Physiotherapy

The science of treating and rehabilitating physically challenged and disabled people is known as Physiotherapy. The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) is a four-year undergraduate professional programme that focuses on using physical movement to prevent disabilities and movement-related illnesses.

Students can pursue this course after completing their 10+2 studies. After getting a BPT degree, they can continue their education by pursuing a master's in physiotherapy (MPT). In addition to this, a diploma in physiotherapy (commonly known as a DPT) course is also offered. 

To be eligible for physiotherapy courses, students need to pass university entrance exams like IEMJEE, IPU CET, BCECE, VEE. etc. Most of the courses are delivered offline, while a few physiotherapy diploma courses may be available for online study. Some of the top colleges offering physiotherapy courses are the Academy of Allied Health Sciences, Annamalai University, BCF College of Physiotherapy, Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, etc.

The course fee ranges from INR 4,700 (diploma) to INR 24 lakhs on average. Physiotherapy graduates earn between INR 2-7 lakhs annually by working in various fields like healthcare, fitness, defence, sports, etc.

Check out the significant highlights of the physiotherapy courses below:

Everyone nowadays is suffering from muscular issues as a result of a poor lifestyle and a busy job schedule. Physiotherapists are in high demand today because individuals flock to them to treat the persistent problems that emerge from this. In the near future, physiotherapy will have a wide scope, both internationally as well as in India.

Physiotherapy programmes are offered in India at various academic levels, such as:

• Diploma (UG/PG)

• Undergraduate (UG)

• Post-graduate (PG)

• Doctoral

Candidates can choose a specialisation among various alternatives in the field of physiotherapy. Depending on their field of interest, a candidate can select a course in physiology, biomechanics, anatomy, or another subject. The following is a list of physiotherapy programmes offered in India:

• Diploma in Physiotherapy

• BSc in Physiotherapy

• Bachelor of Physio or Physical Therapy (BPT)

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science or BVSc

• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT)

Students can choose to pursue a diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD in physiotherapy as per their requirements. Check out detailed information about each course below:

Diploma in Physiotherapy (DPT)

After completing the 12th grade (science), one can enrol in diploma courses. DPT programmes are aimed at producing knowledgeable, experienced physiotherapists with a solid foundation in therapeutic sciences.

BSc in Physiotherapy

Through a three-year programme, students are expected to acquire diagnostic, analytical, technical, and creative abilities. They are also expected to become aware of recent advancements in the area and acquire a fundamental comprehension of the human body system. After completing this course, one may qualify for positions as a researcher, physiotherapist, homecare therapist, lecturer, etc.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

A four-year course of study that provides a comprehensive inspection of the science of physical movement. Following course completion, candidates must complete a required clinical internship that lasts for several months under the supervision of a licenced physiotherapist to get practical knowledge. The focus of the BPT curriculum is on teaching candidates how to perform muscle relaxation, exercises, and electro-physical methods of treatment. Additionally, students receive practical training in treating ailments and limitations connected to the back, spine, neck, etc.

Master of Physiotherapy (MPT)

MPT is a two-year professional programme where students learn how to perform procedures, strengthen muscles and bones, and treat joints or deformity-related problems. It also provides specialisations in octogenarians, sports, neuroanatomy, orthopaedics, cardio-pulmonary sciences, and musculoskeletal disciplines. Students are exposed to contemporary physiotherapy methods while learning about joints and muscle relaxation techniques. One might find well-paying jobs in the corporate and public sectors after completing the MPT physiotherapy degree.

PhD in Physiotherapy

A three-year PhD programme that can be taken full- or part-time integrates academic study with real-world experience. Students might collaborate to gain practical experience during the programme. To equip students with the knowledge and abilities needed to comprehend patients' mental states, basic psychology is taught to students. Additionally, students gain knowledge in their field of study and learn problem-solving skills. After earning a PhD, one can pursue management positions in reputable corporations as well as careers as a researcher, professor, or physiotherapist.

The following are the most commonly taken entrance tests among students hoping to pursue higher education in physiotherapy:

IEMJEE

Institute of Engineering & Management Joint Entrance Exam or IMEJEE candidates must be between the ages of 17 to 25. Candidates from Kolkata and Jaipur must obtain a domicile certificate in order to take the admission exam. Additionally, the candidate's 10+2 grade point average must be at least 30% in English and 60% in the three basic science disciplines of biology, physics, and chemistry. 

IPU CET 

A candidate must be 18 years old and completed their 10+2 board exams or its equivalent to be eligible for the Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test or IPU CET.

LPUNEST

To be eligible for the Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test or LPUNEST, candidates must achieve at least a 60% overall score in their class 12 board exam or its equivalent.

BCECE 

Students taking the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination or BCECE must be at least 17 years old. Additionally, candidates must have completed their 10+2 with a score of at least 50% overall in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.

VEE 

Applicants must have received a passing grade in 10+2 Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics to be qualified to take the VELS Entrance Examination or VEE

Other notable admission tests for physiotherapy programmes in India include the following:

• CMC Vellore Paramedical 

• National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 

• JIPMER Paramedical 

• AIIMS Paramedical 

• Jamia Millia Islamia Paramedical 

• BHU BPT 

• Amity BPT 

• Jamia Hamdard Paramedical

• Manipal Entrance Test (MET)

The qualifying requirements listed below must be met to enrol in one of India's top physiotherapy programmes at different academic levels. Depending on the prerequisites of the institution or college the student is applying to, the admissions procedure may vary.

Eligibility Criteria for Physiotherapy Diploma Programmes

• Meet the minimum percentage requirement as per eligibility criteria for PG diploma courses. Usually, a minimum score of 50% in bachelors is considered for admission.

• All undergraduate diploma programmes require students to pass 10+2 (science) examinations from a recognised school board and with at least a 50% aggregate score.

Eligibility Criteria for Physiotherapy UG Programmes

• Applicant must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% marks and have Chemistry, Physics, and Biology as required subjects.

• Passing entrance exams like the GGSIPU CET and the Common Entrance Test (CET) is compulsory.

• Based on how well you performed in your class 12 board examinations, you can apply for a BSc in Physiotherapy. It must be noted that there is no entrance exam for admission to BSc programmes in this field.

Eligibility Criteria for PG Physiotherapy Programmes

The following are the admission requirements for postgraduate and doctoral physiotherapy courses:

• To be considered for admission to MPT programmes, students should have completed a BPT degree with at least a 50% aggregate.

• Candidates must have spent a minimum of six months working as interns in this field.

• Exams like the Common Entrance Test (CET), JIPMER All India Entrance Exam, and the All India Post Graduate Physiotherapy Entrance Test must be taken by prospective applicants.

• PhD candidates must pass entrance exams and fellowship interviews in addition to earning top grades in their postgraduate coursework.

At Indian universities, the scores or results of the university entrance exam determine admission to physiotherapy programmes. However, other colleges might offer merit-based admission. For final selection, the officials will also take the applicants' eligibility into account. To apply for physiotherapy courses, individuals must possess the necessary qualifications.

There is no particular national entrance exam administered for admission to BPT. Do note that for the bachelor of physiotherapy or MPT courses NEET rank is not required. For the purposes of determining the final candidate selections, the university conducts counselling and seat distribution.

As we have discussed the entrance exams for physiotherapy courses in India, let us talk a bit over the colleges offering it. The following are a few of the top colleges in India that provide undergraduate, graduate, and diploma programmes in physiotherapy:

The subject matter of physiotherapy is fairly consistent throughout nations, although one advantage of studying it abroad can be access to higher calibre instruction and research. Its classification as a profession in some nations may have an impact on how you study it.

The United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and some of western Europe are the best for physiotherapy courses. The excellent grade of healthcare in these nations allows for cutting-edge research methodologies to be used in physiotherapy education. 

The table below shows the top colleges to study physiotherapy courses abroad along with their respective cities and countries:

The following are the top physiotherapy colleges in India segregated by their respective states and cities:

The following table shows the estimated physiotherapy course fees for government and private colleges in India based on different academic levels

The knowledge is disseminated by the universities through a curriculum that covers all significant facets of the discipline. The physiotherapy syllabus simplifies applicants in comprehending the expectations of the industry. The course descriptions for BPT, MPT, and DPT are listed below:

Semester-Wise Syllabus of BPT:

MPT Syllabus:

I Year:

II Year:

Yearly Syllabus of DPT:

The subjects covered in the physiotherapy curriculum help students grasp the fundamentals of this field and prepare them to tackle challenges and handle patient care. Both bachelor's and master's curriculum have distinct subject options. Some of the major topics covered at the bachelor's and master’s levels are outlined below.

A student of physiotherapy may continue their studies and pick a specialisation after completing their BPT. Graduates of the BPT programme are also eligible for postgraduate programmes in business management, hospital administration, public health management, and other fields. The following industries typically hire physiotherapy graduates in India:

Job Profiles for Physiotherapists

After completing studies in the field of physiotherapy, candidates can choose one profession from the following options:

Leading Recruiters for Physiotherapists 

Physiotherapy diploma holders, graduates, and post-graduates are hired in prestigious healthcare centres and receive alluring compensation packages. The best industry talent is drawn to some of India's leading fitness facilities so they may effectively teach their clients. Fortis Hospital, Help Age India, Apollo Hospitals, Hosmat Hospital, and others are some of the top employers.

Candidates who can demonstrate their practical experience may be able to get satisfying work in the ministry of sports, athletic facilities, various health societies, etc. Additionally, they have the option of independent practice or freelancing.

Along with having the opportunity to start their independent practice, physiotherapy graduates have a variety of career options in both the public and private sectors. An average salary for a physiotherapist working in a hospital is between INR 3 to 6 lakhs annually. Check out which physiotherapy job roles attract handsome remunerations:

To perform well at work, a person must acquire a certain set of abilities in any job. Likewise, the person working in the field of physiotherapy must have the following skills:

Team Work: These are necessary for the person to have in order to find teamwork simple. The person must be able to effectively collaborate with the team and address their difficulties.

Interpersonal Skills: To effectively interact with patients, staff members, and other members of an organisation, the person needs to possess this skill. It is their duty as experts in physiotherapy to communicate clearly.

Patience and Tolerance: To stay calm and diagnose the patient with the appropriate treatment, the person must have tolerance and patience. There may be occasions when there is an emergency or tense situation, therefore, they should be ready to operate with endurance.

Work Under Pressure: There are occasions when the patient needs urgent care, thus the person must be prepared to perform under stressful circumstances. When necessary, the person must be nimble and able to work under pressure. 

Time Management: The person should have this skill because they must act quickly to treat patients and make informed decisions. They should be able to identify the issue and coordinate the key requirements for the remedy.