Career Opportunities in Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a type of medical science which is used to improve movement dysfunctions, to promote the functions of human body and best health. Physiotherapists help and treat people of all ages with physical problems caused by illness, accident or ageing. Physiotherapy is a healthcare career which sees human movement as central to the health and happiness of individuals. Physiotherapists identify and make the most of movement potential through health promotion, precautionary healthcare, treatment and therapy. The core skills used by physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electro physical modalities. Physiotherapists also have an appreciation of psychological, cultural and social factors which manipulate their clients.
The profession of a physiotherapist, which is preventive, healing and rehabilitative, is challenging but money-making. In medical courses, they have been given training to perform a history and physical examination, conduct assessments to establish a diagnosis process, select appropriate physical therapy interventions to treat the dysfunction, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. To treat patient, physiotherapists use a variety of therapeutic intervention techniques. These are Manual Therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation used to control pain), Ultrasound Technique, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Manipulation, Acupuncture etc. The job of a physiotherapist is physically very strenuous as it involves physically lifting and supporting patients.
Courses in Physiotherapy :
One can develop a bright career in Physiotherapy after completing some physiotherapy courses. Various courses are B. Sc in Physiotherapy, Master of Physiotherapy (MPT), Bachelor of Physiotherapy, M. Sc in Physical and Occupational Therapy, MPT in Sports Physiotherapy, Master of Physiotherapy in Neurology and Master of Physiotherapy in Orthopedics etc.
Eligibility :
Students who are interested to become physiotherapists must have science background. If they want to set up their own clinic and involve in private practice or be employed as a professional in a hospital or clinic, they should complete B.Sc. degree or a diploma in physiotherapy. There are many Courses in Physiotherapy. B.Sc. Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT), Master of Physiotherapy (MPT), B.Sc.(Hons.) Physical Therapy, MSc in Physical and Occupational Therapy, MPT in Sports Physiotherapy, Master of Physiotherapy in Hand conditions, Master of Physiotherapy in Neurology, Master of Physiotherapy in Orthopaedics
Career Prospects :
There are plenty of employment opportunities for the physiotherapists in government and private sectors. A physiotherapist might be employed in the rehabilitation departments of hospitals, under various departments of the central and state governments, municipal corporations like Physically Handicapped centers, medical rehabilitation centers, health institutions and defense medical establishments. There are numerous private clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers in India where the physiotherapists are employed. Physiotherapists can also make career in teaching. Those who have adequate capital can establish private clinics of their own.
Remunerations :
The starting salary of physiotherapists varies from place to place. In India starting earnings may vary from Rs.5,000/- to Rs.30,000/- per month. Generally, hospitals provide remuneration ranging between Rs.5,000/- to Rs.15,000/- per month plus share basis depending on the number of patients. Average salary for teaching jobs in Physiotherapy varies from Rs.10,000/- to Rs.40,000/- per month. The earnings of established private practitioners can be almost Rs.20,000 to Rs.40,000/- per month depending upon number and type of clients they have. There is more scope in private practice; one can earn more than Rs.1500 a day by seeing patients in his / her own clinic.
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