Physiotherapy in the USA for Indian Students: Top Universities, Requirements, Costs, and Jobs

Explore everything about pursuing Physiotherapy in the USA!

Being an evidence-based practice, Physiotherapy has emerged in the past decades as an integral part of healthcare, touching upon the lives of millions of patients worldwide. A career in this field is widely regarded as a great choice due to the high demand for physical therapists. If you too are considering a Physiotherapy course in the USA to establish your career, then you can find some of the best courses in the world available at the top American universities. The duration of the courses depends upon the curriculum, including specialisations and the clinical experience integrated into the course. Most of these courses also prepare you for the respective license and examinations.

Why study Physiotherapy in the USA?

Being one of the most sought-after courses, students worldwide choose to study Physiotherapy in the USA. However, before you enrol for the course, here are some points that might help you make an informed decision.

• The curriculum in the US universities for Physiotherapy courses is aligned with the requirements in the market. This helps the students learn the required skills to help them while practicing in the field.

• The USA is home to renowned universities with state-of-the-art infrastructure and excellent education quality.

• There are many Physiotherapy courses in the USA for international students, and upon completing one, you will have several job options.

Specialisations in Physiotherapy in the USA for International Students

As you look for Physiotherapy courses in the USA, you will come across many. The name of the courses may not be the same in every university. From Bachelor’s to Masters in Physiotherapy in the USA, the courses are of various types. Some of the most common Physiotherapy courses in US universities are as follows:

• B.S. in Exercise Science

• B.A. in Recreation Therapy

• Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

• MSc in Physical Therapy

• Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology

• Doctor of Physical Therapy

Students can also choose from specialisations while studying their Physiotherapy course in the USA. The specialisations are mentioned herein below:

• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary

• Orthopedics

• Clinical Electrophysiology

• Oncology

• Geriatrics

• Sports

• Neurology

• Pediatrics

• Women’s Health

• Wound Management

Cost of Studying Physiotherapy Programs in the USA for Indian Students

We need to know the funds required to study a course at a US university. The Masters in Physiotherapy in the USA for Indian students’ fees range between 20,350 USD and 60,000 USD per year. Apart from the Physiotherapy course fees in the USA, you must also bear the living expenses of approximately 1,250 USD to 2,700 USD per month.

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Physiotherapy Courses in the USA

Matching the eligibility criteria is one of the foremost requirements as you plan to study Physiotherapy at a US university. You need to be aware that each university in the US has its own set of eligibility requirements, and you need to fulfill them accordingly to go ahead and apply for the course. Some of the most common criteria are listed herein below:

• The academic qualification varies as per the course you choose. For example, if you opt for Masters in Physiotherapy, then you must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject from a recognised institution

• Some universities may ask for a GPA score, which is 3.0 on a scale of 4.0

• You must have cleared an English Proficiency test like IELTS. The minimum score needed in that case is 6.0

• You may be asked to submit your GRE/GMAT score also

You can apply for the course if you have matched all the eligibility criteria. You have to provide certain documents while applying. The common documents are:

• Official academic transcripts

• Updated resume

• Proof of English Language test score

• Proof of financial resources

• Letter of Recommendation

• Statement of Purpose

• Copy of your passport

To study at a US university, you would need a student visa. To apply for this visa, you can visit the US Embassy in your country and provide some documents. You must apply for a student visa three months before your travel date to the US.

Top Universities/Colleges in the USA for Physiotherapy Courses

As you look for a Physiotherapy university in the USA, you will come across some well-known names. However, knowing their ranks as per QS and THE World University Rankings of 2023, along with their next student intake, will give you much clarity on the institution that you should apply to. So, here we mention some of the best physiotherapy universities in the USA.

Sources: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/world-ranking#!/page/3/length/25/locations/USA/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats

Career Prospects after Pursuing Physiotherapy Courses in the USA

There is a plethora of Physiotherapy jobs in the USA. Therefore, after completing your course, you will not have to wait to start your career in Physiotherapy. You can apply for various job roles such as:

• Sports Physio Rehabilitator

• Physical Therapist

• Osteopath

• Research Assistant

• Rehabilitation Director

The average salary for Physiotherapists in the USA is between 60,000 USD and 1,55,000 USD. The exact salary depends on the job profile you choose.

FAQs

1. What is the scope of Physiotherapy courses in the USA?

The scope of Physiotherapy courses in the USA is immense. You can choose from the various types of Physiotherapy courses. Upon completing it, you can apply for several job roles such as Research Assistant, Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Director, etc.

2. Can International students get a Physiotherapist license in the USA after completing Physiotherapy courses?

Yes, they can. However, they must clear the National Physical Therapy Exam controlled by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to get their license to work as a Physiotherapist in the USA.

3. How much percentage is required in class 12th to apply for Physiotherapist programs in the US?

You would need at least 50% in class 12th to apply for a Physiotherapist program in the US. However, along with the score, you would also need to meet other eligibility criteria.

4. How are Physiotherapy programs in the USA better than other countries?

Since the healthcare system in the USA is better than in many other countries, Physiotherapy courses are taught to a higher standard. In addition, the latest research methods are also used.

5. Is a Physiotherapy degree from the US valid in India?

To work in India as a Physiotherapist, you must be registered as per the provisions of RCI Act registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India.

6. Which Physiotherapy branch has the highest demand in the USA?

The branches of Physiotherapy in high demand in the USA are Pediatrics, Sports, Women’s Health, Clinical electrophysiology, Orthopedics, etc.

7. Can a Physiotherapist get PR in the USA?

Yes, Physiotherapists can get PR in the USA if they can demonstrate a permanent job in the US with adequate English-speaking skills. But they might need to show some other credentials as well.

8. Which state is the best for Indian students to study Physiotherapy in the USA?

The states that are the best for Indian students to pursue Physiotherapy in the USA are Washington, California, Pennsylvania, etc