Those who are passionate about health and wellness, enjoy working with people, and have a strong desire to assist others may be good candidates for physiotherapy professions. Physiotherapists use various types of exercise and physical therapy to help individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic diseases, and enhance their general health and well-being.
If you have completed your BPT course (Bachelor of Physiotherapy) and are exploring to boost your job readiness there are several courses you can pursue based on your interests and career goals. Here are some options to consider after BPT courses:
- Master of Physiotherapy (MPT): This is a popular choice for those who want to specialize in a particular area of physiotherapy such as sports physiotherapy, neurology, orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, or pediatrics.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): This is a doctoral-level program that is designed for individuals who want to advance their clinical skills and knowledge in physiotherapy.
- Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science: This program focuses on the study of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sports nutrition, and is ideal for those who want to work in the field of sports medicine.
- Master of Health Administration (MHA): This program is designed for individuals who want to take on administrative roles in healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): This program focuses on the study of public health policies and practices and is ideal for those who want to work in public health or healthcare policy.
- Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT): This program focuses on helping individuals with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities to participate in daily activities
In addition, there are several certificate courses that you can pursue after BPT to enhance your skills in specific areas of physiotherapy. Some of these certificate courses include Manual Therapy, Sports Physiotherapy, Geriatric Physiotherapy, and Pain Management. These courses provide specialized training in specific techniques and conditions and can help you develop expertise in a particular area.
Overall, the choice of which course to pursue after BPT depends on your career goals, interests, and skill sets. Pursuing a Master’s degree, a PhD, or a certificate course can help you acquire advanced skills and knowledge in the field of physiotherapy, which can lead to better job prospects and career growth opportunities.
There are, however, a few essential skill sets that should be evaluated before deciding on any course post UG. A physiotherapist, in addition to their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, must also possess the following skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to deal with people of various ages and medical situations
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- A good sense of dexterity and coordination
- Detail oriented and capacity to keep records
- Clear understanding of medical ethics and patient confidentiality
- Capability to function effectively as a member of a healthcare team
- Physical endurance and strength to perform therapeutic exercises and provide manual therapy
India has a significant requirement for physiotherapists, as there is a growing demand for rehabilitation services due to the aging population, increasing incidence of lifestyle diseases, and sports injuries. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in the management of various health conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, cardiopulmonary conditions, and sports injuries.
According to the Indian Association of Physiotherapists, there are currently around 250,000 registered physiotherapists in India, but there is still a shortage of qualified professionals in some areas. The demand for physiotherapists is particularly high in urban areas, where the concentration of hospitals and healthcare facilities is higher. According to a Market Research Report published by Insights10 (a healthcare-focused market research firm), India’s physiotherapy market size was valued at $0.96 Bn in 2022 and is estimated to grow 8.85% between 2022 and 2030, reaching $1.9 Bn.
Physiotherapists have strong job and career prospects because of this. As a result, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, assisted living facilities, schools for handicapped children, and medical facilities for the military are in dire need of their services.
To become a qualified physiotherapist in India, one needs to complete a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physiotherapy from a recognized institution and register with the respective state’s physiotherapy council. Brainware University, one of the best among the BPT colleges in Kolkata that offers a competitive 4-year UG programme in Bachelor of Physiotherapy with pre-placement training and 360-degree placement support by the end of course. The job opportunities for physiotherapists in India are diverse, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports clinics, fitness centers, and academic institutions. With the increasing demand for physiotherapy services in India, there is ample scope for career growth and development in this field.
The pay scale or salary of physiotherapists in India varies depending on various factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and type of employer. However, on average, a newly graduated physiotherapist can expect to earn between INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 per month. With experience and expertise, the salary can increase to INR 30,000 to INR 50,000 per month. In the private sector, physiotherapists can earn higher salaries compared to those working in government or public hospitals.
It is also worth noting that the salary of physiotherapists in India may vary depending on the specialization. Physiotherapists specializing in sports, neurology, pediatrics, or orthopedics may earn higher salaries compared to general physiotherapists.
Overall, the salary of physiotherapists in India is competitive, and there is a good scope for career growth and development in this field.
