Home » Career Guidance » From Aspiration to Profession: A Guide to Become Physiotherapist
A Physiotherapist helps people with physical problems caused by sickness, accidents, or aging. They use medications, movement, sports massage, therapy, and exercise to treat patients. Physiotherapists use different treatment plans to ease discomfort and help patients regain movement. They work with people with chronic conditions or illnesses recovering from surgeries.
According to a 2018 survey by WHO, there should be one physiotherapist for every 10,000 Indians; however, there is a shortage of more than 90,000 therapists. The physiotherapy market is valued at $0.96 billion in 2022 and is estimated to rise to $1.96 billion by 2023, depicting a CAGR of 8.95%. With the rising demand for physiotherapists, if you are wondering how to become a physiotherapist, this guide will help you.
To become eligible for a physiotherapy course, candidates must pass their 10+2 exams with at least 50% marks. It is essential to have higher secondary education in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. After that, they can pursue undergraduate or postgraduate Physiotherapy courses.
Some popular courses are Bachelor of Physiotherapy, B.Sc. in Physiotherapy, and Masters in Physiotherapy. Candidates can also take certification or diploma courses in physiotherapy. Admissions to these courses are based on entrance exams like NEET PG, CET, and BCECE. Besides having educational skills, physical stamina, treatment planning, and teamwork skills are also essential to becoming a successful physiotherapist in India.
After clearing in physiotherapy course, physiotherapists earn an average salary of INR 3.08 LPA. They work in various roles such as Sports Physio Rehabilitators, Osteopaths, Researchers, and in Defense Medical Centers. They can find jobs in fitness centers, NGOs, hospitals, and other places. This blog discusses everything about physiotherapists and physiotherapy course details.
Physiotherapy is a wide field with various specializations that candidates can pursue to specialize their skillset in a particular field and unlock myriad opportunities. Each specialization brings unique skills and techniques to help individuals regain function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. Here are some specializations that you can consider under a physiotherapy course:
Orthopedic Physiotherapy focuses on orthopedics and treatment affecting the musculoskeletal system. Here are the responsibilities of the orthopedic physiotherapist:
Neurological Physiotherapy treats neurological conditions to regain or maintain the maximum movement functional dependence. Here are the responsibilities of neurological physiotherapists:
Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy uses manual techniques to clear mucus from a person’s chest or non-invasive treatments to help a person breathe and improve breathing capacity. Here are the responsibilities of a Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapist:
Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy deals with preventing and managing injuries due to sports and exercise participation for all stages and all sports. Here are the responsibilities of a sports physiotherapist:
Pediatric Physiotherapy assesses, identifies, diagnoses, and treats physiological impairments in infants and children. Here are some responsibilities of pediatric physiotherapists:
Knowing the educational qualification is crucial in learning how to become a physiotherapist. If you are interested in getting a physiotherapist qualification, here is how you can become one:
To get into a physiotherapy course, you must finish your 10+2 with at least 50% marks. Make sure you choose physics, chemistry, and biology as your main subjects. You can choose math as an optional subject, but physics, chemistry, and biology are required. A strong foundation in science subjects is necessary to become a qualified therapist.
Once you finish your 10+2, consider studying physiotherapy or a related field. You can choose between getting a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) or a diploma in physiotherapy. To get into these programs, you need to pass different entrance exams. The four-year Bachelor’s program involves a required six-month internship. The diploma physiotherapy course duration is three years long. You will learn about exercise therapy, sociology, physiotherapy orientation, clinical training, and other related subjects during your studies.
Thinking about a master’s degree in physiotherapy after your Bachelor’s degree is great! You can get a Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) or a postgraduate diploma (PG). The physiotherapy course duration is two years, and you must pass an entrance exam to join. During these courses, you can specialize in different types of physiotherapy. Getting a master’s degree helps you earn more money. Researching accredited institutions is important in understanding how to become a physiotherapist.
During your Bachelor’s physiotherapy course, completing a six-month training and getting experience is best. You can gain experience by working in a medical facility, hospital, or clinic. Start your career as a physiotherapist with athletic teams, small clinics, and sports teams.
Work in special schools and care homes to show dedication and gain valuable experience. Hospitals and medical facilities prefer professionals with relevant experience. Understand the role and research the industry to get hired faster. Research the role and industry to improve your chances of getting hired quickly. Internships and clinical rotations provide valuable hands-on experience in the journey of how to become a physiotherapist.
Once qualified and experienced, apply for jobs matching your skills. Show your abilities, education, and your skillset on your resume. Include your clinical experience to make yourself a stronger candidate. Use keywords from the job description and tweak your resume for each job. When your resume is ready, apply for roles on job websites. Registering with professional associations is a step to consider when understanding how to become a physiotherapist. Networking with other professionals in the field can provide guidance and support throughout how to become a physiotherapist.
Here is a list of essential skills and qualities that will help to become a successful and qualified physiotherapist:
You must be strong and agile to perform physical therapy treatments and exercises. Helping patients sit, walk, or stand requires physical strength. Physiotherapists must have the endurance and strength to work with patients all day.
Good communication is important in this role. It helps you ask the right questions and understand patients’ problems. Clear communication is also essential for teaching patients about physical therapy. You’ll need strong writing skills to complete detailed progress reports.
Physiotherapists work with patients in pain or recovering from injuries. Patience is important to treat these patients and improve their mobility. You need to adjust treatment plans based on patient condition changes.
Being organized helps you find the equipment and supplies you need for therapy sessions. It also helps you keep track of schedules and records for each client. Excellent time management skills help break down goals into manageable tasks.
To understand a patient’s condition you need to have good problem-solving skills. You’ll use your knowledge and problem-solving abilities to create treatment plans and exercises. Being able to solve problems calmly and confidently is important for a physiotherapist.
Some patients may be in distress or pain but may not express it. Your sensitivity can help you understand their condition and provide appropriate treatment. Empathy is important for connecting with patients and meeting their needs. Building a strong relationship and aiding in full recovery are supported by sensitivity and empathy.
Physiotherapists play an important role in helping individuals. Let’s delve into the detailed roles and responsibilities of a physiotherapist:
Here is what is included in the assessment and evaluation:
Here is what is included in treatment planning and implementation:
Here is what is included in rehabilitation and physical therapy:
Here is what is included in pain management:
Here is what is included in providing assistive devices and mobility aids:
Here is what is included in the documentation and reporting:
Here is what is included in research and further education:
Here are some professional ethics and standards that physiotherapists learn during physiotherapy courses:
Here are the average salaries for physiotherapists at different stages of their careers:
As a fresh graduate, you can expect an average salary ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 per month. With time and gaining experience, your salary can gradually increase as you prove your skills and competence in the field.
In intermediate roles, which typically include positions such as senior physiotherapist or team leader, you can expect an average salary ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 per month.
These roles often come with added responsibilities, such as supervising junior staff, managing patient care plans, and handling a broader range of cases.
Physiotherapists in advanced roles with significant experience and specialized knowledge can earn higher salaries. In advanced roles, you can expect a salary of Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 or more per month. Advanced physiotherapists often hold leadership positions, work in prestigious hospitals, or establish their private practices. They may also engage in research, teach at universities, or provide consultancy services. Additionally, salaries may differ across different regions of India, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher compensation compared to rural areas.
The journey of how to become a physiotherapist begins with a passion. Becoming a physiotherapist in India requires comprehensive education, practical training, registration, and ongoing professional development.
Obtaining a good score in the entrance exams required for admission to a reputable physiotherapy course is essential. After that, they can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from a recognized institution. Additionally, it is advisable to participate in internships or clinical rotations during the study.
Is a physiotherapist a doctor? Then, physiotherapy is a medical branch that deals with rehabilitation and remedies to cure injuries; however, they are not doctors. A qualified physiotherapist helps in post-treatment covering by providing help and assistance to patients to get back to their normal routine after surgeries and operations.
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It takes around 4 to 5 years to complete a physiotherapy course. This duration includes the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy. The curriculum also incorporates internships and clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience. After completing the Bachelor’s degree, individuals can register with the appropriate professional associations or councils to practice as a qualified physiotherapist.
No, NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is not required for most physiotherapy programs in India. While NEET is mandatory for admission to medical and dental courses, physiotherapy is not typically required. However, it is important to note that some institutes may have their own entrance exams or selection criteria for physiotherapy courses. Check the specific requirements of the institutes you are interested in for accurate information regarding their admission process.
No, a physiotherapist is not a medical doctor. While they play a vital role in healthcare, physiotherapists do not hold a medical degree like doctors. Physiotherapists focus on rehabilitation and improving physical well-being, but they do not have the same level of medical training or the authority to diagnose and prescribe medications as medical doctors.
After completing 12th grade, then get Bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy. To be eligible for admission, focus on science subjects during your 12th-grade education. Look for reputable colleges or universities that offer a Bachelor’s program in physiotherapy. Prepare for entrance exams if required by the institute. Once admitted, you will undergo comprehensive training in theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and therapeutic techniques.
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