When I first heard about physiotherapy as a career choice, I wondered if pursuing a Master’s in Physiotherapy was any good. On researching its scope, I was startled to find that the salary of a physiotherapist can be as high as $119,199 (per Glassdoor, July 2024), nearly INR 99 lakhs.
Moreover, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 15% growth in employment in this field between 2022 and 2032. It is safe to say that pursuing an MS in Physiotherapy in the USAprovides students with an advanced learning experience in physical therapy, preparing them for a variety of clinical and research-based roles.
In this article, I have mentioned important details to help you understand the scope and requirements of a Master’s in Physiotherapy in the USA. Read on to learn about the top universities, admission requirements, course curriculum, job prospects, and more.
Program Highlights: MS in Physiotherapy in USA in 2024
Program
Physical Therapy (MS post-professional) and Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)/Dual DPT-PhD
Course Duration
1 year to 2.8 years
Approximate Fee
$22,000-$85,000 per year
Eligibility
Application at PTCAS (Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service), UG degree, English Language Requirement (Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS scores), at least 3.0 GPA.
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
Masters in Physiotherapy in USA: Reasons for Studying
For most MS in Physiotherapy programs in the USA, the curriculum includes biomechanics, neuroanatomy, and extensive clinical training hours. This immersive master's program ensures graduates can address the most complex patient concerns with confidence and will contribute to knowledge in their field.
Competition for admission to the physiotherapy program is fierce, so students must showcase academic accomplishments, clinical skills, and dedication to the program. But the question arises, why choose the USA to study for a Master’s in Physiotherapy?
There are many reasons for choosing to study physiotherapy in the USA. These include:
A physiotherapist job in the USA is highly lucrative, with attractive median salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates it at $99,710 per year (May 2023).
Demand has gone up for trained and skilled physiotherapists and professionals in the rehabilitation, mental wellness, and therapy sectors. In fact, the BLS predicts 15% growth in employment between 2022 and 2032.
Studying here means getting access to the best colleges for master’s in physiotherapy in the USA, like the University of Pittsburgh, University of Delaware, and University of Southern California, to name a few.
Innovative and the latest curriculum, with excellent research opportunities. From anatomy and physiology to kinesiology, biomechanics, and more, the curriculum covers a wide range of topics, which equips students for their future careers seamlessly.
With the master’s in physiotherapy fees in the USA for Indian students being on the reasonable side, you can consider several institutions for your career path.
Here’s a list of the best colleges for a master’s in physiotherapy in the USA:
Medical Imaging: Clinical Correlates for the Physical Therapist
Clinical Electrophysiology
Amputations and Prosthetics
Please note these are just some basic topics and not a comprehensive list. Also, the syllabus for each university may vary per their guidelines and standards.
Admissions Cycle: Intakes and Deadlines
The program enrollments are usually open for the Fall, Summer, and Spring intakes.
Applications for the Fall semester usually open in mid-June, and the final deadline falls in the first week of October.
The classes for the Fall intake begin in September of the following year.
The Summer semester begins in July.
Some universities also operate under a rolling admissions process. This means they review applications when intakes open while aspirants can continue applying throughout the year. A few examples include the New York Institute of Technology, Husson University, and others.
Cost of MS in Physiotherapy in USA
While the exact cost would vary per your chosen university, you should budget roughly $41,000-$85,000 annually for tuition fees.
The annual living costs for international students in the USA are around $31,000-$42,000 and upwards including rent. The living cost also depends on one’s preferences and lifestyle.
The pre-arrival cost from India to the USA varies between $3,500 and $3,700 based on several factors. This includes standardized exam application fees, airfare, university application fee, visa and SEVIS fee, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Admission Requirements for Master’s in Physiotherapy in USA
The admission requirements for an MPA degree in the USA generally include the following:
First professional degree in physical therapy.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a four-point scale.
Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores of at least overall 6.5 Band/110 respectively).
Essays and letters of recommendation may be required.
Academic transcripts.
Employment Scope After MS in Physiotherapy in USA
The USA offers great employment prospects for those graduating in physiotherapy. Completing an MS in physiotherapy can open up several opportunities across government and private organizations, wellness centers, educational institutions, and private practice.
Some graduates specialize in pediatric physiotherapy or even neurological physiotherapy, depending upon their choices. Entry-level physiotherapist jobs pay roughly$54,179 annually in the USA, while senior physiotherapists may earn up to a staggering$95,837 per year according to Indeed July 2024 data.
Salary After MS in Physiotherapy in USA and Top Recruiters
Here is a list of the top 10 recruiters you can work with after an MS in Physiotherapy:
Texas Physical Therapy Specialists
Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy
SportsMed Physical Therapy
Therapy 2000
ProActive Physical Therapy (AZ)
Kinetic Physical Therapy and Wellness
CoreMedical Group
WSi Healthcare Personnel
RiverKids Pediatric Home Health
Movement For Life
Let us now look at the top job roles with their average salaries you can pursue after completing a master's in physiotherapy in the USA:
F-1 student visas are given to those pursuing part-time or full-time courses in the USA, having validity for the entire study period.
The procedure encompasses the following steps:
Applying to an institution with SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program which maintains and analyzes data to help foreign students gain entry into the country) approval.
Paying the SEVIS charge of USD $350.
Completing and submitting the student visa application with all necessary documentation.
Paying the visa application charge of $185.
Scheduling the visa interview and attending the same.
After completing studies in the United States, international students often seek ways to gain work experience through post-study work visas. International students on the F-1 visa can take up practical training either during their degree or afterwards.
The latter is known as OPT (optional practical training) and can be done for 12-24 months, depending on their course and field of work.
Available Scholarships
While numerous scholarships may cover MS in physiotherapy in the USA, some offer total funding, like the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship Program. This scholarship, for example, is applicable for students in all masters and PhD courses.
It is also open to applicants from 155 global nations and gives students a chance to enroll at leading USA universities without worrying about their educational costs.
Here are a few scholarships aspirants can apply to study the course in the USA:
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students and young professionals from abroad to research and study in the United States for a year or longer at US universities or other recognized institutions.
Award: Fully-funded
Eligibility: Strong academic profile
Deadline: Same as the course application deadline
Quad Fellowship
It is a first-of-its-kind scholarship program that sponsor 100 exceptional American, Japanese, Australian, and Indian master’s and doctoral students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to study in the United States.
Award: One-time award of $50,000 for academic expenses and $25,000 to cover costs related to completing graduate-level studies
Eligibility: Have a demonstrated record of superior academic achievement at the undergraduate level
So, if you have been wondering if a career in physiotherapy can set you up for success in the USA, you surely must have got your answer by now. As can be seen, doing an MS in Physiotherapy in the USAwill boost your career prospects considerably while providing cutting-edge global knowledge and skills.
Use this information to research and plan your admissions accordingly to embark on a rewarding academic and professional journey ahead.
The average duration of a professional DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) program in the USA is 2.5 to 3 years. The MS in Physiotherapy course requires around two years. There are several other types of programs with diverse timelines.
A DPT course is necessary to practice as a physical therapist in the country. Passing the state license examination is also a must to practice in the USA.
Is physiotherapy a good career option?
Physiotherapy is perceived as a fulfilling and lucrative global career option in the USA. The demand for qualified, skilled, and experienced physiotherapists is constantly increasing in the country. According to Indeed (July 2024), the average annual salary in the field of physiotherapy is between $54,179 and $95,837.
Hence, physiotherapy is a great career option, while it can spawn other fields like neurological or pediatric physiotherapy in the USA, depending on the aptitude and interests of students.
Which field (specialization) of master’s of physiotherapy is the best?
Orthopedics is considered one of the best specializations for a master’s of physiotherapy. Other sought-after specializations are Community Physiotherapy, Musculoskeletal Disorders and Sports, Community Rehabilitation, Neurological & Psychosomatic Disorder, etc.
Is GRE required for a master’s in physiotherapy in the USA?
GRE is an admission requirement for a master’s in physiotherapy in the USA in some colleges like Duke University, University of Delaware, and others. However, some universities don’t need it for admissions.
After physiotherapy, which is a better option?
After physiotherapy, you can explore the profession of a sports coach, health counselor, physical trainer, and others. You can also opt to study MPT or PhD.
What is the procedure and requirement to apply for DPT or MPT outside India after completing a BPT from India itself?
To apply for DPT or MPT outside India, you must first submit your college application through Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Also, submit your transcripts via the platform. GRE scores are also required for admission.
Which university is the best for MPT in the USA?
The University of Pittsburgh, University of Iowa, Northwestern University, Duke University, Washington University, and University of Southern California are some of the best US universities for MPT.
Is an Indian MPT valid in the USA?
An Indian Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) degree is not directly valid for practicing as a physical therapist in the USA. You will need to undergo a credential evaluation by a recognized US agency and meet the state-specific licensing requirements, which may include additional coursework and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Which country is best for doing MPT?
Choosing the best country for pursuing an MPT depends on various factors such as quality of education, cost, and post-study work opportunities. Countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia are popular choices due to their advanced healthcare systems and opportunities for practical experience.
Which branch of physiotherapy has more scope?
The scope of different branches of physiotherapy can vary based on demand and evolving healthcare needs. Some branches with significant scope include:
Orthopedic Physiotherapy: Focuses on treating musculoskeletal issues.
Neurological Physiotherapy: Involves rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders.
Sports Physiotherapy: Involves prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries and improving athletic performance.
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