4 mins|
Short on time? Click to read: |
With the demand for healthcare professionals continuing to rise, international students are increasingly looking towards dynamic and exciting specialisations. Offering good career prospects and the ability to develop professionally, physiotherapy has become a popular choice. We examine and explain the benefits of studying for a qualification in physiotherapy abroad.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is an area of healthcare that aims to improve and resolve problems with functionality and mobility in patients suffering the effects of an injury, illness, or disability. Physiotherapy uses a holistic approach which looks at the body as a whole, not just the affected area.
Unlike traditional medicine, patients are often directly involved in their care plan, with treatment including a blend of manual therapy (such as massage and manipulation), strengthening exercises, and informative advice.
Physiotherapists may specialise in a particular area, such as geriatrics, neurology, orthopaedics, paediatrics, sports injury, or women’s health.
What is taught as part of a physiotherapy programme?
At the undergraduate level, physiotherapy may be studied as a degree in its own right (as is common in the UK) or as a specialisation as part of a broader study programme such as rehabilitation science, kinesiology, or human kinetics (this route is common in countries like Canada). A bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy or a related subject area is typically three to four years in duration.
You can also study physiotherapy at the postgraduate level, and in many countries, this is necessary before you can become a licensed physiotherapist. A master’s degree in physiotherapy typically takes one to two years, and you will usually need to have already attained an undergraduate degree in a closely related subject. A doctorate in physiotherapy usually takes a minimum of three years.
At any level, physiotherapy courses will typically focus on several key areas, including:
- Anatomy
- Applied biomechanics
- Foundations of clinical practice
- Physiology and pathophysiology
- Rehabilitation techniques
- Movement science
You may also be able to take elective modules to specialise more deeply in a particular area, such as:
- Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
- Neurological physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
Work placements are commonplace in physiotherapy courses, enabling you to advance your practical skills and acquire plenty of industry knowledge. In many countries, a physiotherapy course must include a minimum number of hours of work experience (often upwards of 1,000 hours) to receive the professional accreditation necessary to become a licensed physiotherapist.
What are the benefits of studying physiotherapy abroad?
1. There are several reasons why studying physiotherapy abroad can be extremely advantageous. Looking at the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2024), 18 out of the top 20 universities in the world for anatomy and physiology are based in the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada. Courses offered by these universities are highly competitive, extremely informative, and are popular with international students.
2. Globally, there are many universities specifically renowned for their physiotherapy degrees, providing you with access to the very best teaching, research, and equipment. And, because the core subject matter of physiotherapy does not vary between countries and regions, the course content will remain relevant no matter where you choose to work after you graduate.
3. Studying internationally, especially at a prestigious university, is a great way to receive a quality education in healthcare. Plus, the global recognition of many accrediting professional bodies provides scope to use your physiotherapy degree to work internationally.
4. Due to the practical nature of physiotherapy, degrees usually include extensive work placements. By studying abroad, you will immediately broaden your professional network beyond what would be possible as a domestic student, providing real potential to kickstart a global career.
5. Another good reason to study physiotherapy abroad is the cost. Unlike many other medical degrees, a physiotherapy course can be studied in as little as one year (at the postgraduate level), meaning you can get all the benefits of an international health education at a more affordable price. Similarly, as an international student, you may be able to access a broader range of scholarship and funding opportunities.
Scope of Physiotherapy and its Career Opportunities
Scope
- As a physiotherapist, you may treat many types of ailments or specialise in a specific type of patient rehabilitation, such as orthopaedics, stroke services, or sports injuries. You may work alongside other medical professionals, or run your own business.
- One of the major benefits of physiotherapy is that, unlike other medical professions, physiotherapists usually work predictable and reasonable hours.
- Despite this, there is still the potential to earn a lucrative salary, with most finding physiotherapy an immensely rewarding profession. In the USA, the median annual wage for a physical therapist is USD 97,720 (US News & World Report, 2022).
- Physiotherapists are in high demand globally, and a degree in physiotherapy can provide scope to work abroad. However, many countries have requirements you must satisfy before practising as a licensed physiotherapist. For example, you may need a master’s degree or doctorate in physiotherapy, complete a specified period of supervised training, and/or pass a professional exam. To work as a physiotherapist abroad, you may also need to register with the relevant professional board in the country you wish to practice, such as the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Career Opportunities
Physiotherapy is a profession with plenty of opportunities for both employment and self-employment. Settings you may find yourself working in as a physiotherapist include:
- Hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, and health clinics
- Sports centres, sports clubs, and sports teams
- Schools and educational settings
- Private practice
Other related professions you may wish to pursue with a physiotherapy degree include:
- Sports therapist
- Chiropractor
- Osteopath
- Personal trainer
Top universities to study physiotherapy abroad
According to the Complete University Guide (2024), the best universities to study physiotherapy in the UK are:
- University of Birmingham
- University of East Anglia
- Robert Gordon University
In the USA, the top three schools to study physical therapy, according to the US News and World Report (2024), are:
- University of Delaware
- University of Pittsburgh
- Washington University in St. Louis
In Australia, the top colleges for anatomy and physiology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024) offering courses in physiotherapy are:
- University of Sydney
- University of Melbourne
- Monash University
In Canada, the top colleges for anatomy and physiology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024) offering courses in physical therapy are:
- McGill University
- University of Toronto
- University of Alberta
Editor's note: This article was originally published in August 2015 by our content writer, Antony Chacko. We have since revised it to include up-to-date information and ensure its comprehensiveness.
Hi there! I'm Navi, your AI assistant on WhatsApp.
