Tense neck, lumbago or stiff knee. Physiotherapists are more in demand than ever. No wonder, because our society is getting older. Desk jobs and a lack of exercise also lead to chronic tension and illness.
In the course of the restructuring of the health care system , more and more emphasis is placed on the work of physiotherapists. The former occupations of physiotherapist and masseur are summarized under this relatively new job title.
What does a physiotherapist do?
According to Toppharmacyschools, the job of the physiotherapist to heal injuries or diseases of the musculoskeletal system, or at least to relieve pain. The therapy options include: movement, massage or the use of aids such as electrical stimulation. Physiotherapists treat people with sports injuries, stroke patients or children with movement disorders.
More and more emphasis is also being placed on preventive treatments to prevent any illnesses. The classic way to become a physiotherapist in Germany is through training . For some years now, however, the subject has also been studied.
The study of physiotherapy
In doing so, Germany is following the example of other countries and is trying to professionalize the profession and advance scientific research. However, some of the courses require training as a physiotherapist and then take place alongside work.
Regardless of whether it is an apprenticeship or a degree, prospective physiotherapists should always enjoy dealing with people and not have any reservations. An interest in anatomical and medical contexts is also important for the training / studies .
Dual and primary qualifying courses
For everyone who would like to start studying directly after leaving school, so-called dual study programs are offered, in which vocational training and studies are combined . Primary qualifying courses have also recently been offered. In these, the students gain practical experience in practical phases and exercises.
The parallel training is necessary in order to receive both the bachelor’s degree and the state-recognized professional qualification “physiotherapist” at the end of their studies. In their training, the prospective physiotherapists learn everything about the human musculoskeletal system . You will learn how to examine patients, what findings there are and how they can be treated using various physiotherapy and massage techniques.
The use of aids such as ultrasound or light beams is also dealt with in detail. In addition to technical know-how, students also acquire knowledge in subjects such as pedagogy or psychology . This should help them later to deal comprehensively with their patients.
In their practical training , which mostly takes place in hospitals, they put what they have learned into practice. The same techniques and areas of knowledge are taught in the course as in the training. In contrast to training, a lot of emphasis is placed on research.
Course content in the bachelor’s degree
The students get to know different techniques of scientific work. At the end of their studies they should be able to independently collect and evaluate data and write scientific papers. The course also differs from the training in that it also conveys economic and social aspects of physiotherapy . Subjects from this area are management or public health .
In the master’s degree
A successfully completed bachelor’s degree gives graduates the opportunity to gain further qualifications in a master’s degree. In most Master’s programs, students here have the opportunity to a certain area of physiotherapy to specialize . This includes manual therapy or the management of healthcare facilities.
Career prospects for physiotherapists
Physiotherapists traditionally work in hospitals, clinics or private practices . Their tasks include the treatment of acute illnesses, rehabilitation after injuries and the prevention of illnesses.
After a few years of professional experience, most physiotherapists specialize in one of these areas. Quite a few then make its own practice independently . Graduates of a university degree are open to further activities in the field of research and management.
For example, you work in private or government research institutions or for companies that manufacture therapy devices. A scientific career at the university is also possible. In addition, graduates have the opportunity to work as teachers at a technical school or university themselves .
Study physiotherapy internationally
In other countries, training to become a physiotherapist has long been academic. There, the practical work of physiotherapists enjoys a completely different status than in Germany. Anyone who would like to benefit from this advanced level of professionalism should consider studying abroad or a semester abroad .
Studying in another country gives you the opportunity to sharpen your own academic profile. In addition, it offers the unique opportunity to get to know another country and its culture intensively, to acquire new language skills and intercultural skills.
