Physiotherapy In The USA For Indian Students: Know Top Unis, Specialisations, Salaries & More!Physiotherapy has taken the healthcare world by storm over the past few decades. It is an evidence-based practice that touches millions of lives worldwide. Pursuing a career in this field is widely considered a smart move, thanks to the skyrocketing demand for physical therapists. If you’re among those weighing the idea of diving into a physiotherapy course in the USA to kickstart your career, you’ll be spoiled for choice with some of the best programmes on the planet. So, read more in our blog – “Physiotherapy in the USA for Indian students!”
Physiotherapy in the USA for Indian students: Highlights
| Feature | Information |
| Total Number of Universities | 330 |
| Courses Available | UG: BS in Exercise ScienceBA in Recreation TherapyBSPT+DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) PG: MSc in Physical TherapyMSc in Clinical Exercise PhysiologyMS in Kinesiology |
| Duration | UG: 3-4 yearsPG: 2-3 years |
| Exams Required | IELTS/TOEFLGRE/GMAT |
| Average Tuition Fees | $20,000 – $60,000 |
| Average Salary per year | $60,000 – $155,000 |
Why Study Physiotherapy In The USA?
Here are the key points on why studying physiotherapy in the USA for Indian students could be a fantastic choice for you, presented in the same engaging tonality:
- The USA is home to some of the world’s leading universities and therefore pursuing a master’s or bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy at these institutions is a dream come true for aspiring therapists.
- You’ll be studying in state-of-the-art infrastructure and have experiences that’ll have you prepped for the real world.
- These programmes are designed to produce top-notch professionals who can hit the ground running.
- Physiotherapy has been ranked as the 16th most popular healthcare job by the U.S. News and World Report, indicating high demand and ample scope for growth.
Top Universities Offering Physiotherapy In The USA For Indian Students
The universities we have curated for you below have been in the limelight for decades now. The physiotherapy courses offered here are sure to bring you success, no matter what field you choose to specialise in. Have a good look below!
| Name of the University | QS World University Ranking 2024 | Average Tuition Fees |
| University of Washington | 63 | $32,090 |
| University of South California | 116 | $26,000 |
| Northwestern University | 47 | $63,000 |
| University of Delaware | 498 | $37,000 |
| University of Pittsburgh | 222 | $37,000 |
| University of Iowa | 491 | $26,000 |
| Duke University | 57 | $62,000 |
| Creighton University | 199 | $45,000 |
| George Mason University | 801-1000 | $38,000 |
| Elon University | 49 | $42,000 |
| Duquesne University | 83 | $63,000 |
Top Programmes For Physiotherapy In The USA
Universities like the University of Washington, Delaware and Pittsburgh have well-rounded programmes in physiotherapy for Indian students. Adding to those are Emory University and the University of Iowa which stand out with their prestigious medical schools and extensive physiotherapy programmes.
Some colleges also offer exciting dual-degree options alongside the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programme. This lets you specialise in two areas at once! Options include:
- DPT/PhD
- DPT-MPH (Master of Public Health)
- DPT-MBA
These are some of the top programmes offered by the universities which we mentioned above:
| University Name | Programmes Offered |
| University of Washington | MSc in Physical Therapy Doctor of Physical Therapy |
| University of South California | Master of Public Health Doctor of Physical Therapy |
| Northwestern University | Doctor of Physical Therapy |
| University of Delaware | MS in Physical Therapy Doctor of Physical Therapy |
| University of Pittsburgh | MS in Physical Therapy Doctor of Physical Therapy |
| University of Iowa | Doctor of Physical Therapy |
| Duke University | Doctor of Physical Therapy |
| Emory University | Doctor of Physical Therapy |
| Creighton University | Doctor of Physical Therapy |
| George Mason University | MS in Kinesiology |
Specialisations Offered For Physiotherapy In The USA For Indian Students
Right from a diploma, bachelor’s to even a doctorate and PhD can be done in physiotherapy in the USA for Indian students. If you have the right documents, scores and tests, all of this is at the tip of your fingers. However, before we go into the documentation, make sure that you set your eyes on the field you would like to specialise in the USA!
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
- Orthopedics
- Clinical Electrophysiology
- Oncology
- Geriatrics
- Sports
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Women’s Health
- Wound Management
Eligibility & Criteria To Study Physiotherapy In The USA
Fulfilling the eligibility criteria is job #1 when planning to study physiotherapy in the USA for Indian students. Each institution has its own set of requirements, so it’s crucial to stay on top of them.
- For example, if you’re eyeing a Master’s in Physiotherapy, you’ll typically need a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution.
- Some universities may also require a minimum GPA score, usually around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Proving your English proficiency with a test like IELTS (minimum score of 6.0) is often a must.
- Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to submit GRE/GMAT scores as well.
Once you’ve ticked off the eligibility boxes, it’s time to gather your application materials. Common docs include:
- Official academic transcripts
- Updated resume
- Proof of English proficiency test scores
- Proof of financial resources
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Copy of your passport
Student Visa Voyage:
To study at a U.S. university, you’ll need to secure a student visa. Start the process by visiting the U.S. Embassy in your country and providing the necessary documents.
Pro tip: Apply for your student visa at least three months before your planned travel date to the States.
Scholarships To Aid You For Studying Physiotherapy In The USA
If you’re finding it financially difficult to study this course in the USA, there is no need to worry! Scholarships are meant for this cause and therefore, we’ve listed them and their eligibility!
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Scholarship Amount |
| AAUW Indian Fellowship Programme | Non-American women with a bachelor’s degree. | $18,000 |
| Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Graduate Scholarship | Full-time student of Physiotherapy course with a minimum 3.0 GPA. | $750 – $2,500 |
| F.A. Davis Scholarship | Full-time student of Physiotherapy course with a minimum 3.0 GPA. | $1,000 |
| Quad Fellowship | Students from Australia, India, Japan, and the USA studying STEM degrees and clinical healthcare. | $40,000 |
| Merit Scholarship, Northwestern University | GPA – 3.6 | $74,000 |
| Stauffer Scholarships, University of Delaware | Students of the Physical Therapy programme | $2,000 |
| Mary Gross Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship, University of Washington | Students of Physical Therapy with high scores | Variable amount |
| Norman & Ruth Goldman Scholarships, University of Iowa | Students of the Physical Therapy programme | $1,200 |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship Programme | Students of PG and PhD courses in Physiotherapy | $35,000 |
| Anne Doyle Indian Student Award | Students will be chosen based on their academic merit | $1,000 |
Career Opportunities Ahead
Physiotherapy in the USA for Indian students has vast career opportunities ahead. You will find yourself being integrated into top public and private hospitals in the US. The average salary of a physiotherapist in the US is between $60,000 – $155,000 per year!
| Profession | Average Salary |
| Osteopath | $141,375 per year |
| Physical Therapist | $97,720 per year |
| Rehabilitation Director | $151,316 per year |
| Research Assistant | $50,707 per year |
| Sports Physio Rehabilitator | $30,000 per year |
Industries Hiring Physical Therapists In The USA
The physical therapy profession is experiencing a remarkable surge, with both salaries and job opportunities on an upward trajectory. According to projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field is poised to witness a substantial 15% growth between 2022 and 2032, resulting in the creation of 37,300 new jobs within this timeframe.
In terms of compensation, physical therapists enjoyed a median salary of $97,720 in 2022. However, this figure doesn’t tell the whole story, as the top-earning 25% of professionals in this field commanded an impressive $107,430 during the same year. Conversely, the lowest-paid 25% earned a still respectable $80,700.
| Field | Total Employed | Hourly Average | Average Annual Salary |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $85,480 | $43.91 | $91,320 |
| General Medical 7 Surgical Hospitals | $55,850 | $48.15 | $100,140 |
| Home Health Care Services | $25,420 | $54,79 | $113,970 |
| Offices of Physicians | $14,670 | $44.64 | $92,850 |
| Nursing Care Facilities | $10,670 | $49.80 | $103,590 |
State-Wise Salaries For Physiotherapists In The USA
These are the states with the highest salary for a physiotherapist in the USA:
| U.S State | Employment Opportunity For Physiotherapists | Average Annual Salary |
| Delaware | 980 jobs | $96,460 |
| New Hampshire | 1,560 jobs | $91,230 |
| Vermont | 720 jobs | $88,310 |
| Maine | 1,460 jobs | $86,600 |
| Montana | 1,190 jobs | $85,530 |
| California | 4,957 jobs | $111,401 |
| New York | 2000+ | $134,682 |
| Texas | 4000+ | $99,494 |
| Washington | 1000+ | $108,848 |
| Philadelphia | 1000+ | $106,701 |
FAQs
What is the future of physiotherapy in the USA for Indian students?
15% of employment opportunities will be increased from 2020 to 2034 for physiotherapy in the USA.
Is an Indian physiotherapy degree valid in the USA?
A BPT from India is not sufficient, you must have a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the United States.
Can physiotherapists get a green card in the USA?
Being a Physical Therapist falls under the ‘Schedule A’ occupation, which means you don’t need Labor Certification when applying for a Green Card. This makes the Green Card process quicker for Physical Therapists compared to other Employment-Based categories.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further