Career in Physiotherapy after 12th-Job Opportunities for Physiotherapists

What is physiotherapy?

Initially, physiotherapy was considered a kind of massage. Still, after the penetration of modern treatment tools such as Heat therapy, Hydrotherapy, Shortwave, Ultrasonic, Electrical, Stimulator, Electric massagers, Paraffin wax, Infra-red rays, Ultraviolet units, Laser therapy, Traction, etc., it has taken a massive leap in treating and curing of physical deformities. Considering the increasing number of physical malfunctions and distortions such as amputation, disability, injury, ailments, paraplegia, quadriplegia, joint pain, arthritis, muscular problems, body strain, and stretch, physiotherapy graduates are in great demand. All the public and private hospitals have a different separate wing of physiotherapy, which shows the field’s job options and career opportunities. To excel in the area, one has to have a satisfactory knowledge of bones, nerves, and muscles. The physiotherapists primarily focused on preventives, restoratives, and rehabilitative aspects.

Physiotherapy Course Details

After passing the 12th standard from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) with at least 50% marks from a recognised board, one may enter the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) degree enrollment entrance test. In some of the institutions, qualifying in English is also a must. Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) is a full-time four and half year’s degree course.

• Some students may opt for a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT)and Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics(BPO).
• The BPT students must specialise in the syllabus, i.e. Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Psychology, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Disability prevention, Medical and Surgical conditions and Rehabilitation.

Specialised career after physiotherapy

After completing the course, one may pursue higher studies and specialise in the following disciplines.

• MA in physiotherapy
• Ph.D. in physiotherapy

They can also work in:

• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics
• Mental health
• Orthopedics
• Sports Physical Therapy
• Occupational health
• Neurology
• Clinical Electrophysiology
• Cardiopulmonary Therapy
• Intensive care
• OPDs
• Women’s health
• Stroke services

Job Oriented Career Options in Physiotherapy

Though physiotherapy is an old discipline, awareness is gradually spreading among people. Due to our faulty life patterns, people suffer from lifestyle-related disorders such as backache, frozen shoulder, arthritis, knee pain, mobility problems, etc., where physiotherapists can play an important role by serving them. They have good opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, OPDs, Wellness centres, Spas, Community health care centres, Fitness centres, Occupational health centres, NGOs, etc.

Skills Needed for Physiotherapists

To get good placements and excel in the field of course studies, the following skills and talents give extra advantages:

• Good communication
• Administrative skills
• Organizational skills
• Patience
• Interpersonal skills
• Teamworking skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Sound knowledge of the subject

Career Prospects in Physiotherapy

The career prospects in physiotherapy and its interdisciplinary disciplines, such as Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT), Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BPO), and higher studies like MA and PhD, are bright. Higher qualifications give you an edge in experience and a good platform for earning purposes. One can also make one’s niche in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Sports Physical Therapy, Neurology, Clinical Electrophysiology, and Cardiopulmonary Therapy.

Job opportunity in physiotherapy

Post modernisation, the sedentary and stagnant lifestyles have widened the job prospects of such skilled persons. More or less, all the hospitals, big fitness centres, and disabled organisations of international reputation hired them at reasonable remuneration. The private and public organisations’ door is open for physiotherapy graduates. Teaching is also one of the options after pursuing higher studies in the field. One can also start their work.

Physiotherapy scopes in the USA

The scope and job employment of physiotherapists is more in developed countries such as the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Canada, and Western European nations. The USA offers jobs in big pharmaceutical companies in research & development. Teaching, rehabilitation centres, and defence have good scopes for deserving candidates.

Main Employers

The companies or the top health and fitness organisations that hired them offer lucrative career options. The top employers are:

• Mammoth Resorts of USA
• Taj Blue Diamond
•  Sun & Sands
•  Ambassador Ajanta
•  Mgarpata Club
• All the private and government hospitals
• Talkwalker’s Pantaloon Fitness Pvt. Ltd.
• Medybiz Pvt. Ltd
• Sports organisations such as Cricket, Football, Tennis, etc.
• Charity organisations serving with disabilities
• Armed services

Salary in Physiotherapy

The pay package in the field depends upon your proficiency and practice. The institutions you have opted to complete the course have also great to say. Your communication and critical thinking are the areas that give an extra edge to your pay packet. The entry-level salary is Rs. 10,000-20 000 per month. However, with its huge demand from more minor to big hospitals, the experienced and knowledgeable aspirants get a good jump. The private clinic is also a lucrative option.

Colleges offer physiotherapy courses.

There are many colleges, institutes, and universities, which are offering physiotherapy degrees. Here is the list of the top 10 physiotherapy institutions in India.

1. Apollo Physiotherapy College, Hyderabad
2. Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Institute for Physically Handicapped, New Delhi
3. Indian Institute of Health Education & Research, Patna
4. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
5. Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences,
6. JSS College of Physiotherapy, Mysore, Karnataka
7. SDM College of Physiotherapy, Dharwad, Karnataka
8. Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Education, Kottayam, Kerala
9. KJ Somaiya College of Physiotherapy
10. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vellore, Tamil Nadu

Course Fees

The course fee ranges between Rs 2 to 5 lakh, depending upon the institutes. However, the charges for a specialisation course will be higher after completing BPT. One has to pay more if eager to pursue higher studies such as MA and PhD.

Scholarship

The respective institutes or colleges are doing the funding for the deserving candidates. For higher studies, one gets monetarily help if the candidate qualifies for the National Eligibility Test (NET).