The Finnish Association of Physiotherapists was formed in 1943 and are one of the founding members of World
Subgroups
The Finnish Association of Physiotherapists has member groups participating in the following World
Year established
1943
World Physiotherapy member since
1951
Year members reported
2020
Number of physiotherapist members
6,170
Contact details
Key contacts
Katri Partanen
Primary contact
[email protected]Tiina Makinen
President
[email protected]
Finland: a profile of the profession in 2020
Download profile
Data disclaimerData correct as at 30 June 2020Professional titles protected by law
Fysioterapeutti
Fysioterapeut
Lääkintävoimistelija
Erikoislääkintävoimistelija
About Finnish Association of Physiotherapists and the physiotherapy profession in Finland
Practising physiotherapists in the country/territory
12,000 (estimated)
21.75
Per 10,000 population
% female
82%
In this country/territory
67%
In this region
63%
Globally
Physiotherapist members in this member organisation (MO)
6,170
% female
81%
In this MO
66%
In MOs in this region
61%
In MOs globally
Physiotherapy professional entry level education
Minimum qualification required to practice
Bachelors degree
Equivalent fulltime years
3.5
Number of programmes
15
Entry level physiotherapy education programmes
https://www.suomenfysioterapeutit.fi/fysioterapia/fysioterapeutin-koulutus/ammattikorkeakoulut/
Regulation
* = Continuing Professional Development
Registration required to practice
CPD* required for re-registration
CPD* required for membership
What is required to practice in the country/territory?
Physiotherapists must submit an application for the right to practice and for the use of the occupational title to the National Supervising Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira): http://www.valvira.fi/en/licensing/professional_practice_rights Healthcare professionals must have sufficient language skills to allow them to practice their profession in a safe manner. Finland’s official languages are Finnish and Swedish. https://www.valvira.fi/web/en/healthcare/professional_practice_rights/language_requirements
Practice
Which authority defines scope of practice
Ministry of Health or another government department
Standards of practice
More than one
Education for autonomous practice
All programmes
Legislation to prevent private practice
Physiotherapists are permitted to
Act as first contact/autonomous practitioners
Assess patients/clients
Make a diagnosis
Offer preventative advice/services
Refer to other specialists/services
Treat (interventions, advice and evaluation of outcome)
Provide telehealth services
Direct access
*Direct access means a person can refer themselves to a physiotherapist without referral from another health professional
Direct access* permitted?
Can people self refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Will this be reimbursed?
No
Can people self refer to physiotherapists in the public system?
Limitations
You can self-refer to physiotherapists in public sector only for some preventive advice visits. However nowadays there are many health-care centers and occupational health care where patient can go straight to physiotherapist instead of medical doctor in case of musculoskeletal problems (The permit to do this advanced scope of practice is given by responsible doctor of the health care unit ). In private sector there is self-referral to physiotherapy services, but referral is needed to get reimbursement from a government agency Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland). Referral is also needed to get physiotherapy services, which are included in some private insurances.
Special interest groups recognised by the member organisation
Mental health
Orthopaedics/manual therapy
Older people
Paediatrics
Sports physiotherapy
Womens health
Animal practice
Neurology
Occupational health and ergonomics
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events
http://www.suomenfysioterapeutit.fi
Koulutuskalenteri (Calendar of education and training courses)
Profile of the profession in this region
A global profile of the profession is also available.
Accessible version of data
- Expand all
- Collapse all
Albania
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
83 (<100)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
1.75 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
57% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
55% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
10.47 (10-15)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Austria
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
5,260 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
17.61 (15-20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
77% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
74% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
6.22 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, More than one
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Belgium
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
4,744 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
31.11 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
69% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
7 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Bosnia and Herzegovina
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
232 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
1.65 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
55% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
55% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
31.59 (>20)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, Some programmes (Some)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Bulgaria
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
278 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
5.69 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
63% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
63% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
1.42 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Croatia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,975 (1000-10000)
Cyprus
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,075 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
9.04 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
50% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
51% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
8.41 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Cyprus Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Establishments Registration Council http://www.cyprus-seff.org/greek/pages.php?pid=10 and The ministry of Health https://www.moh.gov.cy/moh/moh.nsf/index_en/index_en (Other)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Czech Republic
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
603 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
8.47 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
89% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
67% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
6.12 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Denmark
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
12,749 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
26 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
70% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
73% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
8.62 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Estonia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
350 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
7.57 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
93% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
80% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
7.57 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Not defined
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Finland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
6,170 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
21.75 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
82% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
82% (>80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
13.59 (10-15)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, More than one
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
France
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
91,333 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
14.93 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
51% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
55% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.58 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Member organisation
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Georgia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
199 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.94 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
83% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
71% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
9.38 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Germany
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
21,430 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
24 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
66% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
74% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
16.4 (15-20)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
One or more independent regulation/licensing/registration authorities (Independent)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Greece
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
3,242 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
8.41 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
54% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
54% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
2.33 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Hungary
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
882 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
5.7 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
95% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
95% (>80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.58 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Iceland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
622 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
19.23 (15-20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
71% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
66% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
14.14 (10-15)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Ireland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
3,132 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
10.51 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
72% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
73% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
8.24 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The World Physiotherapy standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Israel
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
750 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
5.63 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
53% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
54% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
7.32 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The World Physiotherapy standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Italy
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
6,959 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
10.25 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
55% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
53% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.23 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Jordan
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
123 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
2.51 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
59% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
64% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.52 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Kosovo
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
698 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
3.78 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
54% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
54% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
2.71 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Latvia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
872 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
6.75 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
92% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
85% (>80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
7.79 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Lebanon
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,247 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
1.82 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
64% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
64% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
11.68 (10-15)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of health (Other)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, Some programmes (Some)
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Liechtenstein
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
102 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
26.91 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
78% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
78% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
A partnership between a regulation/licensing/registration body and your organisation (Partnership)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Lithuania
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
71 (<100)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
4.3 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
89% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
75% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
19.72 (15-20)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, Some programmes (Some)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Luxembourg
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
777 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
19.75 (15-20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
50% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
50% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
16.45 (15-20)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Malta
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
119 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
10.34 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
10.34 (10-15)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Montenegro
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
361 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
5.8 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
69% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
69% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
16.07 (15-20)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The World Physiotherapy standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Netherlands
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
16,180 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
20.77 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
58% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
59% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.77 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, More than one
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Norway
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
7,175 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
24.88 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
75% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
68% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
4.7 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Poland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
68,529 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
18.04 (15-20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
74% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
74% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
6.58 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Member organisation
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Portugal
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
888 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
13.69 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
74% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
80% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
9.24 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The World Physiotherapy standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Romania
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
4,607 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
2.37 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
63% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
63% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
1.8 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Member organisation
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Slovakia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
402 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.74 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
75% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
75% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
10.1 (10-15)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Slovenia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
706 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
6.98 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
95% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
87% (>80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
14.51 (10-15)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, More than one
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Spain
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
6,438 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
12.23 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
66% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
64% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
6.31 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Sweden
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
11,063 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
16.79 (15-20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
78% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
76% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.93 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The World Physiotherapy member organisation specific standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Switzerland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
9,408 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
21.14 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
74% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
72% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
2.94 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Syria
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
41 (<100)
Turkey
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,396 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
3.16 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
69% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
56% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.95 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Ukraine
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
127 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.67 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
56% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
50% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
7.62 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
United Kingdom
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
50,232 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
8.3 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
74% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
75% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
6.84 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
One or more independent regulation/licensing/registration authorities (Independent)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Related content
COVID-19 information hub
World Physiotherapy is a global hub for information and resources about COVID-19 relevant to the physiotherapy profession.
Europe region
With 44 physiotherapy associations, Europe is the largest World Physiotherapy region
