Medipol University

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation is a scientific discipline encompassing a wide range of specialties, including orthopedic rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, geriatric rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation, oncological rehabilitation, prosthetics and orthotics rehabilitation, and exercise programs for healthy individuals across all age groups, including children, adults, and older adults.

Rapid technological and scientific advances in the field have reinforced the importance of lifelong learning and require physiotherapists to continually enhance their knowledge and competencies by applying specialized assessment and intervention methods within their areas of expertise. The primary goals of physiotherapy and rehabilitation are to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance individuals' quality of life. In line with these objectives, the Master's Program in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation aims to educate specialist physiotherapists who apply evidence-based rehabilitation approaches incorporating physical, psychological, social, environmental, and community-oriented perspectives.

The Master's Program in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation offers a comprehensive curriculum covering both general and specialized topics in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, providing students with the advanced theoretical knowledge and clinical competencies required for professional practice, research, and lifelong professional development.

Head of the Department
Prof. Dr. Z. Candan Algun

The prevalence of individuals requiring speech and language therapy is high worldwide. Consequently, Speech and Language Therapy has become one of the most sought-after and competitive professions globally.

Particularly in clinical settings and hospitals, there is a growing need for speech and language therapists to work as part of multidisciplinary teams alongside specialists in otorhinolaryngology (ENT), neurology, pediatrics, audiology, physiotherapy, psychiatry, plastic surgery, and related disciplines to provide accurate differential diagnosis and effective, evidence-based rehabilitation. Accordingly, there is an increasing demand for qualified speech and language therapists with advanced expertise in specific areas of the profession. Furthermore, to improve the diagnosis of speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders, to better understand their etiology and pathophysiology, and to provide individuals with communication disorders or special needs with the most appropriate evidence-based rehabilitation, it is essential to adopt and implement advanced methods developed internationally.

The Master's Program in Speech and Language Therapy aims to educate specialist speech and language therapists who achieve advanced expertise through specialization in specific clinical areas. Based on international standards and the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework, the program integrates professional speech and language therapy sciences with biomedical sciences, clinical linguistics, neurocognitive and behavioral sciences, special education, public health, and research methodologies. Graduates are expected to follow contemporary scientific developments and technological advances, conduct ethical and collaborative professional practice, and contribute to the field as clinician-researchers.

The laboratories of the Department of Speech and Language Therapy within our Faculty, together with the University's hospitals, multidisciplinary clinical units, and the MEDIPOL Speech and Language Therapy Center (MEDKOM), which is currently being established, will provide students with extensive opportunities for hands-on clinical training, assessment, therapy, and research.

Students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to receive education from internationally recognized scholars and to participate in collaborative research with leading experts in the field. Graduates of the Master's Program, who already hold the professional title of Speech and Language Therapist, will develop advanced expertise in pediatric and adult voice, swallowing, speech, and language disorders. They will be qualified to work in hospitals, university clinics, and private practice, helping to address the significant shortage of highly trained clinical specialists in Türkiye. In addition, graduates will be well prepared to pursue doctoral studies at universities in Türkiye or abroad, enabling them to continue successful academic and research careers.

Prof. Dr. S. Seyhun Topbaş
Head of the Department of Speech and Language Therapy
Institute of Health Sciences

Speech and Language Therapy is an autonomous healthcare profession dedicated to the prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, and scientific study of communication, language, speech, voice, and swallowing disorders that may affect individuals across the lifespan, from the neonatal period through older adulthood.

The prevalence of individuals requiring speech and language therapy is high worldwide. Consequently, Speech and Language Therapy has become one of the most sought-after and competitive professions globally.

Particularly in clinical settings and hospitals, there is a growing need for speech and language therapists to work as part of multidisciplinary teams alongside specialists in otorhinolaryngology (ENT), neurology, pediatrics, audiology, physiotherapy, psychiatry, plastic surgery, and related disciplines to provide accurate differential diagnosis and effective, evidence-based rehabilitation. Accordingly, there is an increasing demand for qualified speech and language therapists with advanced expertise in specific areas of the profession. Furthermore, to improve the diagnosis of speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders, to better understand their etiology and pathophysiology, and to provide patients and individuals with special needs with the most appropriate evidence-based rehabilitation, it is essential to adopt and implement advanced methods developed internationally.

The Master's Program in Speech and Language Therapy aims to educate specialist speech and language therapists who develop advanced expertise through specialization in specific clinical areas. Based on international standards and the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework, the program integrates professional speech and language therapy sciences with biomedical sciences, clinical linguistics, neurocognitive and behavioral sciences, special education, public health, and research methodologies. Graduates are expected to follow contemporary scientific developments and technological advances, practice ethically and collaboratively, and contribute to the profession as clinician-researchers.

The laboratories of the Department of Speech and Language Therapy within our Faculty, together with the University's hospitals, multidisciplinary clinical units, and the MEDIPOL Speech and Language Therapy Center (MEDKOM), which is currently being established, will provide students with comprehensive opportunities for hands-on clinical training, assessment, therapy, and research.

Students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to receive education from internationally recognized scholars and to participate in collaborative research with leading experts in the field. Graduates of the Master's Program, who hold the professional title of Speech and Language Therapist, will develop advanced expertise in the assessment and management of voice, swallowing, speech, and language disorders in both pediatric and adult populations. They will be qualified to work in hospitals, university clinics, and private practice, helping to address the significant shortage of highly trained clinical specialists in Türkiye. Furthermore, graduates will be well prepared to pursue doctoral studies at leading universities in Türkiye or abroad, enabling them to continue successful academic and research careers.

Prof. Dr. S. Seyhun Topbaş
Head of the Department of Speech and Language Therapy
Institute of Health Sciences
[email protected]