There are a number of
Subgroups
The German Association for
German Association for Physiotherapy
Deutscher Verband für PhysiotherapieGermanyEurope
Year established
1949
World Physiotherapy member since
1951
Year members reported
2019
Number of physiotherapist members
21,452
Contact details
[email protected]
(49) 221 98 10 27 0
Key contacts
Stefan Hegenscheidt
Primary contact
[email protected]Andrea Rädlein
President
[email protected]
Germany: a profile of the profession in 2019
Download profile
Data disclaimerData correct as at 30 June 2019Professional titles protected by law
Physiotherapeut/Physiotherapeutin
About German Association for Physiotherapy and the physiotherapy profession in Germany
Practising physiotherapists in the country/territory
197,000
23.76
Per 10,000 population
% female
In this country/territory
69%
In this region
66%
Globally
Physiotherapist members in this member organisation (MO)
21,452
% female
In this MO
65%
In MOs in this region
58%
In MOs globally
Physiotherapy professional entry level education
Minimum qualification required to practice
Diploma
Equivalent fulltime years
3
Number of programmes
287
Entry level physiotherapy education programmes
https://www.physio-deutschland.de/fileadmin/data/bund/Dateien_oeffentlich/Beruf_und_Bildung/Studium/Studiengaenge_Physiotherapie.pdf
Regulation
* = Continuing Professional Development
Registration required to practice
CPD* required for re-registration
CPD* required for membership
The system of regulation in the country/territory
Physiotherapists are awarded the title physiotherapist through the relevant health authority. Those who complete the education successfully in Germany are usually awarded the title through the local health authority. Physiotherapists from outside Germany have to apply for recognition at the public authority in charge of recognition at their future place of residence: http://anabin.kmk.org/no_cache/filter/anerkennungs-und-beratungsstellen-in-deutschland.html
Practice
Which authority defines scope of practice
One or more independent regulation/licensing/registration authorities
Standards of practice
The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Education for autonomous practice
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)
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?
n/a
Can people self refer to physiotherapists in the public system?
Limitations
Special interest groups recognised by the member organisation
Aquatics
Cardiorespiratory physical therapy
Educators in physical therapy
Electrophysical agents
Health promotion
Mental health
Orthopaedics/manual therapy
Older people
Oncology/palliative care
Pain
Paediatrics
Sports physical therapy
Womens health
Animal practice
Management/administration
Neurology
Occupational health and ergonomics
Private practitioners
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events
http://www.physio-akademie.de
Physio-Akademie gGmbH is the official institute of the member organisation and organising CPD 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?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
1-5
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
20-40%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
40-60%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
10-15
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Austria
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1000-10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
10-15
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
40-60%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
5-10
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Belgium
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1000-10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
>20
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
<20%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
40-60%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
5-10
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Is direct access permitted?
No
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Bosnia and Herzegovina
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
1-5
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
20-40%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
40-60%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
>20
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Some
Is direct access permitted?
No
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Bulgaria
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
1-5
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
<20%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
1-5
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Is direct access permitted?
No
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Cyprus
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
5-10
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
40-60%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
40-60%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
15-20
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Partnership
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Czech Republic
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
5-10
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
5-10
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the WCPT standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
No
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Denmark
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
>10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
>20
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60-80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
10-15
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Finland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1000-10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
>20
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60-80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
>80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
10-15
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, more than one
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Georgia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
<1
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
10-15
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?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Germany
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
>10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
>20
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
15-20
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Greece
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1000-10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
5-10
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
20-40%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
40-60%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
1-5
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
No
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Hungary
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
1-5
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60-80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
>80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
1-5
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Iceland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
15-20
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60-80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
10-15
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Partnership
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the WCPT standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Ireland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1000-10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
10-15
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
5-10
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Independent
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, more than one
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Israel
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
5-10
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
<20%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
40-60%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
5-10
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the WCPT standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Italy
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
>10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
10-15
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
1-5
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Is direct access permitted?
No
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Jordan
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
1-5
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
<20%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
1-5
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Kosovo
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
1-5
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
40-60%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
40-60%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
5-10
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Is direct access permitted?
No
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Latvia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
5-10
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
>80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
>80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
5-10
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Lebanon
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1000-10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
1-5
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60-80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
10-15
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Is direct access permitted?
No
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Liechtenstein
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
>20
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60-80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
0
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Partnership
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the WCPT standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Lithuania
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
1-5
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
20-40%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
15-20
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Some
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Luxembourg
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
15-20
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
15-20
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the WCPT member organisation specific standard
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Malta
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
10-15
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
20-40%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
40-60%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
10-15
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the WCPT member organisation specific standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Montenegro
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
5-10
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
40-60%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
40-60%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
15-20
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the WCPT standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Netherlands
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
>10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
>20
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
20-40%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
40-60%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
1-5
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the WCPT member organisation specific standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Norway
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1000-10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
>20
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
40-60%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
1-5
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Poland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
>10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
15-20
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60-80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
5-10
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Portugal
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
10-15
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
<20%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
5-10
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the WCPT standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Slovenia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
5-10
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60-80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
15-20
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the WCPT member organisation specific standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Spain
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1000-10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
10-15
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
<20%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
5-10
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Sweden
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
>10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
15-20
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60-80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
<1
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
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
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Switzerland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1000-10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
10-15
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60-80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
1-5
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, more than one
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Ukraine
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
100-1000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
5-10
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
10-15
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Government
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, the WCPT member organisation specific standard
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
United Kingdom
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
>10000
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population
5-10
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60-80%
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60-80%
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population
5-10
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Partnership
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, more than one
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Can people self-refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
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 43 physiotherapy associations, Europe is the largest World Physiotherapy region
