Physiotherapy is one of the best career options for students who are interested in it. There are tons of different career opportunities available right now, all over the world and the demand of a good Physiotherapist is just been increasing. That’s why after completing high school, many students consider it as a career option.
One of the most common question which comes in everybody’s mind, when they think of becoming a Physiotherapist is: “Is it hard to become a Physiotherapist ? and if yes! then how much hard it is ?“
Physiotherapy courses not only involves lot of theory based knowledge but practical applications as well which can be stressful for students from time to time, but if you genuinely enjoy the subject and focus more on learning and concept of the topic, this wont be a problem anymore.
However even though the end goal of all the Physiotherapy course is the same, your learning experience can very well differ from university to university, based on what they teach and how they teach.
To make things more clear to understand, we are not only going to be looking at the syllabus of the course in this article but we will also take some opinions of professional Physiotherapists from all around the globe to give you a better insight on this topic.
Table of Contents
How Difficult are the Courses to Become A Physiotherapist ?
To understand how hard are the physiotherapist courses, let’s first understand how many years you will have to invest to become a physiotherapist.
How Much Time it can Take to Become A Certified Physiotherapist ?
After high school, you will first need to complete a bachelors courses in Physiotherapy which can take 3 to 4 years depending upon the country and the university. Though there are some countries where you can practice physiotherapy just after completing an undergraduate degree but in most countries nowadays, minimum requirement to become a certified Physiotherapist is to complete a Masters in Physiotherapy.
So this whole journey to become a Physiotherapist can take anywhere between 4 to 7 years of studies and practical application based on the unviersity and country. The exact numbers of years depends from country to country but we have a detailed article on this topic on our website which I would recommend to read as well if you are interested in this career. You can click here to read the article.
What is Included in Bachelors of Physiotherapist ?
Physiotherapy courses teaches everything about human body which includes Anatomy, Physiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Bacteriology, Pathology of human body. This course also helps you develop analytical thinking in Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Exercise Prescription. All these topics make this course hard.
It not only involves theory based knowledge but practical application of it as well. You will need to practice hands on skills and that’s why this course requires lot of dedication and determination.
But all this hard work and determination pays of well in the end if you are genuinely interest in the field and subject. This workload can be stressful, but it won’t affect you much because you will be doing something which you enjoy.
Tips from Physiotherapy Professionals for Students in this Course:
I asked few professional Physiotherapist around the world with over 4 to 5 years of experience in this field to share their own experience and here are the few tips they shared to help you excel in your journey:
- Keep on Top of your Workload and Notes:
Physiotherapy is an intensive course and the information and workload will come to you as quickly as possible. The whole learning experience will be fast paced and that’s why always keep up with the notes and set yourself a plan of what you want to achieve because as soon as you start to get behind it will get hard to keep up with everything.
- Don’t Ignore Workshop and Seminars on Specific Issues:
This course is all about learning and it will never stop even after the course it completed. Attend workshops, seminars and stay updated with the latest trend and technology to familiarise yourself with it.
- Determination, Dedication and Consistency:
These will be the three pillars which will help you not only in your academic life but professional life as well. Yes, this course and profession has high workload but if you enjoy what you are doing and embrace the journey while being determined to focus on learning, dedicated to help your patient recover faster and stay consistent with these things. You will be on top of your industry.
- Starting CPD (Continual Professional Development) Folder Early on:
In some countries, you will have to register with the Health Care Professional Council. Once you are graduated, you may get asked by the council to provide a CPD folder which highlights your ability and help you to keep practice up to date. Get a presentation folder which will contain documents of your personal growth, workshops and seminars. Anything which shows that you independently seek to improve your knowledge and practice in this field.
- It’s Okay to Feel Stressed:
Yes this course asks for lot of dedication and the huge amount of workload, which can be stressful sometimes. It’s totally okay to be stressed but don’t let it get control over yourself. When things get tough, don’t be afraid to reach out to your loved ones. Talk to your friends, family, lecturers. They are there to help you.
Final Thoughts:
In the end, all I would like to say is: Yes this course is tough and you need lot of determination but if you are genuinely interested in the field. This won’t be a problem for you. Career in Physiotherapy is really rewarding and one of the best thing about this field is the journey you get to experience with your patient. Opportunity to see sportsmanship in the patient after an injury as well as rehabilitating people’s home to suite their needs is just amazing.
On the final note, I would like to thank Moti M Wilson and Maria Intikhab who are renowned Physiotherapist in Kenya and Pakistan for sharing their journey and personal views about this career. You can reach out to them if you need any help or guidance.
Special Thanks for sharing their valuable experience:
