PhD Physiotherapy is a 3–5 year course that can be pursued by students who have completed their graduation and postgraduation degree in relevant subjects with an average aggregate score of 60% and above or an equivalent CGPA from a recognized college or university. Admissions to PhD in Physiotherapy courses are based on entrance exams such as UGC NET, GATE, and CSIR UGC NET.
The PhD Physiotherapy fees range between INR 5,000 and 2,00,000 on average (varying vastly between government and private institutes). After completing the course, candidates can pursue various job roles, such as osteopath, physiotherapist, consultant, researcher, and assistant professor. The average salary a PhD in Physiotherapy graduate can earn is between INR 8 LPA and 11 LPA.
Table of Contents
- PhD Physiotherapy Course Highlights
- What is PhD Physiotherapy?
- Why Choose PhD Physiotherapy?
- Who Should Pursue a PhD Physiotherapy Course?
- PhD Physiotherapy Eligibility Criteria
- PhD Physiotherapy Admission Process
- PhD Physiotherapy Entrance Exams and Application Deadlines
- PhD Physiotherapy Syllabus
- PhD Physiotherapy Colleges in India
- PhD Physiotherapy Jobs and Salary
- PhD Physiotherapy Vs PhD Neuroscience
- PhD in Physiotherapy FAQs
PhD Physiotherapy Course Highlights
Provided below are the key highlights for the PhD in Physiotherapy:
What is PhD Physiotherapy?
The PhD in Physiotherapy deals with detailed research and advanced learning in the discipline of physiotherapy. It normally consists of the generation of original research by a dissertation that takes a timeline of 2 to 5 years, depending on the university.
- The program will strive to advance the level of knowledge and generate research skills at a high level in skills in neuromuscular rehabilitation, sports physiotherapy, cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, orthopaedics, deterrence of disabilities, and the physiotherapy lecturer.
- The applicants also attain knowledge in data collection, creative problem solving, scientific writing, and evidence-based practice to promote physiotherapy as a science and an occupation.
Why Choose PhD Physiotherapy?
A doctoral degree in physiotherapy is a better choice if the student wishes to join academia, clinical research, healthcare policy, or a complex clinical practice area in physiotherapy.
- It enables professionals to contribute to the new knowledge that may enhance patient care and rehabilitation practice.
- The program also offers chances to be involved in funded research, in international collaboration, and to run evidence-based interventions across healthcare systems.
- The graduates usually follow an occupation as a professor in a university, research scientist, clinical director, policy advisor, consultant on health organizations impacting the future and standards of physiotherapy in every corner of the world.
Who Should Pursue a PhD Physiotherapy Course?
The PhD Physiotherapy course is appropriate for physiotherapists and allied health professionals pursuing a master's degree with an interest in research and development of the field into scientific foundations.
- It suits candidates with dreams of academic or leadership roles in research, health policy development, or establishing careers in specific areas of physiotherapy, such as neurology, orthopaedics, sports medicine, cardiopulmonary, or orthopaedics.
- Students ought to be encouraged to conduct intensive research and come up with scholarly studies, and add research-based practice in physiotherapy.
- The candidates who want advanced knowledge in the subject area of physiotherapy and want to conduct research.
PhD Physiotherapy Eligibility Criteria
The basic eligibility criteria required to pursue a PhD physiotherapy course are listed below for your reference.
- Candidates must clear their graduation (BSc Physiotherapy) and postgraduation in relevant subjects, preferably Physiotherapy, with an average aggregate score of 55% to 60% or an equivalent CGPA from a recognized college or university
- They must clear the entrance exams, followed by GD/PI rounds, to be finally able to pursue a PhD in Physiotherapy course.
PhD Physiotherapy Admission Process
The Admissions to PhD in Physiotherapy is based on the entrance. For reference, the detailed admission process for the SGT University is given below.
Step 1: Start by visiting the official website of the SGT University. Now, navigate to the Faculty of Physiotherapy. You’ll be redirected to the page. Click on “Apply now.” It’ll redirect you to the admission page.
Step 2: The candidate needs to submit the application form. Fill in your required details and provide the course you’re interested in, and press submit.
Step 3: After the university has received your candidature, the counselors will contact you for further processing.
Step 4: Students are next required to upload all the supporting documents in JPEG/PNG or PDF format. Candidates must also bring two sets of passport-size photographs to attach to the application form
Step 5: Now, the candidate needs to pay the course fees for SGT University, which is INR 1,50,000 for the year. You can pay the fees online, or visit the official branch of the university. After payment, the admission will be confirmed, and you’ll receive an official confirmation email from the university.
PhD Physiotherapy Entrance Exams and Application Deadlines
The list of entrance exams conducted for admissions to physiotherapy PhD courses, along with their application deadlines, are tabulated below for your reference.
PhD Physiotherapy Syllabus
The syllabus for PhD physiotherapy courses at Galgotias University for your reference:
PhD Physiotherapy Colleges in India
The list of colleges that offer physiotherapy PhD courses is tabulated below for your reference.
PhD Physiotherapy Jobs and Salary
The table below describes the various job profiles, along with an approximate salary for each profile for your reference.
PhD Physiotherapy Vs PhD Neuroscience
PhD Physiotherapy is more practice and clinic oriented and closer to both rehabilitation and other therapy sciences, whereas PhD Neuroscience relates more broadly to studying neural systems and brain functions, usually in the baseline as well as translational research.
PhD in Physiotherapy FAQs
Can I open my own clinic or rehab center after a Physiotherapy PhD?
Yes, you can! A PhD gives a deeper expertise and credibility, which can help if you want to set up a specialized clinic, run rehab programs, or even train junior physiotherapists. It’s not just about treating patients—you’ll know to design treatment protocols, lead research-based services, and manage a clinic more effectively.
Will a PhD in Physiotherapy help me work abroad or apply for international roles?
Definitely! Many countries value advanced qualifications like a PhD. It can boost the chances when applying for academic, research, or high-level clinical roles internationally. However, you might still need to clear local licensing exams, depending on the country and the role you're aiming for.
How to take PhD in Physiotherapy?
To get a PhD in Physiotherapy in India, the candidates require a Master's of Physiotherapy (MPT) degree through a recognized university with at least 55 percent marks; some universities give 5% marks relaxation under reserved categories. Admission is usually by entrance examination, like CSIR NET or GATE, and the performance of candidates in an interview.
Can I use Dr. after PhD in Physiotherapy?
On achieving a PhD in Physiotherapy, the post-nominal qualification to use after name should contain the title Dr., due to the fact that the doctoral degree program is the doctorate title. Nevertheless, this qualification does not imply a medical or clinical doctor (MD) degree, but rather the expertise and academic success in research.
What is the salary of physiotherapist in PhD?
It depends on the experience of a physiotherapist with a PhD, but it has a broad range, depending on what institution and role one occupies. On average, other than in the case of PhD holders who are in academia, research institutes, clinical leadership, or consultancies, a physiotherapist can receive salaries between about INR 6 lakh to 12 lakh, or higher. More advanced physiotherapists who handle high-level clinical or administrative tasks get better pay than entry-level physiotherapists.
