JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Rehabilitation 2026/2027

If you want to study Medical Rehabilitation—also referred to as Physiotherapy in some institutions—you must meet the correct JAMB subject combination, O’Level requirements, and university admission criteria. This guide explains everything you need to know, from the UTME subject combination to career opportunities after graduation.

What is Medical Rehabilitation?

Medical Rehabilitation is a branch of healthcare that focuses on helping individuals regain or improve physical, cognitive, and functional abilities after severe injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. The goal is to maximize the quality of life and independence of patients.

Professionals in this field work with people suffering from:

• Stroke

• Spinal cord injury

• Bone fractures

• Cerebral palsy

• Arthritis

• Neuromuscular disorders

• Sports injuries

• Post-surgical conditions

The course combines theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, requiring strong scientific aptitude, empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills.

JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Rehabilitation

To study Medical Rehabilitation in Nigeria, you must select the correct UTME subject combination. The approved JAMB subjects for this course are:

1. Use of English – Compulsory for all UTME candidates

2. Biology

3. Physics

4. Chemistry

These science subjects provide the foundational knowledge required for the course. Choosing any other combination will lead to automatic disqualification during the admission process.

WAEC/NECO/O’Level Requirements for Medical Rehabilitation

To qualify for Medical Rehabilitation, you must have at least five (5) credit passes in key science subjects. These must be obtained in not more than two sittings.

The required subjects are:

• English Language

• Mathematics

• Biology

• Physics

• Chemistry

Strong grades (A or B) in these subjects significantly improve your chances, especially because Medical Rehabilitation is competitive in Nigeria.

Some universities prefer O’Level results obtained in one sitting for medical and health-related courses.

Direct Entry Requirements for Medical Rehabilitation

If you’re applying through Direct Entry (DE), you must meet one or more of the following requirements:

• Two (2) A-Level passes in

  • Biology/Zoology

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

• OND/HND in related science or health disciplines, such as:

  • Physiotherapy Technology

  • Orthopedic Cast Technology

  • Biomedical sciences

• NCE with science specialization

• First degree (B.Sc.) in related biological or medical fields

Direct Entry applicants may gain admission into 200 level, depending on the university’s policies.

Universities Offering Medical Rehabilitation in Nigeria

Medical Rehabilitation is not offered in many universities, making it both rare and competitive. Below are the top institutions offering the course:

1. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

One of the first and most prestigious schools offering Medical Rehabilitation. Highly competitive.

2. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

Offers Medical Rehabilitation through the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences with excellent clinical training.

3. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

Provides Physiotherapy under its College of Health Sciences.

4. Bayero University Kano (BUK)

Offers Physiotherapy with excellent teaching hospital facilities.

5. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Offers Physiotherapy, though admission is extremely competitive.

6. Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA)

A newer institution with growing facilities for health-related programs.

Not all universities use the term Medical Rehabilitation; some use Physiotherapy. In the Nigerian context, both fields share similar academic structures.

How Competitive is Medical Rehabilitation?

Medical Rehabilitation is highly competitive for several reasons:

• Limited number of universities offering the course

• High demand for healthcare professionals

• Better job opportunities locally and internationally

• Rising awareness of physical therapy and rehabilitation

• Modern hospitals now require specialized rehabilitation units

Candidates aiming for this course must score high in JAMB and present excellent O’Level results.

Typical JAMB cut-off marks range from:

• 200 – 220 for less competitive universities

• 230 – 260 for programs in UNN, UNILORIN, and OAU

To secure admission, aim for a JAMB score above 240.

How Many Years Does It Take to Study Medical Rehabilitation?

The duration of the Medical Rehabilitation program in Nigeria is:

• 5 years for UTME students

• 4 years for Direct Entry students

After completing the program, students undergo:

• Compulsory 1-year internship

• NYSC service year

The internship offers practical experience in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

What Do Students Learn in Medical Rehabilitation?

The curriculum covers a wide range of medical, biological, and therapeutic subjects, including:

• Basic Anatomy

• Human Physiology

• Biochemistry

• Medical Physics

• Pathology

• Exercise Therapy

• Electrotherapy

• Neurological Rehabilitation

• Orthopedic Rehabilitation

• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

• Geriatric Rehabilitation

• Pediatric Physiotherapy

• Research and Statistics

Students also gain hands-on experience through clinical postings.

Career Opportunities in Medical Rehabilitation

Medical Rehabilitation graduates enjoy diverse and rewarding career paths, both in Nigeria and abroad. Opportunities include:

1. Physiotherapist

Offer physical therapy to patients recovering from injury or illness.

2. Rehabilitation Specialist

Work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers to restore patient mobility.

3. Sports Therapist

Provide injury management and rehabilitation for athletes.

4. Orthopedic Physiotherapist

Handle bone, joint, and muscle-related issues.

5. Neurological Physiotherapist

Work with patients suffering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, etc.

6. Pediatric Physiotherapist

Help children with developmental disorders.

7. Lecturer or Researcher

Teach and conduct research in universities or medical institutions.

8. Occupational Therapist (via specialization)

Focus on helping patients regain daily functional skills.

9. Fitness and Wellness Consultant

Develop fitness programs and guide rehabilitation exercises.

10. International Opportunities

Physiotherapists are in high demand in:

• UK

• Canada

• USA

• Australia

• Middle East

Graduates can process internationally recognized certifications.

Why Choose Medical Rehabilitation?

There are several compelling reasons to study this course:

• High demand for rehabilitation professionals

• Opportunities to work abroad

• Ability to help people improve mobility and quality of life

• Attractive salary prospects

• Multiple areas of specialization

• Strong healthcare relevance

• Personal fulfillment from making a visible impact

If you enjoy working directly with people and have an interest in human anatomy and healing, this course is a great choice.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Admission

Because Medical Rehabilitation is competitive, follow these strategies to improve your admission chances:

1. Aim for a High JAMB Score (240+)

The higher your score, the better your chances.

2. Study the Correct JAMB Subjects

Use of English
Biology
Physics
Chemistry

3. Get Strong O’Level Results

Preferably one sitting with A’s and B’s in science subjects.

4. Perform Well in Post-UTME

Some schools place heavy weight on screening.

5. Choose Your University Carefully

If your score is lower, select universities with moderate competition.

6. Apply Through Direct Entry

If eligible, this increases your chances of gaining admission into 200 level.

7. Prepare Early and Stay Updated

Regularly check university websites and JAMB portals for updates.

Read Also: JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences 2026/2027

Medical Rehabilitation is an essential field in modern healthcare, aimed at improving the physical and functional abilities of patients. As one of the most respected courses in Nigerian universities, it requires the correct JAMB subject combination:

• Use of English

• Biology

• Physics

• Chemistry

Alongside strong O’Level results, high UTME scores, and dedication, you can secure admission into any university that offers this rewarding program.