PT CAREER IN INDIA

PHYSIOTHERAPY                CAREER INFORMATION

SECTION I:     QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

PHYSIOTHERAPY:   THE PROFESSION

1.         What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a first-contact, autonomous, health profession primarily directed towards the prevention or alleviation of movement dysfunction in people.  Movement is an essential component of life and health.  Physiotherapy helps keep people in motion throughout all ages of life.

The practice of physiotherapy is anchored in the movement sciences and concerned with the function of multiple body systems.  The profession is dedicated to:

Ø  restoring, improving or prolonging physical performance and functional independence

Ø  preventing and managing pain, physical impairment and disability

Ø  promoting fitness, health and wellness

2.         What do physiotherapists do?

Physiotherapists work with individuals with temporary, or permanent, mobility problems caused by injury, disease, aging or birth abnormalities.

They assess clients to determine their physical status and the potential for change.  Therapy, when indicated, often focuses on:

Ø  decreasing pain

Ø  increasing joint movement and flexibility

Ø  building muscle strength and endurance

Ø  improving balance and co-ordination

Ø  enhancing tolerance in exercise and daily activities, and

Ø  educating about the condition and therapy program.

Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques and modalities in their practice, including:

Ø  therapeutic exercise and specific techniques of mobilization, manipulation and facilitation

Ø  physical agents such as heat, cold, water, electrical energy, acupuncture

Ø  functional activity training and reconditioning

Ø  assistive devices such as canes, crutches, walkers, braces and artificial limbs.

An important part of the therapy program is providing advice on ways to prevent further injury or deterioration.

3.         With whom do physiotherapists work?

Physiotherapists work with members of the health care "team" including physicians, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, speech language pathologists, pharmacists, teachers, etc.  The physiotherapist may work with one or many of the team members in order to meet a client's needs.

4.            Where do physiotherapists work?

Physiotherapists work predominantly in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and private practices.  They also work in nursing homes, home care and community agencies, industrial health units, schools, sports clubs or clinics, the armed forces and universities.

5.         What are the working hours / salary scales / fringe benefits / job possibilities?

           6-8 HOURS IN HOSPITALS AND CLINICS,IN SLIMMING CENTRES AND GYM PART            TIME 4 HOUR JOBS AVAILABLE.PRIVATE HOME VISITS.

6.         Where can the profession lead?

It can lead to a variety of interesting and challenging jobs in the health care system.  Many physiotherapists today develop a specialized area of interest such as paediatrics, geriatrics, neurology (stroke, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries) cardiorespiratory (heart and lung problems) and orthopaedics (broken bones, back problems, arthritic conditions, sports injuries, etc.).  Some physiotherapists pursue a doctorate degree and become involved in research and/or physiotherapy education.

7.         Is there a professional body?

Yes,IAP INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSIOTHERAPY.

8.         Must physiotherapists be licensed to practise?

Yes, Physiotherapists must be licensed in order to practice in IAP.  It is a legal requirement. Each province has a licensing board.MAHARASHTRA ALSO FORMED COUNCIL OF OT/PT. 

Maharastra council of ot/pt provides you registration number with also a personel identity card.Only those who studied from Maharashtra state from recognised college can get registered through the process.

PHYSIOTHERAPY:   THE EDUCATION

1.         What are the educational requirements?  How long will it take?

Currently in India, the basic educational requirement is a bachular degree in Physiotherapy (i.e. B.P.Th.).  Following high school, it will take a minimum of four years +intership of university study. 

Within the next several years, the basic requirement for Physiotherapy entry-to-practice will change from a Bachular degree to a Masters degree.   Many universities in India are currently offering Masters Entry-Level Physiotherapy Programs.  The other universities are moving in this direction.   It is important to keep current on the admission requirements for the individual institutes.

2.         What are the academic pre-requisites?

The requirements for admission into a Physiotherapy career vary from university to university.  Generally, students benefit from a strong science background.  Specific pre-requisites for each university program are outlined in the respective university calendars and websites.

3.         Where can one study?

          1.AIIMS UNIVERSITY

          2.MUHS UNIVERSITY

          3.ALGAPPE UNIVERSITY

          4.DEEMED UNIVERSITY

4.         What can I expect while studying physiotherapy?

You will be very busy.  Academic loads are heavy.  Subjects include anatomy, neuroanatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, neurophysiology, electrotherapy, orthopaedics, neurology, cardiorespirology, etc.  Clinical skills labs are also part of the curriculum.

Workplace experience is gained through fieldwork placements in a variety of health care settings (hospitals, rehabilitation centres, home care/community agencies, nursing homes and private clinics). Students work under the guidance of qualified therapists to develop and enhance their clinical knowledge and skills. Clinical placements are interspersed throughout the academic program.

5.         How much will the course cost?

Costs vary from university to university.  Tuition fees currently range from 40,000 -75000per year, while residence fees (room and board) range from approximately  25000/-per year for a single room.  Books, uniforms and other incidentals are additional expenses.

PHYSIOTHERAPY:  THE APPLICANT

1.         What are the personal pre-requisites?

Desirable personal traits include:  (1) a strong interest in how the human body functions and moves,

(2) a desire to work with persons with physical disabilities, (3) an ability to work collaboratively with others, (4) good communication and interpersonal skills, (5) physical fitness and emotional stability, and (6) an enthusiastic and caring personality.

2.         Should I have alternate career choices?

Acceptance into a Physiotherapy Program is highly competitive.  Selection is usually based on a combination of marks, personal qualities, and non-academic achievements.  Application to more than one university is strongly advised, as are alternate career options.

3.         How can I best learn about physiotherapy?

Visit at least two physiotherapy departments to see physiotherapy in action.  Ask lots of questions of physiotherapists, physiotherapy students, or physiotherapy patients/clients.  Explore the scope of practice and the different work settings. Summer employment or volunteer work with children, seniors, or adults with physical disabilities is an asset.