About College

SDM College of Physiotherapy, Dharwad is a well-established physiotherapy institution founded in 1996 under the vision of Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade. Located at Manjushree Nagar, Sattur, Dharwad, the college is now a constituent unit of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University (SDMU), Dharwad, and is recognized by the Government of Karnataka. The institution has developed into an established centre for physiotherapy education, clinical training and research.

The college offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral education in physiotherapy. Its current Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) programme has an intake of 75 seats, comprising 45 management seats and 30 government seats through KEA. The BPT programme is designed around professional skills, research awareness, clinical practice and evidence-based physiotherapy.

At postgraduate level, the Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) programme provides specialized education across areas including Musculoskeletal Disorders, Cardio-Pulmonary Sciences, Community Rehabilitation Sciences, Pediatrics and Neonatal Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Sciences, NeuroSciences and Sports Sciences. The current SDMU programme information specifies a two-year duration for MPT.

The college is supported by SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital and has access to extensive clinical exposure through the associated 1,600-bed SDM Hospital. Students can gain exposure across musculoskeletal and sports, neurological and neurosurgical, cardiorespiratory, community, pediatric and obstetric and gynaecological areas.

The academic environment includes experienced faculty, specialized departments, practical laboratories, lecture halls, a large library, research facilities and student amenities. The 70-acre campus provides facilities such as cafeteria, auditorium, banking, stores and other essential services. The Akshara Library occupies approximately 3,690 square feet and provides health-science books, journals, electronic resources and computer facilities.

With its long academic history, university environment, broad postgraduate specialization options, extensive clinical exposure and emphasis on research and evidence-based practice, SDM College of Physiotherapy provides a comprehensive setting for students seeking careers in clinical physiotherapy, academics, research, rehabilitation and specialized practice.

Academic Programs & Curriculum

SDM College of Physiotherapy offers BPT, MPT and PhD programmes in Physiotherapy. The BPT curriculum integrates medical sciences, physiotherapy knowledge, research and clinical practice, while the MPT programme provides specialization-based advanced education. Teaching emphasizes professional competence, clinical decision-making, research methodology and evidence-based practice through classroom learning, practical training, clinical exposure, seminars and research activities.

Academic Programs & Curriculum – Highlights

• Bachelor of Physiotherapy with 75 current seats
• Master of Physiotherapy across seven specialized disciplines
• PhD programme in Physiotherapy
• Strong emphasis on clinical practice and evidence-based education
• Research and professional development integrated into academic programmes

Undergraduate Program

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) at SDM College of Physiotherapy is an integrated undergraduate programme combining physiotherapy education, research and clinical practice. The curriculum prepares students to evaluate, prescribe and practise physiotherapy for musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, pediatric and geriatric conditions. The current programme has an intake of 75 seats, comprising 30 government seats through KEA and 45 private seats. The official programme duration is four years followed by six months of internship. Admission requires completion of 10+2 or equivalent education with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and the prescribed eligibility criteria. Clinical learning is supported by the associated SDM Hospital.

Undergraduate Program Highlights

• Bachelor of Physiotherapy professional degree
• Current intake of 75 seats
• 30 government seats and 45 private seats
• Four years of academic study plus six-month internship
• Integrated clinical, research and evidence-based learning

Course Duration & Semester Structure

• BPT academic programme extends over four years
• Six months of compulsory internship follows the academic programme
• First-year learning establishes medical-science and physiotherapy foundations
• Second, third and fourth years progressively develop professional and clinical competencies
• Clinical practice and internship provide supervised application of physiotherapy skills

Postgraduate Programs

The Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) is a two-year full-time postgraduate programme designed for advanced clinical practice, research and professional specialization. The current SDMU programme offers specialization in Musculoskeletal Disorders, Cardio-Pulmonary Sciences, Community Rehabilitation Sciences, Pediatrics and Neonatal Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Sciences, NeuroSciences and Sports Sciences. The programme uses case discussions, journal clubs, seminars, micro-teaching, field visits, hands-on training and dissertation work. Students develop advanced clinical decision-making, evidence-based practice, research and professional autonomy. Admission requires a recognized BPT qualification and the prescribed university entrance and eligibility requirements.

Postgraduate Specialization Highlights

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Cardio-Pulmonary Sciences
• Community Rehabilitation Sciences
• Pediatrics and Neonatal Sciences
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology Sciences
• NeuroSciences
• Sports Sciences

Postgraduate Program Highlights

• Two-year full-time MPT programme
• Specialized clinical and academic training
• Research and dissertation component
• Evidence-based clinical decision-making emphasis

Postgraduate Course Duration & Semester Structure

• Duration of MPT is two years
• Advanced theoretical and clinical specialization is developed throughout the programme
• Hands-on clinical training and seminars support specialized learning
• Dissertation and research activities form an important component of postgraduate education

Affiliation & Recognition

SDM College of Physiotherapy is a constituent unit of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad. The college was originally affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences after its establishment in 1996 and became part of the newly constituted SDM University in December 2018. The college is recognized by the Government of Karnataka and operates within the SDM University academic framework.

Affiliation & Recognition Highlights

• Constituent unit of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University
• Located within the SDM University academic ecosystem
• Recognized by the Government of Karnataka
• Originally affiliated with RGUHS after establishment in 1996
• Part of SDM University since December 2018

Clinical Training & Practical Exposure

Clinical education is a major strength of SDM College of Physiotherapy. The college is supported by the 1,600-bed SDM Hospital, enabling students to observe and manage cases across multiple specialties. Clinical exposure covers musculoskeletal, sports, neurological, cardiorespiratory, pediatric, community and obstetric and gynaecological rehabilitation.

Clinical Training HighLights

• Clinical exposure through 1,600-bed SDM Hospital
• Musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation exposure
• Neurological and neurosurgical rehabilitation
• Cardiorespiratory and critical-care related exposure
• Pediatric, community and obstetric-gynaecological physiotherapy exposure

Infrastructure & Facilities

The college operates within a 70-acre SDM campus with academic, clinical and student-support facilities. It has well-equipped laboratories, lecture halls with projection and computer facilities and the Akshara Library. The library covers approximately 3,690 square feet and provides books, journals, electronic resources and dedicated computers.

Infrastructure Highlights

• 70-acre SDM University campus
• Well-equipped physiotherapy laboratories and lecture halls
• 3,690 sq. ft. Akshara Library with health-science resources
• Cafeteria, auditorium, banking, stores and student amenities
• Hostel and mess facilities available on campus

Faculty & Teaching Approach

SDM College of Physiotherapy has a multidisciplinary and experienced faculty structure covering major physiotherapy specialties. Current faculty records include senior professors, associate professors, assistant professors and lecturers across musculoskeletal, neurological, pediatric, cardiorespiratory, community, sports and women's-health areas. The Principal, Dr. Sanjay T. Parmar, is a Professor with qualifications including PhD and MPT. Faculty members are actively involved in teaching, research, postgraduate guidance, clinical training and professional development.

Our Faculty Profile

The faculty includes experienced academic and clinical professionals such as Dr. Sanjay T. Parmar, Dr. Salima Bijapuri, Dr. Sharmila Dudhani, Dr. Sudhir Bhatbolan and Dr. Jyoti Jeevannavar, along with newer faculty members appointed during 2025–2026. Faculty expertise spans neurological, community, pediatric, sports, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Faculty Teaching Approach

Faculty teaching combines classroom instruction, practical demonstrations, clinical supervision, research mentoring and postgraduate guidance. The college emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning and professional autonomy. Faculty members also participate in workshops, research publications, conferences and specialty-specific professional activities to keep teaching connected with current physiotherapy practice.

Teaching Methodology

Teaching at SDM College of Physiotherapy combines theoretical instruction with practical and clinical learning. The MPT programme specifically uses case discussions, journal clubs, seminars, micro-teaching lectures, field visits, hands-on training and dissertation work. Across programmes, the college emphasizes research, ethics, clinical decision-making, evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary professional development.

Teaching Methodology Highlights

• Case-based and clinically oriented learning
• Hands-on laboratory and clinical training
• Seminars, journal clubs and micro-teaching
• Research, dissertation and evidence-based practice

Career Opportunities & Scope

SDM graduates can pursue clinical careers across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, sports facilities, community programmes, pediatric services, neurological rehabilitation and cardiorespiratory care. MPT graduates can pursue specialized clinical practice, academic positions, research, consultancy and leadership roles. The institution's clinical exposure, postgraduate specializations and research environment can support progression into advanced physiotherapy practice, teaching and research-oriented careers.

Opportunities Highlights

• Hospital-based physiotherapy careers
• Specialized musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory practice
• Sports and performance rehabilitation
• Academic, research and teaching careers
• Community, pediatric and women's-health rehabilitation

Location Advantage

SDM College of Physiotherapy is situated at Sattur in Dharwad, alongside the Hubballi-Dharwad National Highway. Dharwad and Hubballi form an important educational and healthcare region of North Karnataka. The college states that the area is well connected by road, railway and air services with major parts of Karnataka and neighbouring states. Its campus location also provides access to the wider SDM healthcare and university ecosystem.

Highlights Of Location

• Located at Sattur, Dharwad
• Situated alongside the Hubballi-Dharwad National Highway
• Well connected to Hubballi and Dharwad
• Road, rail and air connectivity to major cities
• Integrated university and healthcare campus environment

Why Choose College of Physiotherapy?

SDM College of Physiotherapy offers a combination of long-standing academic experience, university-based education, specialized postgraduate programmes and extensive clinical exposure. Its association with SDM Hospital provides access to a large clinical environment, while experienced faculty and research activities support professional development. The college's seven current MPT specializations also provide students with multiple pathways for advanced physiotherapy education.

Why Choose College of Physiotherapy – Key Reasons

• Established physiotherapy institution founded in 1996
• Constituent unit of SDM University
• Government of Karnataka recognition
• Current BPT intake of 75 seats
• Seven MPT specialization options
• 1,600-bed SDM Hospital clinical support
• 70-acre university campus
• Experienced multidisciplinary faculty
• Strong research and evidence-based education focus
• Opportunities for BPT, MPT and PhD-level academic progression

Conclusion

SDM College of Physiotherapy, Dharwad is an established institution offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral education in physiotherapy. Founded in 1996, it has evolved from its original RGUHS affiliation into a constituent college of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University. The current BPT programme offers 75 seats, while the MPT programme provides seven specialized pathways. Extensive clinical exposure through the associated 1,600-bed SDM Hospital, experienced faculty, research activity, specialized departments, library resources and a large university campus contribute to a comprehensive educational environment. For students seeking physiotherapy education with strong clinical, academic and research components, SDM College of Physiotherapy remains a significant institution in North Karnataka.

Highlights

• Founded in 1996 at Dharwad
• Constituent college of SDM University
• BPT intake of 75 seats
• MPT available across seven specializations
• Extensive clinical exposure through SDM Hospital