Self-test "Physiotherapy studies" to become a physiotherapist FH: Is this course the right one for me?
Would you like to become a physiotherapist and obtain not only a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy but also a professional qualification?
Take our self-test and find out whether the work of a physiotherapist appeals to you and whether you are on the right path with a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy.
What does the day-to-day work of physiotherapists FH look like?
Physiotherapists FH work in independent practice or as employees in physiotherapy practices, hospitals, clinics, retirement and nursing homes, institutions for the disabled, etc.
They work with people whose physical mobility or performance is restricted, e.g. after accidents and operations, due to illness or congenital disabilities. They use manual and physical treatment methods such as massage, special hand movements, ultrasound or heat patches. An important part of the treatment involves stretching, flexibility and strength exercises, during which they instruct the patients. They often use aids such as dumbbells, therabands, medicine balls or other training equipment.
The treatment begins with an examination, during which the physiotherapist forms their own picture of the limitations and difficulties based on the doctor's prescription, defines the therapy goals together with the client and creates a treatment plan from this. They then guide their clients through the exercises, correct incorrect postures and help them to develop strategies for dealing with their pain, movement restrictions or injuries.
The aim of the treatments is to regain the greatest possible mobility and independence.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a physiotherapist FH?
Great! If you like the actual job, the industry basically suits you. Then the next question is whether this degree course is just right for you.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your physiotherapy studies, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Based on your answers in the questionnaire, our educational advisors will make suitable suggestions for courses, seminars or training programs and provide a helpful overview of the various educational levels. They are also on hand to answer any questions you may have about the Swiss education system.
If you don't like all the activities, think about which ones interest you the most.
Then take a look at job advertisements and the homepages of self-employed physiotherapists. Not all jobs are available everywhere. Perhaps you are more the type to work in a children's hospital or in a position where you can use your skills primarily in an advisory capacity - and perhaps you will discover offers with "your desired profile".
You can also find out about similar job profiles such as:
If you don't like the activities in the description, you might want to look into other degree programs. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection.
Why don't you also take a look at ourGuide "Finding your own calling". Here you can benefit from helpful information and tips.
Target group and skills: Who is the physiotherapy course at a university of applied sciences suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The "Physiotherapy Bachelor (FH)" degree program is aimed at
- High school graduates who are interested in medical and psychological issues as well as in practical work with their hands
- Professionals with a vocational qualification in healthcare who wish to develop their skills in the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation
Important qualities for this profession are
- Interest in health and healing issues
- Willingness to serve and enjoyment of contact with different people
- skillful hands
- No fear of contact
- Empathy and at the same time the ability to set boundaries
- Patience, perseverance and pleasure in demonstrating and explaining
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups of this physiotherapy training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements to study physiotherapy.
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups of people, you cannot apply directly for physiotherapy studies, training or further training. In this case, take a look atfollowing page. You may find an educational offer here that is aimed precisely at people like you.
- In ourGuide "Education and training in the fields of health and medicine"you will also find helpful information on suitable further training courses.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in the role of a physiotherapist FH. Look for other further training courses that better match your personal qualities and skills. On Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch you will find numerous courses and suitable providers.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to this profession, it is best to talk to experienced people such as career advisors. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy at a university of applied sciences:
The respective universities of applied sciences decide independently who can study physiotherapy*.
The following requirements usually apply for admission to the "Physiotherapy Bachelor (FH)" degree program:
School requirements:
- Federal certificate of proficiency with vocational baccalaureate
Or
- Technical or gymnasiale Matura
Or
- Recognized SRC training under the old law
Or
- Degree from a higher technical college for health HF
And
- Vaccinations or existing immunity (e.g. against polio, hepatitis B or diphtheria)
And
- English language skills at level B2-C1.
Practical requirements / professional experience:
- At least two months of practical work experience in a field of physiotherapy (pre-study internship) must be completed before starting the course.
- If you have a vocational baccalaureate in healthcare, a vocational baccalaureate with an EFZ in healthcare, higher education in healthcare or work experience in healthcare, you can have an individual assessment carried out to determine whether you already have the necessary work experience.
Entrance examination:
Anyone who meets the formal admission requirements can take part in the aptitude test. This consists of a written examination and a practical test.
*As already mentioned, the respective universities of applied sciences decide on admission to studies. They can largely design their courses themselves. Institutional accreditation in accordance with the Higher Education Funding and Coordination Act (HFKG) (Chapter 5.) of the federal government is a prerequisite for the designation right "university of applied sciences" or "university" and "university of teacher education", the granting of federal contributions and program accreditation.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then you can start your Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy.
- If you do not have a qualification at upper secondary level, there are still ways: even as an adult, it is possible to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you have a federally recognized apprenticeship qualification without a vocational baccalaureate, you can catch up on the vocational baccalaureate. Many of the cantonal vocational baccalaureate schools offer special BM2 courses for qualified professionals, which last approx. 4 semesters (part-time) or 2 semesters (full-time).Hereyou will find an overview of the cantonal websites. You also have the opportunity to take the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate examination after individual preparation. You can find more informationhere.
Please also take a look at our self-tests:- You catch up on the vocational baccalaureate:Vocational baccalaureate self-test
- You catch up on the gymnasiale Matura:Matura schools for adults Self-test
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the physiotherapy course, clarify your chances directly with the university of your choice.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Look for a relevant job/internship to gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who works in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you are not sure whether your English language skills are sufficient, take aPlacement testand let schools of your choice show you how you can improve your English in the time you want.Hereyou will find suitable offers.
- If you are unsure about vaccinations, contact the school of your choice to find out the exact requirements.
- If you do not have a qualification at upper secondary level, there are still ways: even as an adult, it is possible to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you have a federally recognized apprenticeship qualification without a vocational baccalaureate, you can catch up on the vocational baccalaureate. Many of the cantonal vocational baccalaureate schools offer special BM2 courses for qualified professionals, which last approx. 4 semesters (part-time) or 2 semesters (full-time).Hereyou will find an overview of the cantonal websites. You also have the opportunity to take the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate examination after individual preparation. You can find more informationhere.
Please also take a look at our self-tests:- You catch up on the vocational baccalaureate:Vocational baccalaureate self-test
- You catch up on the gymnasiale Matura:Matura schools for adults Self-test.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as work experience for the physiotherapy course, clarify your chances directly with the university of your choice.
- If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Look for a relevant job/internship to gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who works in the relevant field, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you are not sure whether your English language skills are sufficient, take aPlacement testand let schools of your choice show you how you can improve your English in the time you want.Hereyou will find suitable offers.
- If you are unsure about vaccinations, contact the school of your choice to find out the exact requirements.
Subject matter and content of the course
Approximately two thirds of the course consists of theoretical lessons and practical exercises and one third of internships in healthcare institutions.
Learning material:
- Medical basics:Anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, basic clinical knowledge such as orthopaedics, traumatology, neurology
- Practical basics:Physiotherapeutic examination and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, internal organs and vessels as well as neuromotor and sensory functions
- Interprofessional modules:Scientific work, communication and interprofessional collaboration
Note: In principle, the respective universities of applied sciences are free to decide how they want to structure their degree programs (including physiotherapy studies). There may therefore be differences with regard to the course content and the defined thematic focuses.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! An interest in the subject is the best prerequisite for successfully completing further training.
You can look forward to exciting and informative hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
Enquire at the schools of your choice about the detailed course content and the weighting of the subjects. Perhaps there are enough subjects that interest you enough to motivate you to attend the others.
Obviously, the typical course content on the way to a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy at a university of applied sciences is not your cup of tea. Take a look at other training or further education programs instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training, salary
The costs vary depending on the provider, training location and training model and also depend on the sponsorship of the university of applied sciences (public, semi-private, private). In general, the following costs can be expected for physiotherapy training (three years full-time):
- Course fees:between CHF 700 and CHF 1000 per semester for public schools and Swiss residents. Students from abroad must expect higher course fees.
- Application/registration fee:between CHF 200.- and 300.-
- Examination fees (per semester):are normally included in the course fees
- Additional costs:Some providers charge extra costs for teaching materials, training documents, copies/printouts, student ID/campus card, locker keys, etc.
- Wage:The cumulative salary of all internships over the entire 4 years averages CHF 25,000.
Question 5:
Are you able to pay between CHF 700 and CHF 1000 per semester?
- Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, cantons, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- First take a closer look at the schools you are considering and clarify what costs you would actually have to expect and inquire about the possibility of paying in installments.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, cantons, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on the awarding of scholarships can be foundhere. (Note: The scholarship office in your canton of residence is responsible for awarding scholarships).
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- First take a closer look at the schools you are considering and clarify what costs you would actually have to expect and inquire about the possibility of paying in installments.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, cantons, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissand the procedure for this can be found in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- You can obtain information about scholarship opportunitieshere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
Duration of study, number of lessons, training model and learning effort
- Duration of studies and training modelThe Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy at university of applied sciences level is a full-time course and lasts 6 or 8 semesters. It consists of a total of two years of classroom teaching and two years of internships. One year of practical training is completed after the degree course as the 4th year of study (qualifying for a profession), the other year of practical training takes place in several parts during the degree course. During the last two semesters, students work on a professionally relevant topic using scientific methods in a Bachelor's thesis.
- Number of lessonsStudy achievements are expressed in so-called ECTS points (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System Points), a kind of tool for the standardized study structure of Bachelor's and Master's degree courses at universities. As a rule, 180 ECTS points are required for a Bachelor's degree, which corresponds to 4,500-5,400 hours of work. (One ECTS point corresponds to a student workload of 25 to 30 working hours). This includes all study units such as lectures, tutorials, exercises, coursework, semester examinations, etc.
- Teaching formatTeaching is mainly carried out in lectures, group lessons and exercises/projects.
- Learning effort: You should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons as well as for self-study - how much depends on your previous knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model.
Did you know that...: Since 2006, the basic training for physiotherapists (Bachelor) has taken place at universities of applied sciences. In addition, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) has recognized four locations for universities of applied sciences: Zurich/Winterthur, Bern, French-speaking Switzerland, Ticino.
Question 6:
Can you find the time to study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have enough time, look for schools where you can extend your studies by individual arrangement. This would allow you to spread your studies over a longer period of time.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training.
The profession of physiotherapist can only be learned through a four-year full-time training program. If this is not compatible with your life circumstances, look for another training course in the healthcare sector that can also be studied part-time, for example:
Or take a look at other professions that can be learned while working:
Degree, diploma and title
The Bachelor's degree program in Physiotherapy has a modular structure and each module concludes with a written or practical examination.
At the end of the first year of study (= assessment level), there is a partial examination that you must pass in order to continue your studies.
In the last two semesters of your studies, you will write your Bachelor's thesis, in which you show that you are able to work on a professionally relevant topic in an academic manner.
If you have passed all the modules, your Bachelor's thesis has been accepted and you have successfully presented it, then you still have to complete the 10-month internship - and then you will receive the double degree*:
- Professional qualification as a qualified physiotherapist FH
- Bachelor of Science (FH) degree in physiotherapy
* If you are studying at a private school, clarify the recognition of the international Bachelor's diploma with the Swiss Red Cross SRC.
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the assessment and the Bachelor's examination?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. with old exams.
Tip:Here you will find helpful information on the question: "Studying - and then?"
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this degree program.
We also recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from coaches or autogenic/mental training.
You can find suitable providers here:
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain important exam experience, e.g. with old exams.
Tip:Here you will find helpful information on the question: "Studying - and then?"
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam or writing a paper, but would like to complete the course, it is best to arrange a personal consultation with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, such as coaching or autogenic/mental training.
You can find suitable providers here:
No, the physiotherapy degree program with a Bachelor's degree (FH) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other training or further education courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Studying physiotherapy at a university of applied sciences with a Bachelor's degree is probably not the right educational goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal career. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable training or further education.
Then see what other training or further education courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a physiotherapist FH with a Bachelor's degree doesn't seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other training or further education courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Studying physiotherapy at a university of applied sciences with a Bachelor's degree is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the information events organized by the providers. There you will learn a lot more about the course and can discuss your personal options and questions directly with the subject representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This physiotherapy course at the University of Applied Sciences with a Bachelor's degree seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This Bachelor's degree course in "Physiotherapist FH" / "Physiotherapist FH" seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
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