Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Physiotherapy

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Prerequisites
Program Specifics
Post Program
Conclusion
References

Introduction

CAM therapy is an alternative and complementary medicine that falls outside conventional healthcare practices. In this case, people or patients have treatment plans that fall outside the main healthcare system. These treatment plans include colonic irrigation, meditation, aromatherapy, physiotherapy, homeopathy, and acupuncture. This essay provides physiotherapy as the basis for discussion and provides an outline of the steps that are required to become a practitioner. The essay discusses prerequisites, program-specific, and post-program information.

Prerequisites

Whether there is a Formal School Program to Follow

There is a formal school program to be followed to become a physiotherapist. Getting a bachelor’s degree is the first step because the profession requires a high level of training (Wells & Stephensen, 2020). In other scenarios, a doctorate in physical therapy is required so that the practitioner can get more qualifications. At such a doctorate level, one can learn various things such as pharmacotherapy, complex illnesses, embryology, and disease pathology. In addition, a license to operate as a physiotherapist is essential.

Whether there is Need to Complete a Degree

One needs to complete a degree before beginning the program and becoming a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are leading professionals who need high qualifications for their practice (Langridge, 2019). Having a few courses is not enough for this profession because of its work. Getting a bachelor’s degree is usually the first step in becoming a professional physiotherapist. After passing all the physical therapy examinations, one must acquire an operating license to be a physiotherapist.

The Courses Required

An aspiring physiotherapist needs first to get the first degree to begin the journey of joining the profession. Once a person completes an undergraduate degree in the profession, they may opt to take a master’s program. After that, the degree will combine theoretical work and practice to access work placements that will be essential for practical experiences. Physiotherapy degrees have entry-level requirements that depend on the chosen college or university (Langridge, 2019). Some of the courses required for acceptance include SVQs, BTECs, the IB, Scottish Highers, and A-Levels. The cut-off marks for a physiotherapist are 685-145 and pass with 60 percent. In addition, one has to pass very well in biology, physics, chemistry, and English.

Whether there is More Than an Application Process

There is more than just an application process to becoming a physiotherapist. Some of the entry-level examinations depend on the country to country. For example, in Canada, one has to have a master’s degree in physiotherapy from a recognized college or university. A candidate must also take a physiotherapy competency exam to demonstrate suitability (Wells & Stephensen, 2020). The purpose of the examination is to treat patients with the required professionalism and safety. In addition, one has to be interviewed for the job among many other professionals seeking the same opportunity.

How Many Applications Received Each Year

In 2021, the University of Toronto in Canada received 1282 applications from candidates seeking to study physiotherapy. In 2022, the number decreased slightly to 947 of those seeking to join the profession (Kumar et al., 2020). Therefore, on average more than 1,000 applicants become interested in studying physiotherapy at the University Of Toronto, Canada. In 2021, those were accepted 110, while in 2022, they were 100. Therefore, the acceptance rate could be 10 percent because the average of those admitted is 100 per year.

Whether there is Need to Have More on the Resume

A person needs to have more on the resume to become a professional physiotherapist. Prospective employers always look for those who stand out in the application process. Therefore, extra things like volunteerism would benefit a prospective physiotherapist (Langridge, 2019). Volunteering in the resume will enhance the confidence of such an applicant and demonstrate that they are up to the task. A candidate could also incorporate participation in community service in the resume.

Whether the Program is in Canada or Abroad

The program is in Canada, and seeking a visa for international opportunities is unnecessary (Kumar et al., 2020). For example, the University of Toronto has a competitive program for admission. Out of 1,000 applicants that express interest in the program, only about 100 get a chance to enroll. The GPA cut-off for the program is an average of 3.80, which makes it quite a competitive program.

Program Specifics

What Exactly to Receive at the End of the Program

At the end of the program, the culmination will be receiving a physiotherapy degree. After graduation, helping various patients with their different physical issues will be pivotal. In this case, the graduate professional will enhance the health and quality of the patients (Langridge, 2019). At the end of the program, completing a minimum of a thousand hours of clinical practice will be necessary. Such clinical experience will be necessary as part of the physiotherapy degree program.

Whether the School Program is Reputable and Recognized

The school program is reputable and recognized by the necessary governing bodies. The program is quite competitive because of the demand for such a course and receives thousands of applications annually (Kumar et al., 2020). However, only a few numbers get admitted due to the limited spaces. As a result, the program has gained immense prominence even among the governing regulatory bodies and would always want to support such a program so that it could assist more people.

The Length of the Program (Full-time or Part-time)

The length of a full-time physiotherapy master’s program at the University of Toronto is 24 months (two years). At this university, the master of Physical Therapy is the entry-level to be a professional physiotherapist (Wells & Stephensen, 2020). The program is primarily designed for those aspiring professional physiotherapists who have completed an undergraduate degree.

Whether Any Course can Count for Credit

Any previously taken course, such as an earlier degree program, can count for credit toward this new one. Therefore, one does not need to have studied physiotherapy at an undergraduate level to become a professional physiotherapist (Langridge, 2019). In this case, the University of Toronto offers a master’s program in physical therapy to even applicants who did not study the course at an undergraduate level.

Whether the Courses are Familiar

The courses are ones that I have familiarity with because I managed to study physiotherapy at an undergraduate level. Therefore, enrolling at the University of Toronto for a master’s program will not be new because I already know what the course entails (Kumar et al., 2020). Unlike the candidates who have never studied the course before, I have the pleasure and privilege to stand out and comprehend the course fully.

The Tuition Fee

The physiotherapy tuition fees at the University of Toronto total 10,550 US dollars for a single academic year. Other than the tuition fees, other related charges include ancillary fees totaling 412 US dollars and incidental fees that equal 1,714 US dollars. Some of the books required in the course include Gait Analysis by Kaltenbore et al. and Research for Physiotherapists by Churchill and Hicks. Some of the equipment includes waiting room furniture and treatment tables.

Whether there is Financial Aid Available

Many financial aid opportunities at the University of Toronto will be necessary because the two-year master’s program is quite expensive. Such financial opportunities will help cover the high costs of completing the course in 24 months. Financial aid comes in various forms, such as the government and the school (Kumar et al.,2020). Such financial aid also comes in various forms, such as loans and grants.

Whether there is a Co-op/practical Placement

The physiotherapy program requires internship opportunities and practical placement to achieve competency. Every student must complete seven months of full-time clinical practice at the university (Kumar et al., 2020). In addition, students are also required to have structured clinical sessions during the entire course. The university offers paid physiotherapy part-time job opportunities, and I expect to earn some money.

Post Program

Whether one needs to Pass an Exam to be Licensed

One has to pass the requisite examinations to be licensed as a physiotherapist. In this case, an individual must pass a physical therapy examination (PTE) to become an accredited or licensed physical therapist (Langridge, 2019). The costs of the examinations are 485 US dollars for a physical therapist and the therapist’s assistant. However, a processing fee amounts to 1.6 percent of the examination fee.

How Much one Needs to Spend

The malpractice/liability insurance will cost between 500 and 1,000 US dollars annually. Such spending will be because the physiotherapy business will start as a small business enterprise, and as it grows, the liability cover could increase significantly (Kumar et al., 2020). Such a cover is relevant for physiotherapists because of the provision of healthcare services.

Whether the Program Has a Career Placement Center

The program has numerous job prospects because the field is quite competitive with few practitioners (Kumar et al.,2020). Therefore, the program offers a career placement center that offers immense opportunities once a person completes their studies. Thus, finding a job post-graduation will be quite easy as there are immense opportunities. Placement opportunities are available at the university, hospitals, football clubs, nursing homes, and sports clinics.

Whether There is Any Direction or Aid for Starting Out the Program

There is direction or aid for starting up a physiotherapy business in private practice. For example, it is necessary to observe the market on how leading physiotherapists have succeeded in their careers (Langridge, 2019). Therefore, one could consult such professionals on starting such an initiative in private practice. Researching the market will largely help what should be expected for such an initiative in private practice.

Whether the School has Connections to Only the Local Level

The school is quite prominent and has connections beyond its borders that will help secure physiotherapy opportunities. In this case, it has connections that run from the private to the public sector and can help get such opportunities (Wells & Stephensen, 2020). Although one can get opportunities within the immediate geographical area, many more opportunities throughout the province and nationally would help to commence the practice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being a physiotherapist requires hard work and commitment to join the competitive profession. Studying physical therapy provides a pathway to becoming a practitioner in the field. Additionally, the profession requires high bachelor’s or master’s level qualifications. As part of CAM therapy, physiotherapy is a leading profession in contemporary times that continue to influence the careers of many and the life of patients. However, studying the course requires some significant financial support, and most universities provide financial aid in the form of loans and grants to enable students to complete their studies.

References

Kumar, R., Bernajee, A., & Deshpande, V. (2020). Role of Physiotherapist in Health Literacy. Indian Journal of Physical Therapy and Research, 2 (2), pp. 71-72.

Langridge, N. (2019). The skills, knowledge and attributes needed as a first contact physiotherapist in musculoskeletal healthcare. Muskuloskeletal Care, 17 (2), pp. 253-260.

Wells, A.& Stephensen, D. (2020). The role of the physiotherapist in the management of people with haemophilia: Defining the new normal.British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 61 (8).

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