Careers in Physiotherapy – Role & job opportunities

By Prof. Dr. Biswajoy Chatterjee

Physiotherapy is extremely interesting as a course option, especially for those who have an inclination towards knowing the human body better. When I went abroad to American countries, I saw there is a lot of respect for the physiotherapists, in many cases, even above the doctors, considering the fact that the physiotherapists provide cure without the use of medicines, as against the practice of doctors of medicine.

My mind wholeheartedly seconds this thought process, and as a result when I opted to study a bit about physiotherapy, I came to know that there is a huge gap between the demand and supply of physiotherapists in our country. In India, as against a requirement of lakhs of physiotherapists, there are merely thousands, which gave me the impetus to start BPT as a course in our University (UEM Jaipur), to counter the gap between the requirement and supply, and provide for enormous job opportunities for the students opting for this course.

If the subject doesn’t interest one, and he/she is not quite sure whether to choose the course or not, that does not limit him/her to becoming only a physiotherapist. There are many significant career options for physiotherapy students to consider upon graduation.

Physiotherapists take a holistic approach in treating each person, they work closely with other's health and social care professionals/agencies to ensure client involvement is present throughout the care process, and that the best possible care is given.

Physiotherapists have two important roles:

Curing ailments – One can use the scientific knowledge of human body functions to heal people post accidents, minor or major.

Preventing ill-health – They can teach the ways to avoid reasons that lead to poor health conditions that are commonly the reason of the recurring health problems which are otherwise treated by high dosage of medicines.

The choice of the role is completely on the individual and their inclination towards the work function.

1) Treating Disability

The understanding of the human body people gain through the physiotherapy course (as well as the practical experience of dealing with patients) equip them with the perfect set of skills to look after clients with restricted mobility.

3) Public Health Official

Public health concerns itself with the medical welfare of the population in general. A public health official will be in charge of maintaining health standards and taking responsibility for the local healthcare budget, ensuring that people have access to required resources.