What is Physiotherapy?
Gone are the days when physiotherapy was considered as massage, but with the passage of time and penetration of modern devices such as Heat therapy, Electrical stimulator, Electric massagers, Laser therapy and Traction, this treatment modality has got a new fresh of look in treating of physical deformities. Now, physiotherapy has become an integral part of modern medical science. Career in physiotherapy is a judicious decision as it opens up multiple career options and job opportunities. Not only in India, in fact, across the world, especially in the developed nations, it has generated vast job opportunities. There is no as such dearth of job for the deserving candidate who knows the nuances of bones, nerves and muscles. On the other hand, the chances of placement increase manifolds after passing out from the top notch institutes or colleges.
Physiotherapy course information
To enroll in Bachelor of physiotherapy (BPT), one has to pass 12th standard from Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB). BPT is a full time degree course of 4 ½ years. If you know little bit of psychology and social science, it will give an added advantage to understand the discipline with more conceptual clarity. If you want to know the very finer aspects of physiotherapy, you may go for Master and PhD. Master and PhD in physiotherapy comes under specialization. Doing higher studies in the discipline, also opens array of avenues in career advancement. One may also pursue Bachelor of Occupational therapy and Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics.
When to join physiotherapy?
If you are interested in physical therapy, it is better to opt the discipline just after 12th standard. Starting it early, you can complete your higher studies viz. MA and PhD in physiotherapy. One can also acquaint with Bachelor of Occupational therapy and Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics. You can also pursue your specialization in the fields like Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Mental health, Orthopedics, Sports Physical Therapy, Occupational health, Neurology, Clinical Electrophysiology, Cardiopulmonary Therapy, Intensive care OPDs, Women’s health and Stroke services. Simultaneously, you should also have the eager of electric stimulator, laser therapy, traction, etc.
Job options in physiotherapy
For the deserving candidate, physiotherapy throws numerous jobs options. Our sedentary life and modern work culture drag the people towards many diseases and disorders like backache, shoulder pain, arthritis, knee pain, etc. where physiotherapy is the first choice. Physiotherapists can get good start in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, big fitness centres, occupational health centres and many others. Internationally, they are consumed with good remuneration. After completing their higher education, they can be engaged in educational institutional for teaching purposes. However, to get good placements and excel in future journey, one has to be good in communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
Career avenues in physiotherapy
The career prospects in physiotherapy are bright. After passing Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT), the student can consume in different health and fitness centres. Job opportunities increased manifolds, if he/she undergoes of its associated courses like Bachelor of Occupational therapy (BOT) and Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BPO). If you pursue higher studies like MA and PhD, it becomes comparatively easier to get good platform.
Physiotherapy scopes in USA
There are abundant opportunities of physiotherapists across the developed nations. In the developed nations like United Sates of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Canada and Western European, not only the wellness and fitness centres recruited the physiotherapists but they are also hired for research & development of pharmaceutical companies. One may go for teaching professions in the developed nations. Professionals are also being recruited in organisations who are working for physically challenged and defense establishments.
Physiotherapist main employers
Physiotherapists are hired for both small health centres as well as giant medical and fitness companies. Let’s know the list of some prominent health organizations who hired them. Some of the top recruiters across the world are Mammoth Resorts of USA, Taj Blue Diamond, Sun & Sands, Ambassador Ajanta, Mgarpata Club, Talwalkers Pantaloon Fitness Pvt. Ltd., Medybiz Pvt. Ltd, etc.
Salary in Physiotherapy
The remuneration in physiotherapy depends upon your skill, experience, and the way you are handling the patients. If you know the mechanism of bones, nerves and muscles, your talents will very soon be recognized. It also depends upon the institution where you have completed your course. At the entry level, salary starts from Rs. 15, 000-25, 000 but with your experience and expertise, it becoming lucrative.
Top colleges of physiotherapy in India
- Apollo Physiotherapy College, Hyderabad
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Institute for Physically Handicapped, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Health Education & Research, Patna
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh
- Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences,
- JSS College of Physiotherapy, Mysore, Karnataka
- SDM College of Physiotherapy, Dharwad, Karnataka
- Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Education, Kottayam, Kerala
- KJ Somaiya College of Physiotherapy
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Best colleges of physiotherapy in the world
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
- Department of Physical Therapy, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, Arkansas State University, Arkansas
- Department of Physical Therapy, California University, Long Beach
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Connecticut, Storrs.
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto.
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington.
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainsville
- School of Physical and Occupational Theory, McGill University, Montreal.
- Physical Therapy and Human Movements Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago
- School of Allied Health, University of Kansas Medical Centre, Kansas.
- College of Medicine, Mayo School of Health Sciences, Rochester.
Course Fees
BPT is a full time degree course of 4 ½ years. To complete the course, the fee ranges between Rs 2 to 5 lakh depending upon the institutes. If you want to pursue higher education, you have to pay more. The same thing is also applicable if you are going for specialization courses. However, pursuing the same from Central or Government universities, will cost you less.
Scholarship/Fellowship for physiotherapy
There are many Public Sector Banks offer scholarship to the students. Meritorious candidates also get scholarship from the institution from where he is studying. If you want to pursue research or higher education, you may go for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and National Eligibility Test (NET), both are being conducted by University Grant Commission. There are the hospitals or organisations who give diploma to volunteer free of cost.
Advantages/Disadvantages of physiotherapy
Advantages:
- It gives you a great satisfaction when the patients take a shy of relive from pain and other conditions.
- Comparatively, it is a good career option from salary point of view.
- The field is in the inception stage. It is in high demand in the developed nations but gradually its demand is also increasing in the developing nations.
Disadvantages:
- It is not so lucrative as that of software or management.
- Entry level salary is not so satisfactory.
- To go higher in the career graph, simply, it is not enough to complete Bachelor in Physiotherapy. One has to complete higher education for the same.
Tips for interview
- Physiotherapy is a practical discipline, so before going to interview, brush yourself with the practical aspects of the subject.
- You should also know how to correlate the subject with bones, muscles and nerves.
- In your resume, it is better to highlight your esteemed institution and work experience.
