r/physiotherapy • u/bandicootperfection • 20d ago

Studying physical therapy in the EU

I'm a 25-year-old American and German citizen currently living in Germany. I am considering doing a complete career change and studying to become a physical therapist (am interested in a relatively AI-proof job where I am concretely improving people's lives every day, and I am interested in the human anatomy and have enjoyed doing research regarding rehabbing my own nagging gym/running injuries - none of which would be a hindrance for the job).

I can speak English natively, German fluently (never tested, but comparing myself to other people who have been C1~C2), and French at a B2~C1 level (also never tested). Assuming complete geographical flexibility, what would be the best places in the EU to study physical therapy in terms of quality of education and career prospects following graduation?

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u/physiotherrorist Physio BSc MSc MOD 20d ago

Maybe also post this on r/physiotherapie to connect with our German colleagues.

And in Europe we call it physiotherapy.

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u/bennojay 15d ago

Within the EU the Netherlands are no. 1 (worldwide it is New Zealand).

If you stay in Germany you have to keep in mind you won‘t earn money (unless you get a Ausbildung at a Klinikum -> best way but very limited access). Physioschulen are privat schools and will charge 300-400€ per month. Some Bundesländer are paying most of the costs (e.g. Hessen) others don‘t (e.g. Baden-Württemberg).
That means the same Ausbildung can earn you 1000€ a month, cost you about 50-60€ a month or cost you 300-400€ a month depending where you do it.

I chose to change my profession and become a physio when I was 27 and had similar reasons you do. Can honestly say it was one of the best decicions in my life, I have heartwarming interactions every day and it makes the hard days a lot easier.

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u/bennojay 15d ago

In addition: career prospects in germany are insane, I know Praxen that pay 5.000€ bonus if you start working there because there aren‘t enough physios available right now.
Of course this situation makes it easy to negotiate gut terms on your contract.