TNMU Introduces Dual Education as a New Model for Training Physical Therapist Assistants

At the end of June 2026, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University launched a national pilot project introducing the dual form of higher education for students enrolled in the Therapy and Rehabilitation program. To mark the initiative, the University signed a cooperation agreement along with three tripartite agreements involving TNMU, the clinical training site, and participating students.

The documents were signed by Professor Petro Lykhatskyi, Rector of TNMU, and Volodymyr Shkrobot, General Director of the Ternopil Regional Clinical Psychoneurological Hospital.

The agreements mark the beginning of a new stage of cooperation between the University and the healthcare institution, aimed at providing practice-oriented education for future physical therapist assistants. The dual education model combines university-based academic study with hands-on professional training in a real clinical environment under the supervision of experienced mentors.

The first participants in the pilot project are students of the Physical Therapy educational program: Dmytro Perets, Oleksandra Kovalova, and Olha Tataryn. Having signed the tripartite agreements, they have officially begun their studies under the dual education model. Their practical training will take place at the Ternopil Regional Clinical Psychoneurological Hospital, where they will become part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team and gain first-hand experience in modern approaches to rehabilitation care.

Following the signing ceremony, Professor Petro Lykhatskyi and Volodymyr Shkrobot presented the students with copies of their tripartite agreements and wished them success in their studies, professional growth, and dedication to their future careers.

The introduction of dual education is one of TNMU’s strategic priorities in modernizing the educational process in line with European standards for healthcare professional training. This educational model ensures the effective integration of theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, promotes the development of professional competencies and clinical reasoning, and enhances graduates’ readiness for independent professional practice.

The implementation of this pilot project is another demonstration of TNMU’s commitment to introducing innovative educational models, strengthening partnerships with healthcare institutions, and maintaining high standards of medical education in Ukraine.