How to Become a Physiotherapist in 2023? Complete Career Guide

Physiotherapists are medical professionals who specialise in the treatment of physical conditions caused by illness, injury, ageing, or disability. Through manual therapy, exercise, massage, stretching, and other therapeutic procedures, physiotherapists help individuals restore mobility and functional abilities. A report by WHO indicates that for every 10,000 residents in India, there is only 1 physiotherapist. Therefore, considering India’s population, there are around 1.4 lakh physiotherapists in the country.

Candidates looking forward to becoming a physiotherapist should first complete 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the core subjects & get at least 50% aggregate marks. The next educational requirement is completing a bachelor’s program like a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, B.Sc in Physiotherapy, etc. Moreover, to become a physiotherapist, aspirants must also complete a 6-month internship in a state-run or private hospital. 

Table of Contents

• How to Become a Physiotherapist in India?
• Who is a Physiotherapist?
• What does a Physiotherapist do?
• Specialisation of Physiotherapists
• Eligibility Criteria to Become a Physiotherapist
• Skills and Qualities of a Physiotherapist
• Top Physiotherapy Colleges in India
• Physiotherapist Job Opportunities
• Physiotherapist Salary in India
• Top Companies in India that Recruit Physiotherapists
• Benefits and Drawbacks of Being a Physiotherapist

How to Become a Physiotherapist in India?

Any candidate who is aiming to become a physiotherapist must have the required physiotherapist qualifications. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to be a physiotherapist in India.

• Step 1: Select the Right Stream in 10+2
• Step 2: Crack Entrance Exams
• Step 3: Pursue Relevant Degrees
• Step 4: Get Internship Experience
• Step 5: Register with the Central Council of Physiotherapy
• Step 6: Complete Certification Courses
• Step 7: Create an Impactful Resume
• Step 8: Seek Employment Opportunities

Step 1: Select the Right Stream in 10+2

It is important to choose the right subjects in class 12 to become a physiotherapist. Aspirants should finish their senior secondary education in the Science stream. Furthermore, they should secure at least 50% of the total marks in 10+2.

Step 2: Crack Entrance Exams

Top colleges accept applications for physiotherapy courses at UG and PG levels through entrance exam scores. Moreover, NEET is not compulsory for admission to physiotherapy programs. Following are some of the top physiotherapy entrance exams for admission into bachelor’s and master’s physiotherapy courses:

Step 3: Pursue Relevant Degrees

Once students possess valid entrance test marks, they can apply to top physiotherapy colleges to get admission into bachelor’s physiotherapy courses. The table below shows the top bachelor’s courses to become a physiotherapist. Candidates can also check the physiotherapist course duration and fee details.

Candidates can pursue a master’s degree in physiotherapy after completing their graduation to acquire advanced knowledge in the subject. Here are the top physiotherapy courses that they can pursue at the postgraduate level.

Step 4: Get Internship Experience

After completing the education needed to become a physiotherapist, it is necessary for aspirants to gain practical experience and acquire relevant skills through internships. To become a physiotherapist, a candidate must undergo a 6-month internship in a private/state-run hospital after completion of the BPT course.

Step 5: Register with the Central Council of Physiotherapy

Candidates need to register with the Central Council of Physiotherapy to be able to work as a Physiotherapist in India. Candidates must visit the official website of the Council to register themselves online.

Step 6: Complete Certification Courses

Candidates can also pursue various certifications to widen their knowledge base in any subject or topic related to physiography. Taking up certifications is completely optional. Here are a few certification courses that might be useful for candidates in their physiotherapist careers.

• Physiotherapy Exercise and Physical Activity for Knee Osteoarthritis (PEAK)
• PDSAFE: Physiotherapy and Falls Prevention in Parkinson's
• Certified Physiotherapy Equipment Technician

Step 7: Create an Impactful Resume

Moving forward, aspirants should create a resume that stands out and grabs the attention of the recruiter. Make sure to add all the necessary qualifications, skills, and certifications that have been obtained so far. However, the resume should not be too lengthy.

Step 8: Seek Employment Opportunities

It is the time for candidates to explore job opportunities and begin their careers as a physiotherapist. Candidates can seek employment opportunities in clinics, nursing facilities, gyms, medical facilities, athletic training centres, rehab centres, special schools, hospitals, etc. It is also possible for aspirants to open their own clinic and work under the supervision of an experienced physiotherapist.

Who is a Physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist is a medical expert who diagnoses, evaluates and treats the physical ailments of patients. With their expertise in physiotherapy, these professionals assess the severity of injuries and develop treatment plans to aid patients’ recovery. As a physiotherapist, a candidate can help individuals live a better quality of life.

What does a Physiotherapist do?

Physiotherapists treat patients with issues like backache, pelvic problems, lung issues, asthma-related issues, sports injuries, and more. The role of physiotherapists in hospitals is to work closely with various medical experts to devise treatment methods for patients. The following are the key physiotherapist roles and responsibilities:

• Diagnosing, measuring, and treating the physical ailments of patients
• Working with patients to restore their movement problems and reduce their pain
• Keeping a record of the health of the client
• Monitoring the patients’ progress after they are discharged from the hospital
• Curating personalised fitness plans for clients and promoting a healthy lifestyle
• Creating treatment methods to improve mobility, minimise severe pain, and restore functioning.

Specialisation of Physiotherapists

Now that students know the physiotherapist role let us learn about the different types of physiotherapists in India.

1. Musculoskeletal physiotherapist

Such physiotherapists deal with problems like strains, back pain, sprains, and posture issues. They focus on improving muscle strength and flexibility.

2. Cardiorespiratory physiotherapists

They aim to improve issues like chronic bronchitis, asthma and any other cardio-respiratory problems. They assess patients’ requirements and accordingly provide efficient physiotherapy cardio-respiratory services.

3. Neurological physiotherapist

This kind of physiotherapist works on treating disorders that impact the nervous system. Such conditions include Parkinson’s strokes and brain injuries. 

4. Geriatric physiotherapists

They help older adults maintain physical health by focusing on their movement requirements as they age. Geriatric physiotherapists work on treating issues like osteoporosis, arthritis, joint discomfort, and Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Pediatric physiotherapists

Their job is to diagnose and treat children, infants, and teenagers who have neuromuscular, developmental, and congenital disorders. They also look into other conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, developmental delays, and autism.

6. Women's health specialist

The physiotherapist deals with issues concerning the female reproductive system, childbirth, and prenatal and postnatal care. 

7. Sports physiotherapists

Their expertise lies in providing treatment for sports-related injuries or conditions that prevent individuals from taking part in sports activities. 

Qualifications Required to Become a Physiotherapist

To pursue a career as a physiotherapist, it is crucial for aspiring candidates to comply with certain requirements. The eligibility for physiotherapists has been explained below.

• A candidate should complete his/her 12th standard from a recognised board. The minimum aggregate mark requirement is 50%. Moreover, the main subjects in 10+2 must be biology, physics, & chemistry.
• Entrance exams like NEET, CET, BCECE, IPU CET, etc., must be cleared to secure admission into the best physiotherapy institutes in India.
• An undergraduate degree in physiotherapy, like BPT, B.Sc in Physiotherapy, etc., must be pursued by candidates.
• One can also pursue a master’s degree in physiotherapy. As the basic requirement, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline.

Skills and Qualities of a Physiotherapist

A specific set of soft and technical skills is needed in order to excel in the field of physiography. Candidates with relevant skills land well-paying physiotherapist jobs. Take a look at the major physiotherapist skills below:

• Motor skills 
• Stress Management
• People Skills
• Communication skills
• Science acumen
• IT skills
• Physical fitness
• Clinical Reasoning
• Sensitivity and empathy
• Problem-solving skills

Top Physiotherapy Colleges in India

Over 200 colleges in India offer physiotherapy courses. Below are the top physiography colleges in India based on NIRF ranking 2023. 

Physiotherapist Job Opportunities

There are many job opportunities available for physiotherapists beyond the hospital setting. Physiotherapists must choose a work environment that aligns with their professional goals and interests. As a physiotherapist, candidates can find employment opportunities in the following organisations or places.

• Corporate Firms: There are many physiotherapist jobs in MNC companies. Corporate organisations recruit physiotherapists to ensure the physical well-being of their employees. Physiotherapists also help employees prevent injuries in the workplace.
• Private clinics: Physiotherapists can work independently by taking up private practice or working in outpatient clinics. Here they can provide one-on-one treatment to patients who are suffering from different neurological, cardiopulmonary, or musculoskeletal disorders.
• Sports Facilities: Many sports organisations and fitness centres hire physiotherapists to assist athletes in recovering from injuries and improving their performance & overall physical fitness.
• Military Establishments: At military establishments, a physiotherapist works on curing and preventing injuries of soldiers and other military personnel. Candidates can appear for the CDS exam for physiotherapists administered by UPSC to work as a physiotherapist in the defence sector.
• Home healthcare: Many physiotherapists offer services to clients in their homes, especially elderly patients who might face challenges in visiting nursing homes.
• Rehabilitation Centres: At rehabilitation centres, physiotherapists work with patients recovering from accidents, illnesses, or surgeries & help them restore strength and mobility. 
• Schools and Universities: As a trainer at schools/universities, physiotherapists educate students about following a healthy lifestyle. Further, they deal with students having disabilities or injuries. 

Physiotherapist Salary in India

In India, the physiotherapist's salary per month is around INR 26,903. With more experience and knowledge, physiotherapists can earn lucrative pay packages. Let us find out more about the experience-wise average salary of physiotherapists in India.

According to the job profile of a physiotherapist, he/she can earn the below-mentioned salary packages on average.

Top Companies in India that Recruit Physiotherapists

Over 100 companies recruit physiotherapists across the country. Listed below are the leading companies that hire physiotherapists in India.

• Defence Ministry of India
• First Physio Clinic
• Fortis Healthcare Company
• Spectrum Physio Centre
• Pain-Free Physiotherapy Clinic
• Apollo Hospital
• Sarthak Health Care
• DRS Physio & Wellness

Benefits and Drawbacks of Being a Physiotherapist

Aspiring physiotherapists should bear in mind both the benefits and drawbacks of this profession before starting their career journey.

Benefits of Becoming a Physiotherapist

Check out the physiotherapist job benefits through the factors mentioned below.

• High Salary: Physiotherapists are well paid in comparison to other healthcare professionals. The starting salary of a physiotherapist, on average, is INR 3,22,832.
• Stable career: With the change in lifestyle and health conditions of individuals, the demand for physiotherapists has increased over the years. Therefore, there is stability in this career.
• Job satisfaction: Physiotherapists experience immense satisfaction as they are able to help people lead a better quality of life.
• Flexibility: Since one can practice privately as a physiotherapist, there is flexibility in working hours which is another advantage of taking up this profession. 
• Work-life balance: There are no set hours of work for a physiotherapist. Hence, they are able to manage a work-life balance. 

Drawbacks of Becoming a Physiotherapist

Here are some challenges that candidates might face as a physiotherapist.

• Patience: A lot of patience is needed by physiotherapists to work with various kinds of patients. It might be challenging to work with some patients based on their conditions.
• Attentiveness: As physiotherapists, candidates must be very attentive while treating patients who have multiple or sensitive conditions.
• Physically demanding: The work of a physiotherapist can be physically demanding, and they need to be fit and healthy themselves.