The Italian Association of
Subgroups
The Italian Association of
Italian Association of Physiotherapy
Associazione Italiana di FisioterapiaItalyEurope
Year established
1959
World Physiotherapy member since
1995
Year members reported
2022
Number of physiotherapist members
4,445
Contact details
[email protected]
(39) 06 7720 1020
Key contacts
Michele Cannone
Primary contact
[email protected]Simone Cecchetto
President
[email protected]
Professional titles protected by law
Fisioterapista
About Italian Association of Physiotherapy and the physiotherapy profession in Italy
Practising physiotherapists in the country/territory
67,656
11.45
Per 10,000 population
% female
56%
In this country/territory
In this region
Globally
Physiotherapist members in this member organisation (MO)
4,445
% female
56%
In this MO
In MOs in this region
In MOs globally
Physiotherapy professional entry level education
Minimum qualification required to practice
Bachelors degree
Equivalent fulltime years
3
Number of programmes
42
Entry level physiotherapy education programmes
Please contact the Italian Association of Physiotherapy for details of entry level education programmes in Italy
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 have a Bachelor in Physiotherapy to practice in Italy. They also must be registered with their Provincial Order who act on behalf of the National Health Minister.
Practice
Which authority defines scope of practice
Ministry of Health or another government department
Standards of practice
The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Education for autonomous practice
Legislation supports 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?
In part
Can people self refer to physiotherapists in the public system?
Limitations
What are the circumstances in which direct access is limited?
Setting (eg. outpatient, private practice, school setting, prevention and wellness, etc)
Population/health condition (eg. musculoskeletal, non-complex, etc)
Time (eg. medical referral required if treatment is needed beyond 30 or 60 days)
Training (eg. certification, academic training, or CPD to demonstrate skill necessary to treat patients without referral from a medial doctor)
Other
Usually in Italy, in public health and accredited hospitals and rehabilitation facility, physios work under a medical refferral.
Special interest groups recognised by the member organisation
Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
Electrophysical agents
Orthopaedics/manual therapy
Older people
Oncology/palliative care and HIV
Paediatrics
Sports physiotherapy
Womens health
Neurology
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events
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?
80 (<100)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.77 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60% (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?
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?
5,609 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
18.68 (15-20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
77% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
70% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
5.09 (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?
4,973 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
31.11 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
67% (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?
268 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
1.65 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
54% (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?
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?
262 (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?
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?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Croatia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,975 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
4.83 (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?
11 (10-15)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Member organisation
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
Cyprus
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
901 (100-1000)
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?
50% (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 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, 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?
820 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
7.53 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
61% (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?
6.12 (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?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Denmark
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
13,116 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
26.25 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
69% (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?
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?
451 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
6.81 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
93% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
78% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
11.36 (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?
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?
6,132 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
21.75 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
81% (>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?
97,421 (>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?
51% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Masters degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.96 (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?
216 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
1.11 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
72% (60-80%)
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?
8.04 (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?
21,502 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
24.48 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
65% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
73% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
16.1 (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?
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?
Yes
Greece
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
3,625 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
9.15 (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)
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?
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?
970 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
6.18 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
94% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
89% (>80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
4.09 (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?
666 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
19.8 (15-20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
71% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
70% (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
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 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
Ireland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
3,162 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
10.5 (10-15)
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?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
6.18 (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?
748 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
6.75 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
65% (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?
5.63 (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?
7,398 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
11.06 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
53% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
52% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.48 (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?
72 (<100)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
2.36 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
47% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
38% (20-40%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.01 (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?
700 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
3.79 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
56% (40-60%)
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?
5.42 (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?
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?
1,242 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
9.01 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
80% (>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?
7.79 (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?
1,428 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
2.08 (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?
6.57 (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, 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)
Lithuania
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
91 (<100)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
4.27 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
90% (>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?
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?
869 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
29.29 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
54% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
53% (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)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
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?
92 (<100)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
12.22 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
49% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
66% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
20.68 (>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 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?
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)
Netherlands
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
15,386 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
21.7 (>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?
3.48 (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?
8,540 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
25.32 (>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
Palestine
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,706 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
3.73 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
62% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
62% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
5.47 (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?
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
Poland
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
71,258 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
18.76 (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?
17.11 (15-20)
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?
867 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
13.14 (10-15)
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?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
9.73 (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?
5,561 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
2.04 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
63% (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?
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?
6.5 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
69% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
66% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
13.77 (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?
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
Slovenia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
501 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
7.74 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
82% (>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?
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?
6,854 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
12.8 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
66% (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?
6.1 (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?
11,012 (>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?
77% (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?
9,306 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
21.14 (>20)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
72% (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?
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
Syria
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
480 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.59 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
56% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
40% (20-40%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
0.59 (<1)
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
Turkey
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,396 (1000-10000)
Ukraine
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
142 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.67 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
54% (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?
Yes
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?
53,486 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
8.81 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
71% (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?
7.07 (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 43 physiotherapy associations, Europe is the largest World Physiotherapy region
