quality of life.

Doctor examining a young girl's foot in a pediatric clinic

Pediatric Physiotherapy (PPT)

This specialization enhances the clinical skills of physiotherapists in the management of neonatal care, early childhood motor development disorders, cerebral palsy, sickle cell disease, orthopedic conditions, and many other pediatric health challenges. Our goal is to promote competent, comprehensive, and child-centered care across all stages of childhood development.

Athletes performing side lunges during a specialty course.

Sports Physiotherapy (under development):(CSPT)

Kenyans are highly engaged in sports, and the management of sports-related injuries has become a specialized field. To strengthen regulation and ensure high standards of care in this area, we have been tasked with developing a comprehensive specialization framework to identify and certify competent practitioners in sports physiotherapy. Our objective is to launch this program in early 2027.

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