A Physiotherapist is a medical professional who treats patients with physical ailments caused by sickness, accident and ageing by the use of medications, use of movement, sports massage, therapeutic procedures and regular exercise. As per a survey report conducted by WHO, India has 1 Physiotherapist for every 10,000 residents. So, given the population of India, there are approximately 1.4 Lakhs Physiotherapists in India.
The basic eligibility criteria required for becoming a Physiotherapist is that candidates must complete their 10+2 board exams from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate score of 50% and above. They must have a mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry and Biology in order to become a Physiotherapist.
Candidates aspiring to become a Physiotherapist must then pursue either undergraduate or postgraduate Physiotherapy Courses from across the Top Physiotherapy Colleges in India. Some top courses are Bachelor of Physiotherapy, B.sc in Physiotherapy, Masters in Physiotherapy etc. Candidates can also pursue various certification or diploma courses in physiotherapy. Admissions to all Physiotherapy courses are done on the basis of entrance exams such as NEET PG, CET and BCECE.
Apart from the educational qualifications, some of the other prerequisites required for becoming a Physiotherapist are that candidates must not be less than 17 years of age. They must also possess certain skills that would help them amplify their career globally, such as physical stamina, treatment planning and being competent and collaborative.
The average salary of a Physiotherapist is INR 3.08 LPA. The scope of Physiotherapists is very vast as they are employed across various profiles such as Sports Physio Rehabilitators, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Researchers, Defense Medical Establishments etc. There are a number of areas where they can be employed such as fitness centres, NGOs, Hospitals, etc. Check: Physiotherapist Salary
Table of Content
How to Become a Physiotherapist: Quick Facts
| Eligibility | Candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy with a minimum aggregate of 50% or above. |
| Skills Required | Rapport building, Physical therapy, rehabilitation, diagnosis and treatment planning, pain management |
| Top Recruiters | Apollo Hospitals, Qi Spine Clinic, Paras Hospital, Columbia Asia, Asian Heart Institute and Research Centre |
| Starting Salary | INR 2.10 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 4.08 LPA |
| Highest Salary | INR 12.11 LPA |
Physiotherapist Qualifications
In order to become a Physiotherapist, there are certain prerequisites which must be mandatorily fulfilled by the candidates. These qualifications act as one of the deciding factors which the recruiters look for.
Listed below are Some of the essential qualifications to become a Physiotherapist.
- Candidates must complete 10+2 board exams with a minimum aggregate score of 50% or above from a recognized board with a mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- Candidates must complete their undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy or Occupational therapy courses.
- They must also pursue advanced knowledge in pain management, rehabilitation, diagnosis and treatment planning etc.
- They must start practising by either working as a freelancer or being employed with any of the hospitals or rehabilitation centres
- It is advisable that the candidates pursue a master's degree in physiotherapy for a better career ahead.
Check: How to be a Yoga Teacher in India
Eligibility Criteria for Physiotherapists
To become a Physiotherapist, candidates are required to fulfil certain eligibility criteria. Some of the essential eligibility criteria are mentioned below for your reference,
- Candidates must complete 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 50% or above with physics, chemistry and biology as main subjects.
- Candidates need to clear various entrance exams such as NEET, CET and others in order to get admission across top physiotherapy colleges in India.
- Candidates must pursue an undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy or other related courses such as BPT, B.Sc Physiotherapy etc.
- Candidates must pursue relevant certification or diploma programs in order to gain relevant skills and knowledge.
Check:
Types of Physiotherapists
There are different types of Physiotherapists depending on their area of specialization. Tabulated below are some of the major bifurcations among Physiotherapists for your reference.
Sports Physiotherapists
| Description | A Sports Physiotherapist is responsible for treating sports-related injuries and ensuring that the player can retain and reach their physical activity level. |
| Average salary | INR 4.00 LPA |
Neuro Physiotherapists
| Description | Neuro Physiotherapists are responsible for the assessment and treatment of conditions that are neurological that may affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. |
| Average salary | INR 6.5 LPA |
Orthopedic Physiotherapists
| Description | An Orthopedic Physiotherapist specializes in treating problems that are related to the musculoskeletal system like bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, etc. |
| Average salary | INR 4.50 LPA |
Cardio-Respiratory Physiotherapists
| Description | A Cardio-respiratory Physiotherapist is responsible for clearing lung secretions, preventing or improving areas of lung collapse and reducing the effort of breathing. |
| Average salary | INR 6.00 LPA |
Pediatric Physiotherapists
| Description | Pediatric Physiotherapists work with children to identify their functional difficulties and treat them through exercises and activities that help them regain their mobility. |
| Average salary | INR 4.7 LPA |
How to Become a Physiotherapist in India
To become a Physiotherapist in India, candidates who are fitness enthusiasts or who keep a keen interest in Physiotherapy are most suitable for this profession. Aspiring candidates can start their preparation right from the school level. After clearing 10+2, they must choose to pursue undergraduate programs in physiotherapy such as Bachelor of Physiotherapy and B.sc in Physiotherapy. candidates also have the option to pursue diploma and certification programs as well. Post clearing the undergraduate program, candidates can also pursue a master’s degree which will provide advanced knowledge about physiotherapy.
School Level Preparation: In order to be a Physiotherapist the steps that are to be followed are mentioned below,
- Candidates must clear 10+2 with physics, chemistry and biology as their main subjects.
- If the candidate wants to become a sports Physiotherapist, then a candidate with some sports background would be beneficial.
- Candidates must also prepare for the entrance exam by taking coaching classes or self-study by referring to various entrance books available in the market.
How to Become a Physiotherapist After 12th
Undergraduate Preparations: Some of the most important steps that must be followed in order to be a are as follows:
- Candidates need to clear the entrance exams in order to get admission into top physiotherapy colleges.
- Candidates must choose their course in physiotherapy such as BPT, B.Sc in Physiotherapy,
- These courses will help in understanding the treatment of the body by itself using physical forces such as heat, pressure, electricity etc
- These courses will also help in the understanding of the pressure points and the importance of acupressure.
- Post completion of the undergraduate program candidates can either start with an entry-level job or prepare to pursue a master’s program job or prepare to pursue a master's degree.
Postgraduate Preparations: Some of the most crucial steps that must be taken after completion of an undergraduate degree in order to become a Physiotherapist are as follows.
- Candidates must appear for the entrance exam such as NEET PG, DUET, IPU CET, BCECE, etc.
- Candidates must also pursue a postgraduate degree such as MPT or M.Sc in Physiotherapy etc.
- Candidates must choose their specialization such as cardiorespiratory, neurology, sports physiotherapy, urology and obstetrics, paediatrics etc.
- Candidates must attend workshops and do internships to gain some practical knowledge and gain relevant skills.
Physiotherapy Courses
There are a number of courses related to physiotherapy that the candidates can pursue depending upon their choice. Candidates can choose to pursue short-term or long-term courses such as diploma courses, undergraduate courses or postgraduate courses. These certification or diploma courses which are available online and offline are useful for the development of skills focussing on certain areas. The average cost of these certification courses is between INR 2000 - 5000.
Some of the top certification courses which are available online offered by Udemy, Coursera, and Edx are listed below,
- Certificate in Physiotherapy
- Managing your health: The role of physical therapy and exercise
- The science of training young athletes
- Certificate in Spinal management
Check: Certificate Courses in Physiotherapy Colleges
| Parameters | Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) | Masters in Physiotherapy | Diploma in Physiotherapy | MPT Sports Physiotherapy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Candidates must have completed class 12th with a minimum aggregate of 50% or above. Candidates must have completed class 12th in Physics , Chemistry and Biology as compulsory subjects |
Candidates must have completed bachelor's degree in Bachelors of Physiotherapy Candidates must have scored a minimum aggregate of 50% or above |
Candidates must have completed 10+2 examination or equivalent examination from a recognized institute with minimum aggregate of 45% or above Candidates must have completed class 12th in Physics , Chemistry and Biology as compulsory subjects |
Candidates must have completed bachelor's degree in Bachelors of Physiotherapy Candidates must have scored a minimum aggregate of 50% or above |
| Top Colleges | Jamia Hamdard University Jamia Millia Islamia Hamdard Institute of Medical science and research Delhi Pharmaceutical science and research university |
Amity University Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Mahatma Gandhi University Jamia Hamdard University |
King George Medical University Aligarh Muslim University CMJ University Mewar University |
Dr. D. Y . Patil University CMJ University HImalayan University Lovely Professional University |
| Entrance Exams | BCECE LPUNEST VEE |
NEET PG IPU CET MET VEE |
IPU CET BCECE LPU NEST |
NEET PG AIAHCET CMC Vellore |
| Average course fees | INR 1,00,000 - 5,00,000 | INR 90,000 - 5,00,000 | INR 40,000 - 2,00,000 | INR 40,000 - 2,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 4,00,000 - 6,00,000 per annum | INR 5,00,000 - 8,00,000 per annum | INR 3,00,000 - 5,00,000 per annum | INR 2,00,000 - 4,00,000 per annum |
Online Courses
Some of the top online physiotherapy courses that can also be pursued apart from the regular degree courses are tabulated below for your reference,
| Provider | Fees | Duration | Course Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Association of Chartered Physiotherapists | INR 12.500 | 3 Months | Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Therapy (Cerebral Palsy) |
| INR 14,500 | 3 Months | Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Therapy (Neuro Physical Therapy) | |
| INR 14,500 | 3 Months | Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Therapy (Pulmonary Exercises) | |
| INR 14,500 | 3 Months | Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Therapy (Locomotor Disorders) | |
| Alison | Free | 5-6 Hours | Diploma in Physical Therapy Aide |
| Free | 1.5-3 Hours | Introduction to Physical Therapy Aides | |
| Free | 1.5-3 Hours | Treatment and Movement of a Patient in Physical Therapy | |
| Indian Board of Alternative Medicines (Department of Distance and Continuing Education) | -- | 1 Year | Online/Distance Learning Diploma in Physiotherapy |
| Capri4physio | INR 30,000 | 64 Hours | Certificate Course In Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (COMT) |
In India, there are more than 200 colleges offering various physiotherapy courses from which around 83% of the colleges are private institutions. Amrita Vishwavidyapeeth, madras medical college, and St. John’s Medical College are some of the top physiotherapy colleges in India.
Tabulated below are some of the top colleges of physiotherapy along with their fee structure for your reference.
Check: Top Physiotherapy Colleges Accepting NEET Scores
| Name of the Colleges | Location | Average Course Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| GD Goenka University | Gurgaon | 40,000 |
| KR Mangalam University, School of Medical And Allied Sciences | Gurgaon | 51,000 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh | 93,720 |
| Parul University | Vadodara | 72,000 |
| MS Hospital & Research Centre | Lucknow | 72,000 |
| Thiruvalluvar University | Vellore | 47,800 |
| Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital | Chennai | 1,00,000 |
| BCF College of Physiotherapy, | Kottayam | 87,850 |
| Medical Trust Institute of Medical Sciences | Kochi | 88,000 - 1,45,000 |
| Academy Allied Health Sciences | Kolkata | 33,000 |
Physiotherapist Benefits
Being a Physiotherapist and working in the healthcare sector is a very reputable career. It gives immense job satisfaction and a lot of other benefits that will be listed below:
- Lucrative salary- Being a Physiotherapist can provide a very lucrative salary to its practitioners. Either working in a hospital or setting up their own practice, they can earn a comfortable life. The average salary is around INR 6 LPA.
- Work-life balance- Many medical professionals often complain about not being able to get time for themselves but Physiotherapists do not have set hours of operation and therefore can maintain a work-life balance.
- Stable career field- Physiotherapy is an in-demand career since there are people who suffer from aches and pains with ageing so the high demand ensures a stable career.
- Job satisfaction- Working as a Physiotherapist provides immense job satisfaction of being able to help people to return to their normal lifestyle.
- Flexibility- Being a Physiotherapist with their own practice is a very flexible job since the person gets to decide the hours they want to operate for.
Physiotherapist Skills
Apart from just treating and recovery sessions, candidates are required to have several other technical skills that will help them in their career growth. Candidates are required to possess strong technical skills and soft skills in order to excel in the profession. These skills also play an important role in determining the salary of a Physiotherapist.
Some of the top skills are tabulated below for your reference.
| Good Communication skills | Good interpersonal skills | Good physical health and fitness |
| Ability to build rapport with patients | Knowledge of physical therapy | Diagnosis and treatment planning |
| Pain Management | Health and Wellness | In-depth knowledge of Neurology |
Physiotherapist Salary
The average salary of a Physiotherapist is INR 3.08 LPA. However, a number of factors play an important role in determining the salary of a Physiotherapist such as experience, skills, knowledge, location etc. Physiotherapists are employed in a number of areas such as fitness centres, hospitals, pharma companies, etc. The average monthly salary of a Physiotherapist is INR 30,000 - 70,000.
Some of the top job profiles along with their salary package are tabulated below for your reference,
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | 3,03,000 |
| Osteopath | 3,89,000 |
| Lecturer | 5,05,000 |
| Sports Psychologists | 5,50,000 |
| Sports Physio Rehabilitator | 5,00,000 |
| Defence Medical Establishment | 3,50,000 |
| Freelance Physiotherapist | 8,70,000 |
How to Become a Physiotherapist: FAQs
Ques. What qualifications do I need to become a Physiotherapist?
Ans. To become a Physiotherapist, candidates will be required to have a bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy course along with relevant skills and it would be beneficial to pursue a master's degree in physiotherapy course.
Ques. Do we need NEET for Physiotherapy?
Ans. No, It is not mandatory to clear the NEET exam but some colleges take admission on the basis of the NEET score.
Ques. Do Physiotherapists earn good money?
Ans. Yes, According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a Physiotherapist is INR 3.08 LPA. However, with experience and knowledge and growth in skills, candidates can earn a decent amount.
Ques. Is Physiotherapy a hard degree?
Ans. Yes, it is a tough course but seeing the benefits it is one of the best courses. The opportunities are very diverse in multiple sectors.
Ques. How many years does it take to become a Physiotherapist?
Ans. It takes more than 4 years to complete an undergraduate degree along with 6 months of compulsory internships. Post that, candidates can start their own practice.
Ques. Is a Physiotherapist a doctor?
Ans. No, Physiotherapists are not doctors as they are rehabilitation professionals registered under the Rehabilitation Council of India
Ques. Can I study Physiotherapy without Maths?
Ans. Yes, Mathematics is not one of the essential requirements but Biology is the mandatory subject that the candidate must have pursued.
Ques. Is Physiotherapy a stressful job?
Ans. Every profession has some level of stress but it has been observed that Physiotherapists have the highest amount of stress.
Ques. What is the cost of Physiotherapist courses?
Ans. The average cost of Physiotherapist courses ranges between INR 20,000 - 3,00,000.
Ques. What is the highest salary of a Physiotherapist?
Ans. The highest salary of a Physiotherapist is INR 12.11 LPA.
Comments