Careers in Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy as a profession may briefly be defined as a science that seeks to alleviate movement dysfunction, to promote optimal health and functions of the human body. It is used to cure weak muscles, difficulties in the movement of shoulder and knee joints, paralysis, inborn and acquired deformities, gynecological ailments and other such disorders. Patients with such problems are referred by medical practitioners to physiotherapists who then take on the responsibility of restoring them to health. This preventive and remedial procedure is very often used as a supplement with oral medicines.

Course Details
Various courses in physiotherapy are Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Master of Physiotherapy (MPT). The basic eligibility for BPT courses is 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. Admission to BPT program is generally made on the basis of entrance examination conducted both at state and national level. BPT course is of 3 and ˝ years – 4 and ˝ years of duration. There is also a compulsory rotatory internship after the completion of the course.

One who wishes to continue his/her study further can take admission into Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) program which is of two years duration. In this case he/she should have completed BPT course from any recognized institute/university.

Career Prospects
There are ample employment opportunities for the physiotherapists in government and private sectors. A physiotherapist could be employed in the rehabilitation departments of hospitals, under various departments of the central and state governments, municipal corporations like Physically Handicapped centers, medical rehabilitation centers, health institutions and defense medical establishments. There are numerous private clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers in India where the physiotherapists are employed. Physiotherapists can also make career in teaching. Those who have adequate capital can establish private clinics of their own.

Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
Several collages/universities/institutes in India offer BPT/MPT course. Some prominent among them are All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai; Apollo College of Physiotherapy, Hyderabad; Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chennai; Indian Institute of Health Education and Research, Patna; Institute for the Physically Handicapped, New Delhi; Institute of Health Sciences, Mangalore; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal; National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research, Cuttack; Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad;

Remuneration
The starting pay scale of physiotherapists in government hospitals varies between Rs. 5000 to 7000. But the private hospitals offer a relatively better package. Most well-run private hospitals offer a starting salary around Rs 10,000 which could go up to Rs 15,000 per month. The earnings of established private practitioners can be almost Rs 20,000 to 40,000 per month depending upon number and type of clients they have. There is more scope in private practice; one can earn more than Rs.1500 a day by seeing patients in his/her own clinic.