What is Physiotherapy course?

In today’s world, as people become more health-conscious and the number of lifestyle-related diseases and injuries rise, physiotherapy has emerged as one of the most important healthcare professions.

Students interested in healthcare, sports, and rehabilitation often ask:

• What is physiotherapy course?

• What are the eligibility and duration?

• What is the scope and salary after physiotherapy?

This blog gives you a complete guide to physiotherapy courses in India – covering eligibility, types of courses (BPT, MPT, DPT), syllabus, admission, fees, career scope, job opportunities, and salary.

---

Introduction to Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy (also called Physical Therapy) is a healthcare profession that helps people restore movement and function when affected by injury, illness, disability, or aging.

A physiotherapy course trains students in:

• Rehabilitation techniques

• Exercise therapy

• Electrotherapy

• Manual therapy

• Pain management

• Preventive care

Physiotherapists play a key role in sports medicine, orthopedic recovery, neurological rehabilitation, and post-surgical care.

---

Physiotherapy Course Highlights

---

Types of Physiotherapy Courses

Physiotherapy is offered at different levels depending on your qualification.

1. Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

• Duration: 4.5 years (including 6-month internship)

• Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB, minimum 50% marks

• Focus: Basic medical sciences, exercise therapy, rehabilitation

2. Master of Physiotherapy (MPT)

• Duration: 2 years

• Eligibility: BPT degree with internship completed

• Specializations: Orthopedics, Neurology, Cardio-respiratory, Pediatrics, Sports, Geriatrics, etc.

3. Diploma in Physiotherapy (DPT)

• Duration: 2 years

• Eligibility: 10+2 (PCB preferred, some colleges allow Arts/Commerce)

• Focus: Basic physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques

4. Certificate and Short-Term Courses

• Focus on specific skills like manual therapy, kinesiology taping, dry needling, sports therapy.

• Useful for skill enhancement and specialization.

---

Eligibility Criteria for Physiotherapy

To get admission in physiotherapy courses, students must meet the following requirements:

• Qualification: Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology as compulsory subjects.

• Minimum Marks: 45-50% aggregate (varies by institution).

• Entrance Exams: Some universities conduct entrance exams for BPT/MPT admission.

• Medical Fitness: Must be physically fit, as physiotherapy is a physically demanding profession.

---

Duration of Physiotherapy Courses

• Diploma in Physiotherapy (DPT) – 2 years

• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) – 4.5 years (with internship)

• Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) – 2 years

• Doctoral/Ph.D. in Physiotherapy – 3-5 years (for research and teaching careers)

---

Physiotherapy Course Syllabus

The syllabus of physiotherapy courses blends theory and practical training.

Core Subjects in Physiotherapy

• Anatomy

• Physiology

• Biochemistry

• Pathology

• Microbiology

• Pharmacology

• Biomechanics & Kinesiology

• Exercise Therapy

• Electrotherapy

• Orthopedics & Traumatology

• Neurology & Neurosurgery

• Cardio-respiratory Physiotherapy

• Pediatrics & Geriatrics

• Community-based Rehabilitation

Internship Training

Students undergo clinical training in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and sports facilities. They learn to assess patients, create treatment plans, and apply therapies under supervision.

---

Admission Process for Physiotherapy

The admission process varies depending on the course and institution.

1. Apply to Colleges/Universities offering physiotherapy courses.

2. Entrance Exams (if applicable) – Some states and universities conduct exams for BPT/MPT admission.

3. Merit-Based Selection – Many colleges admit students based on 12th marks.

4. Counseling & Seat Allotment – After results, seats are allotted based on merit and availability.

---

Fees for Physiotherapy Courses

The fees for physiotherapy courses depend on the level and type of college.

• Government Colleges: ₹20,000 – ₹60,000 per year

• Private Colleges: ₹80,000 – ₹2,50,000 per year

MPT and advanced specializations may cost more. Scholarships are available for meritorious and economically weaker students.

---

Career Scope After Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a growing profession with excellent career opportunities.

Job Roles for Physiotherapists

• Clinical Physiotherapist

• Sports Physiotherapist

• Rehabilitation Specialist

• Orthopedic Physiotherapist

• Neurological Physiotherapist

• Pediatric Physiotherapist

• Geriatric Physiotherapist

• Lecturer/Professor (after MPT/Ph.D.)

• Physiotherapy Clinic Owner

Work Areas

• Hospitals & Nursing Homes

• Rehabilitation Centers

• Sports Teams & Academies

• Military & Defense Services

• Corporate Wellness Programs

• NGOs & Community Health Projects

---

Salary After Physiotherapy

The salary of physiotherapists in India depends on qualification, specialization, and work setting.

• Freshers (BPT/DPT): ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 per month

• Government Hospitals: ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 per month

• Private Clinics & Hospitals: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per month

• Sports Physiotherapists: ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 per month (varies widely)

• Abroad (USA, UK, Canada, Gulf): ₹30 – 70 lakh per year (after clearing licensing exams like NPTE, HCPC, DHA, HAAD, etc.)

With experience, physiotherapists can earn ₹6 – 12 LPA or more, especially if they open their own clinic.

---

Skills Required for Physiotherapy

To succeed in physiotherapy, students need:

• Strong knowledge of human anatomy and movement

• Empathy and patience with patients

• Good communication and motivation skills

• Physical stamina (demonstrating exercises, therapies)

• Problem-solving and analytical thinking

• Teamwork with doctors and other healthcare workers

---

Physiotherapy vs Nursing vs MBBS

Many students get confused between these healthcare courses. Here’s a quick comparison:

👉 If you are more interested in rehabilitation, sports, and physical health, physiotherapy is a great choice.

---

Why Choose Physiotherapy Course?

Students choose physiotherapy because:

• It offers a rewarding career helping people recover from injuries and disabilities.

• High demand in sports, rehabilitation, and geriatric care.

• Global opportunities with excellent salary abroad.

• Flexibility to work in hospitals, private clinics, or start your own practice.

• Growing demand due to aging population and lifestyle diseases.

---

Top Physiotherapy Colleges in India

Some of the best institutions for physiotherapy are:

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi

• Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore

• Manipal College of Health Professions

• Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi

• Government Physiotherapy Colleges in various states

Always check if the college is approved by Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) or affiliated to a recognized university.

---

Future Scope of Physiotherapy

The future of physiotherapy is very promising, both in India and abroad.

• Expansion of sports science and fitness industry.

• Rising demand for rehabilitation centers.

• Increasing need for geriatric and pediatric physiotherapists.

• Research and specialization in neurological and cardio-respiratory rehabilitation.

• Opportunities to work as lecturers, researchers, and consultants.

---

Conclusion

So, what is physiotherapy course?
It is a professional healthcare program that trains students to become physiotherapists, specializing in rehabilitation, exercise therapy, and pain management.

Whether you pursue a Diploma (DPT), Bachelor’s (BPT), or Master’s (MPT), physiotherapy offers excellent career opportunities in India and abroad.

If you are passionate about helping people regain mobility, recover from injuries, or improve physical performance, physiotherapy is one of the best career options after 12th Science.