How to Become a Physiotherapist?

Many times doctors give medication for the illness but are unable to provide you with appropriate physical healing. Some injuries cannot be easily cured by pills and need special professional assistance. The study of these methods is called Physiotherapy. It is a treatment for the restoration and maintenance of a patient so that they can make the most out of their body functioning, mobility and agility. This particular branch of Medical science employs a holistic approach to treatment, looking at the patient’s lifestyle and engaging them in their own treatment. Want to know more about this field? Thinking to make a full-time career in it? Read this blog and discover – How to become a Physiotherapist?

Who is a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists are individuals who treat the psychological, physical, and emotional well-being of patients and help them overcome pain by using specific exercises, massages and therapeutic procedures. They interact with the patients and bond with them in order to personalize therapy sessions. Physiotherapists help their patients with different problems like backache, sudden injuries, asthma-related problems, muscle building and strengthening, pelvic issues, lung issues, bowel problems and many more. 

Steps to Become a Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist can be a health counsellor, doctor, physical trainer and sports coach, and also a good friend. Now that you know what is the work of a Physiotherapist, let us move forward with this step-wise guide to becoming a professional in this field: 

Step 1 – Choose the Right Stream 

The first step towards becoming a Physiotherapist is to choose the right stream in class 12th. As Physiotherapy is a part of Medical science, it is essential for candidates to have Science in class 12th with Biology. 

Step 2 – Opt for a Physiotherapy Course

After completing class 12th, you can directly apply for a bachelor-level course in Physiotherapy. If you are a graduate with a degree in a related field, then you can opt for a diploma, postgraduate diploma, certificate or master’s program to switch your career. The table is given below highlights level wise distribution of Physiotherapy courses: 

Program Level	Duration	Eligibility Criteria
Diploma	2-3 years	Class 12th passing certificate and transcripts from a recognized board
Bachelors	3-4 years + Internship	Class 12th passing certificate and transcripts from a recognized board
Certificate	12-18 months	Proof of previous academic qualification as well as transcripts
Masters	2 years	Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA as per the university

Here is a list of popular courses in this field: 

• BSc Physiotherapy 
• Sports therapy and rehabilitation (Bsc) Hons
• Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
• Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation BSc (Hons)
• Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
• PGD / Diploma in Physiotherapy 
• Bachelor of Health Science
• Bachelor of Applied Sciences
• Master of Physiotherapy 
• Master of Health Practises 
• Master of Advanced Physiotherapy Practices

Step 3 – Choose an Appropriate Specialization

A physiotherapy course consists of a broad study of biological, surgical, physical, and medical functioning.  There are many sub-fields in physiotherapy like Cardiopulmonary, Geriatric, Neurological, Orthopedic, Pediatric, Integumentary and Women’s Health, etc. Given below are some of the major specializations available in this field:  

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Electrotherapy
• Exercise Therapy
• Microbiology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Physiology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Also Read: How to Make a Career in Sports Science

Step 4 – Find a Good University

University plays an important role in a student’s life. Apart from gaining adequate knowledge for a better future, you also get to connect with different people and shape your career as per your choice. Given below are some of the best universities for a degree in Physiotherapy:

• Curtin University 
• University of South Australia
• University of Birmingham 
• University of Otago 
• The University of Sydney 
• Monash University 
• The University of Queensland 
• Charles Sturt University 
• Kansas State University 
• University of Illinois 

What is a BNYS Course?

These are some general requirements to study abroad.
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Step 5 – Look for Top Recruiters

There is a range of opportunities for those who are joining as a Physiotherapist in both government as well as the private sector. Professionals in this field can find lucrative placements with satisfying salaries and growth opportunities. Below is a list of major recruits that hire Physiotherapy graduates.

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Research Centres
• Community Health Centres
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Fitness Centres
• Defence Medical Establishments
• Sports Clubs
• Factories
• Institutions (Education and Health)

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to pursue this degree from a recognized university or college, students are required to fulfil the below-mentioned criteria:

1.   Secondary education qualifications including national and international equivalents.
2.   Science background with subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and English.
3.   English-language proficiency tests: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Cambridge English.
4.   Apart from this, the applicants will also be required to submit letters of recommendation (LOR), statements of purpose (SOP), university transcripts, etc. 

Job Profile and Salaries in Different Countries

A physiotherapy career can rise to a number of challenging & interesting jobs in the healthcare system.  With a boom in the healthcare sector, there has been an increasing demand for physiotherapists across the globe. Below listed are some of the major job profiles in Physiotherapy:

Job Profile	Average Salary in India	Average Salary in USA	Average Salary in UK	Average Salary in Canada
Assistant Physiotherapist	INR 0.2 Lakh – 4.9 Lakh	$73,000 – $88,000	£20,000 –  £23,000	CAD 39,000 – CAD 44,000
Therapy Manager	INR 3.0 Lakh – 7.9 Lakh	$78,000 – $117,000	£39,000 – 58,500	CAD 60,000 – CAD 70,000
Osteopath	INR 16 Lakh – 34 Lakh	$83,000 – $141,000	£30,000 – £45,000	CAD 55,000 – CAD 75,000
Rehabilitator	INR 3.0 – 7 Lakh	$32,000 – $41,000	£25,000 – £33,000	CAD 51,000 – CAD 77,000
Sports Physio Rehabilitator	0.5 Lakh – 7.8 Lakh	$64,000  – $71,000	£28,000 – £35,000	CAD 79,000 – CAD 95,000

We hope you understood the apt way to become a Physiotherapist with this blog. Want to sign up for a course? Need help with the application process? Let experts at Leverage Edu be your helping hand. Call us at 088262 00293 to book your free session!