what is a physiotherapist?
As a physiotherapist, you are a healthcare professional registered with the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP). You are trained to diagnose and treat physical issues to prevent disabilities, help patients rehabilitate from an injury, or provide relief from pain. Unlike a doctor, you do not administer medicine to treat problems. Instead, you use a variety of physical techniques.
Your main goal as a physiotherapist is to help patients regain their physical mobility and independence. You do this using various techniques, including manual therapy, exercise therapy, and others. You also work closely with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists. Together, you develop treatment plans tailored to your patient's individual needs.
Depending on the specifics of your practice, you may focus on athletic injuries or older patients. You also assist patients dealing with chronic pain and illness. These differences change the way you go about giving treatment, but the ultimate goal remains the same—helping the patient achieve their best possible physical health.
As a physiotherapist, you play a vital role in the healthcare system in India. Does that appeal to your compassionate nature and desire to help people improve their quality of life? If so, keep reading to find out what skills and competencies you need to thrive as a physiotherapist in India.
see physiotherapist rolesaverage salary of a physiotherapist
According to Talent, the average salary of a physiotherapist in India is ₹312,500. At entry level, the average pay for a physiotherapist is around ₹250,000, while the highest-earning physiotherapists in the country can make as much as ₹550,000.
factors that affect physiotherapists' pay
Several factors can impact your salary, including your qualifications, experience, location, and the type of employer you work for. One of the most significant factors will be your qualifications. The higher your education and training level, the more valuable you will be to potential employers.
Experience is another key factor. The more experience you have, the more patients will feel comfortable coming to you for treatment, which in turn makes you more valuable to your employers.
Finally, location and the type of employer you work for can also impact your pay. Physiotherapists in urban areas tend to earn more than those in rural areas. At the same time, physiotherapists who work for government hospitals or medical institutions tend to earn less than those who work for private clinics or hospitals.
types of physiotherapists
Physiotherapy contains many specialities that focus on different types of problems, either by the type of injury or the type of patient. Here are some of the most common types of physiotherapists:
- orthopaedic physiotherapist: in this role, you specialise in treating musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, arthritis, and sports injuries. You work with patients to develop rehabilitation programs aimed at helping them recover from injuries and regain their physical mobility.
- paediatric physiotherapist: as a paediatric physiotherapist, you specialise in treating children and adolescents with physical disabilities and impairments. You use play-based activities and exercises to help children improve their physical skills and support their development.
- neurological physiotherapist: as a neurological physiotherapist, you specialise in treating patients with neurological conditions, such as strokes and spinal cord injuries. You work to improve the patient's mobility, strength, and balance. You also help them regain as much independence as possible.
- sports physiotherapist: in this type of physiotherapy, you treat athletes and active individuals who have suffered sports-related injuries. You help athletes recover from injuries so they can return to their sport as quickly and safely as possible.
working as a physiotherapist
Are you wondering what a physiotherapist does daily? Read on to find out a physiotherapist's work routine and duties.
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duties and responsibilities
The specific duties of a physiotherapist include the following:
- assessment of patients: your primary duty as a physiotherapist is to assess your patient's physical abilities and range of mobility. You make observations and use various techniques to gain a full understanding of the patient's condition.
- diagnosis: you work to diagnose your patient's condition and identify the underlying causes of their symptoms. A good diagnosis is essential in providing the correct treatment.
- development of treatment plans: recovery and rehabilitation is an ongoing process, and you develop comprehensive treatment plans to aid in that process. You consider the patient's condition, symptoms, and overall health. All of this information is then factored in when putting the plan together.
- deliver treatment: once the treatment plan is put together, you carry out any necessary treatment. You use various techniques, including massages and manual therapy, to help the patient recover from their condition.
- communicate with other healthcare professionals: as a physiotherapist, you also work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure the patient receives the best possible care. You share information about the patient's condition to coordinate their care.
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work environment
As a physiotherapist in India, you typically work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, and private practices. Your work environment depends on the type of physiotherapy you practice, your location and the type of patients you work with.
There will likely be common aspects to your job, regardless of the specifics of your role. For example, you work in a clinical setting where you can access various resources that assist you in your role. In many cases, you have access to facilities designed for exercise so that your patients can perform any necessary exercises. Travel is also possible, especially if you work for a private practice with multiple branches.
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who are your colleagues?
Your colleagues in physiotherapy will mostly be other healthcare professionals. You may work with other physiotherapists occasionally to consult on complex cases. When a patient's care needs extend beyond physiotherapy, you collaborate with doctors and nurses to ensure your patient gets the care they need. Private practices are often small organisations, so you may find yourself working closely with administrative staff in this setting.
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work schedule
Being a physiotherapist in India is quite flexible in terms of schedule. If you work full-time for an employer, you will likely have a full workweek of 37-48 hours with the potential for paid overtime. Part-time roles are also available, with hours that are agreed upon when you take the job. Working in private practice can sometimes be inconsistent when it comes to hours. For example, you may have several appointments scattered throughout the day.
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job outlook
As a physiotherapist in India, you can expect a positive job outlook in the coming years. There is a growing number of people seeking physiotherapy services, and the demand for qualified and skilled physiotherapists is increasing as a consequence. Additionally, the Indian government is taking steps to improve access to healthcare services—including physiotherapy—which is expected to create even more job opportunities for physiotherapists in the future.
You also have the opportunity to specialise in different areas, such as paediatrics, sports physiotherapy, and more. A specialism can help you stand out in the job market and increase your earning potential
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advantages of finding a physiotherapist job through randstad
Finding your physiotherapist job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a physiotherapist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad tool.
education and skills
Some of the academic qualifications for physiotherapists include:
- 12-standard: to become a physiotherapist in India, you require a certain level of education. To achieve that level, you first graduate at 10+2 standard in a relevant stream.
- bachelor's degree: the specific qualification required for working as a physiotherapist is a Bachelor's in Physiotherapy (BPTh). This is a full-time 4-year course with an additional 6-month internship.
- master's degree: although a further degree is not necessary to become a physiotherapist, you may choose to pursue a master's degree to further specialise in a certain area.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a physiotherapist include the following:
- interpersonal skills: your role as a physiotherapist sees you working with many patients and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Good interpersonal skills ensure you work well with others and put your patients at ease.
- technical knowledge: during the course of your work, you assess, diagnose, and treat your patients. This requires a high level of technical knowledge about the human body and the specifics of the conditions your patients are dealing with.
- physical ability: many of the treatments you use as a physiotherapist involve physically manipulating your patient in various ways. This requires a level of physical fitness and ability, especially when dealing with heavier patients.
- desire to learn: medicine—like most sciences—is constantly evolving and changing. You keep yourself up-to-date with the latest techniques and knowledge in the field of physiotherapy.
FAQs about working as a physiotherapist
Here are some common questions about working as a physiotherapist:
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are physiotherapists in demand in India?
The demand for physiotherapists in India is growing. According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), India should have at least one physiotherapist per 10,000 residents and does not currently meet that ratio, meaning this is an expanding profession.
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how can I get a physio license in India?
Once you have your Bachelor's in Physiotherapy (BPTh), you can apply to become a practising physiotherapist. The Indian Association of Physiotherapy maintains a strict code of ethics and standards among its members.
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is a physiotherapist a doctor in India?
Unless a physiotherapist has trained to be a doctor as well as a physiotherapist, a physiotherapist is not a doctor in India. Doctors can prescribe drugs and other medicines, whereas physiotherapists deal with exercises and physical treatments.
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can Indian physiotherapists work abroad?
The rules on practising physiotherapy in other countries will vary depending on the country. Sometimes, you will need a license from the relevant authority in the country you wish to work in. You may even need to study for some time in that country to earn additional qualifications.
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how do I apply for a physiotherapist vacancy?
Applying for a physiotherapist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!