Physiotherapist - How to become a Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist help doctors in recovering and rehabilitating a patient from a state of incapacity, due to any kind of genetic defect or the defects occurred as a result of an accident or any kind of illness. For doing their job in appropriate manner they must have a thorough knowledge of the human anatomy and the way the bones, muscles and nerves move. Physiotherapists treat a wide range of ailments, so specialization is possible in areas such as pediatrics, orthopedics, sports physical therapy, neurology, and clinical electro physiologic and cardiopulmonary therapy.

The work profile of a physiotherapist is preventive, restorative and rehabilitative. As such is quite challenging but at the same time, lucrative too. They are supposed to be qualified to do physical examination, conduct assessments to determine a diagnosis process, select appropriate physical therapy interventions and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Physiotherapists use various therapeutic intervention techniques to treat a patient like X-rays, Ultrasounds etc. Although the work of a physiotherapist may tend to be physically strenuous as it involves physically lifting and supporting patients. Inspite of this physical strees, their profession brings them much satisfaction, since it involves relieving patients of pain and helping them recover from specific physical ailments.

With the changed living conditions, lifestyles and high-stress levels there has been an increase in the diseases and ailments affecting the large population all over the world. This is peculiar in the third world, including Indian subcontinent, thereby making the role of a physiotherapist even more important in today’s context. So there is a good scope to make this career, not only good in monetary fortunes but also good in getting high respect in the society.

How to become a Physiotherapist?

To be a psychotherapist one has to undergo certain courses:

Eligibility to become a Physiotherapist

Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT)

1. Physiotherapist Qualifications

The aspiring candidate for this course should be 10+2 passed or equivalent examination with physics, chemistry, biology and English. At least 50% of marks should be secured in each of these subjects.

2. Age

17 years

Step 1

The admission to institutes for doing the course of Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) having duration of 3 to 4 years is through Common Entrance Test (CET). Admission is based mainly on CET scores. Interested candidate has to appear in an entrance tests conducted by the various state and Independent bodies to admit candidates in various medical institutions attached with it according to the rank of the candidate in the entrance exam.

These exams are generally held in the month of May-June and consists of Objective type questions on the subject of English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology though number of questions and pattern may vary from test to test.

The results of these exams are generally out by June/July.

Step 2

After completing this three half years of BPT Degree course six months compulsory training one can opt. for some job is private or state run hospitals go for private practice after obtaining the necessary affiliation with respective medical councils or go for higher specialised studies in the respective fields.

Physiotherapist Job Description

Physiotherapist job include is  applying preventive, restorative and rehabilitative. therapies to their patients to get them back to normal working condition. 

Physiotherapist Career Prospects

There is a lot of scope for those who are joining physiotherapist as career in the present scenario. Apart from joining a private or government hospital as a physiotherapist, younger professionals can find lucrative placements with huge salaries in corporate hospitals, offices or sports teams as permanent members of the medical team.

Physiotherapist Salary

Physiotherapist can expect to get Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000 to starte with although depending upon the competence of the individual professionals. There is a lot of money in private practice as well and it only gets better for candidates as they win the trust of the patients and the goodwill is spread by word of mouth to attract more patients to the clinic. With a boom in the healthcare sector, there are other areas too where these professionals are highly in demand. With a  couple of years dedicated work and some experience along with a masters degree could lead a Physiotherapist to earn as high as Rs.25,000 per month.