Physiotherapy is a significant branch of medical science that studies the physical well being of the human body. In today’s world, where things happen on one click, the scope for less physical activity has considerably reduced. Hence, it not only the senior citizens that need a physiotherapist, but youngsters too. This has led to the demand of master in physiotherapy in USA and other countries.
According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, it states that between 2020-2030, the employment of physical therapists is projected to grow by 21%, much faster than average. If you are a practising physiotherapist, you can update your skills and knowledge through this masters physiotherapy course.
So, if you are looking to pursue physiotherapy masters in USA, this blog will give detailed information about postgraduate physiotherapy courses in USA and related aspects.
Why Study Masters in Physiotherapy in the USA?
Before we discuss MS in physiotherapy in USA, let's explain why the USA has proved to be a great academic institution for the field.
- Outstanding Job Opportunities: The best physiotherapy universities in UD provide both domestic as well as international students with excellent job opportunities after graduation. Because of its high demand, skilled professionals will give you enough incentives and an average salary of around 95,620 USD for a physical therapist.
- Excellent Education: Providing the best educational infrastructure along with the different types of physical therapy courses in the US have stood out in the world. MS in Physiotherapy and the DPT program are the most popular programs sought after by the students in USA.
- Scope: Being in a therapist role in the healthcare sector will help you in getting various unmatchable scope and humongous career opportunities in Canada. According to the BLS (Bureau of Labour Statistics), the new job openings of physical therapists are expected to be 49,100 with about 15,600 in each academic year from 2020 to 2030.
Physiotherapy Courses & Universities in USA
Course Curriculum For Masters in Physiotherapy in USA
To pursue postgraduate physiotherapy courses in USA, you may have two different options i.e MS or a doctorate in Physiotherapy. Let us have a look at the various aspects of the program and their course curriculum.
- Duration: A typical master's degree in Physiotherapy in USA is of a duration between two to three years, depending upon your selection of course and the university.
- Content: The exact content of the course you have to study in your Physiotherapy masters program are neuroscience, orthopaedics clinician, clinical practice, fall & balance dysfunction, health promotion, etc. However, this may vary depending upon your course selection and the admitted university.
- Curriculum: A Physiotherapy masters degree in US universities is designed as a 33 credit hour curriculum providing a comprehensive examination sequence of core coursework in each of the separate concentration of musculoskeletal physical therapy and neuromuscular physical therapy.
Suggested: Everything About Studying in USA
In order to get admission to the MS in Physiotherapy USA, you must fulfil certain eligibility criteria which has been discussed in the next section:
Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for Masters in Physiotherapy in USA
To apply for Masters in physiotherapy in USA for Indian students are required to qualify some requirements. These requirements differ from university to another, however there is some common process accepted by all. Here we have discussed about each of them:
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as science, medicine, etc is a must to apply for mpt in USA for Indian students. A minimum GPA score of 3.0 on scale of 4.0 or equivalent is also mandatory.
English Language Proficiency
If you are not a citizen of any English country, you must have to write and pass some ELP tests with good scores to get admission into US universities. The minimum accepted test scores are
GMAT or GRE Scores
Other requirements for masters in data analytics program include GMAT or GRE tests. You must have an average GMAT score between 580 to 700 or a GRE score of 290 or above. However, currently some of the universities have waived off the criteria in applications.
Work Experience
Having a work experience certificate showing your evidence of potential for success in the graduate program is a must. However, it is mandatory for every university in the US.
Passport and Visa
A valid passport and a US student visa is a must to study masters in Physiotherapy in USA for Indian students. You must have to apply for your student visa at least three months prior to the expected date of your travel to the country.
Everything About F-1 Student Visa for USA
Documents Required for Masters in Physiotherapy in USA
To apply for MS in physiotherapy in USA, you need to make sure that you have all the essential documents for admission. Here are some of the important documents for the submission:
- All previous attended institutions transcripts
- A bachelor's degree
- Statement of Purpose or SOP
- Letter of Recommendation or LOR
- Resume or CV
- Scorecards of entrance tests and ELP
- Essay stating your educational and long-term professional goals
- Proof of Financial Resources
Eligibility and Requirements for MS in USA
Admission Process for Masters in Physiotherapy in USA
To successfully complete your application to universities in USA for masters in physiotherapy, you need to follow some steps for it. Here is a step by step guide for the application:
- First identify the universities offering Masters in physiotherapy in USA for international students.
- Once shortlisted, create a list and visit their official website to check for the application requirements.
- Pay the application fees and fill up the online form
- Submit all the required documents before the application deadlines.
- Once you get any interview letter, attend the interview and wait for the result.
- If selected, you will receive a letter of acceptance from university accept it and apply for the student visa.
Admission and Application Process for MS in USA
Apart from the admission requirements, the next factor is which university you choose to study MS Physiotherapy. Let us now take a look at the best universities in the USA for MS in Physiotherapy:
Top Universities in USA for Masters in Physiotherapy
There are multiple best universities in USA for masters in physiotherapy. These universities are considered as the top choice among international students because of their quality of education. Although there are many, here we have curated some of the top universities in USA for masters in physiotherapy courses.
- University of Pittsburgh
- George Mason University
- San Jose State University
- University of South California
- Western Kentucky University
Let's discuss each university one by one:
University of Pittsburgh
The Department of Physical Therapy at the university offers two concentrations as a part of the Master of Science in health and rehabilitation program i.e musculoskeletal physical therapy and neuromuscular physical therapy. Its curriculum is integrated didactic education with a rigorous clinical program. The course content includes topics such as neuroscience, clinical practice, falls & balance dysfunction, evidence based medical & physical therapy etc.
|
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
181 |
|
Type of University |
Public |
|
Annual Average Fees |
14,023 USD |
|
Program Offered |
|
George Mason University
GMU offers masters in kinesiology which includes some specialised areas such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports science, and motor behaviour etc. The purpose of the program is to produce graduates who are specialists in movement and exercises. It uses an evidence based approach providing an advanced understanding of the scientific evidence and research methods addressing physical activity related aspects of well being, human performance.
|
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
1001-1200 |
|
Type of University |
Public |
|
Annual Average Fees |
37,956 USD |
|
Program Offered |
|
San Jose State University
San Jose State University provides admissions to a concentrated study in one of the sub disciplinary areas of physical therapy. The program contained six units of three different courses. It also has a concentration and elective classes of 18 units for the kinesiology students. The university offers four types of kinesiology courses i.e. kinesiology exercise physiology concentration, kinesiology, sports management concentration, and sports studies concentration.
|
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
NA |
|
Type of University |
Public |
|
Annual Average Fees |
18,790 USD |
|
Program Offered |
|
University of South California
The University of South California offers two different courses to study i.e. biokinesiology and a bio-kinesiology sports science. The program at the university requires a satisfactory completion of at least 32 credits of coursework at the 500 level or above and a research project on BKN 559 and BKN 590 and a summative experience. Apart from this the course will prepare you in neurobehavioral, musculoskeletal and biochemical, physiological etc.
|
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
134 |
|
Type of University |
Private |
|
Annual Average Fees |
25,171 USD |
|
Program Offered |
|
Western Kentucky University
The program at Western Kentucky University prepares the students for various health or wellness, rehabilitation, performance-based, fitness and research careers. Students may develop their knowledge and skills in the field of kinesiology or exercise physiology in preparation for a professional career through relevant coursework, laboratory experiences, practical experiences, or research projects tailored to the personal interests and goals.
|
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
NA |
|
Type of University |
Public |
|
Annual Average Fees |
17,154 USD |
|
Program Offered |
Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology |
Cost of Studying Masters in Physiotherapy in USA
The cost of pursuing masters in physiotherapy in USA is high with high ROI too. That is why most international students consider the USA as their first choice for higher studies. Since you are also one of them, having information about costs matters to you. However, the cost of studying this course is determined by two factors i.e. masters in physiotherapy in USA fees and the living costs.
Let's discuss each one of them below:
Tuition Fees
The masters in physiotherapy in USA for Indian students fees varies from one university to another. The tuition fees should go upto 59,000 USD per year. Some of the universities also charge the fees on a per term or per credit basis such as 14,011 per term or 659 per credit hour.
Cost of Living
The living costs of an international students studying physiotherapy masters while staying in USA ranges between 1,250 USD to 2,600 per month. A major part of the expenses comes from your accommodation, transport, miscellaneous, area etc based on the city and the lifestyle you choose.
Cost of Living in USA for International Students
Scholarships For Masters in Physiotherapy in USA
Catering with the masters in physiotherapy in USA for Indian students fees doesn't have to be difficult. There are various universities in the US offering scholarships to international students in the form of bursaries, grants and financial aid etc. to cover up the expenses.
Here we have curated a list of some scholarships to study at the best colleges for masters in physiotherapy in USA:
|
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Benefits |
|
180 Medical Scholarships, University of South California |
Students attending a full time study at the university. |
1,000 USD |
|
AED.US Scholarship, George Mason University |
Students with good academic records. |
1,500 USD |
|
Merit Scholarships , University of Pittsburgh |
Students seeking admission with a good academic records. |
1,950 USD to 4,000 USD |
|
AMBUCS Scholarship Program for Therapists |
Students enrolled into a physical therapy, occupational therapy related program. |
6,000 USD |
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in USA
Career Opportunities After Masters in Physiotherapy in USA
After completing masters in physiotherapy, you can get a job in various multi speciality hospitals or you can also choose home visits. The other option is you can go for a PhD degree in physiotherapy in US. However, some graduates choose to specialize in neurological or pediatric physiotherapy.
An entry level physiotherapist in USA can earn 56,000 USD and with experience this may go upto 113,240 USD per year for a senior physiotherapist. Some of the other job profiles after physiotherapy masters in USA are given below:
|
Job Profile |
Average Salary |
|
Physical Therapist |
91,010 USD |
|
Neuromuscular Physical Therapist |
53,664 USD |
|
Sports Physio Rehabilitator |
78,614 USD |
|
Osteopath |
83,675 USD |
|
Rehabilitation Director |
84,041 USD |
This was all about masters in physiotherapy in USA for international students. We hope that you have gathered valuable insights about the physiotherapy master courses, its eligibility, requirements, and the job opportunities after mpt in USA for Indian students. To get an extra hand in looking for admission to masters in physiotherapy in USA, do connect with our Yocket Counsellors today.