Apply To Physiotherapy Courses
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Table of Contents
1. What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a branch of the medical industry with the single objective to return the patient to their regular functions and eliminate the physical pain. Physiotherapists work with clients of all age groups to provide hands-on therapy, education on exercises, and improve mobility to recover.
The practice combines both scientific knowledge and practical skills. It will be used to treat different conditions that affect joints, muscles, nerves and other systems of the human body.
Is there a difference between Physiotherapy and Chiropractic? Check out our article about Chiropractic studies and the difference compared!
Why It Matters To the World?
- Physiotherapists play a major role in improving their quality of recovery in the process of rehabilitating and restoring mobility. You help to reduce pain from chronic conditions or injuries.
- With the help of physiotherapists, most patients need not go through expensive surgeries. Moreover, they can refrain from using medications over an extended period of time. Through this, you will be helping people reduce their healthcare costs.
- Physiotherapy helps support the ageing senior citizens to manage age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and other mobility issues. This enables them to prolong an active lifestyle.
Is a Physiotherapy Course for you? Watch this quick video that sheds some light and advice:
2. Where To Study Physiotherapy Courses In Malaysia?
Here are 8 best universities to study Physiotherapy courses in Malaysia.
- #1 MAHSA University
- #2 SEGI University
- #3 University of Cyberjaya (UOC)
- #4 AIMST University
- #5 Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM)
- #6 University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia
- #7 University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
- #8 INTI International University & Colleges
- BONUS — Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
3. Physiotherapy Course Pathways & Entry Requirements
There are 2 pathways one can consider when studying a Physiotherapy course.
Pathway 1: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Pre-University/Foundation ➔ Physiotherapy Degree
A typical pathway towards Physiotherapy studies is to enter a Pre-University course (A-Level, SACE, STPM) or a Foundation course offered by the university of your choice.
As an SPM / O-Level leaver, the entry requirement is 5 credits including Bahasa Melayu / English, Mathematics and one Science subject to enter Pre-U or Foundation.
A Pre-University course or Foundation in Science typically takes 1 to 2 years to complete and will qualify you to enter into a Degree in Physiotherapy.
A Physiotherapy Degree in Malaysia will take 4 years to complete as the curriculum involves not just theoretical studies but a lot of practical exposure to real patients at partnering physiotherapy centres.
Here are the general requirements to enter with qualifications from popular pre-university courses or a foundation course:
| Qualifications | General Requirements |
| A-Level | 3C |
| AUSMAT/SACE | ATAR 60 |
| CIMP | 60% |
| STPM | 2C |
| UEC | 5B |
| Foundation | CGPA 3.0 |
Note: Actual minimum requirements will differ between different universities. Generally, you are strongly recommended to have taken Mathematics and 2 Science Subjects in your Pre-U or Foundation course and meet the minimum results required.
In total, this pathway generally takes 5 years to complete.
Pathway 2: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Diploma ➔ Physiotherapy Degree
Studying for a Diploma in Physiotherapy is a popular pathway as students can immediately begin their career at physiotherapy centres as an assistant.
As an SPM / O-Level leaver, the entry requirement is 5 credits including Bahasa Melayu / English, Mathematics and one Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science) to enter a Diploma in Physiotherapy.
A Diploma in Physiotherapy generally takes 3 years to complete.
If you decide to continue with a Degree in Physiotherapy, you can start in the second year of the Degree and take another 3 years to complete with a minimum entry requirement of CGPA 2.50 for your Diploma.
However, this means a Diploma+Degree route may take up to 6 years to complete.
What You Learn In A Physiotherapy Course
These are the similar subjects you will encounter from a Physiotherapy Course at various universities in Malaysia:
- Biochemistry & Neurophysiology
- Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
- Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice
- Evidence-based Physiotherapy Rehabilitation
- Evidence-based Practice in Physiotherapy
- General Psychology
- Geriatric and Community Physiotherapy
- Health Professionalism
- Informing Practice through Research and Inquiry
- Leadership and Innovation in Practice
- Long-term Condition Management
- Musculoskeletal Anatomy
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Neurological Physiotherapy
- Neurological Rehabilitation
- Neuroscience for Physiotherapy
- Paediatric Physiotherapy
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Physiotherapy Across the Lifespan
- Physiotherapy in Occupational Health
- Physiotherapy in Women’s Health
- Respiratory Physiotherapy
- Sports Physiotherapy
How Can Uni Enrol Help?
Uni Enrol’s experienced counsellors help you compare the pros and cons of studying a Physiotherapy Course at different universities and different locations.
Why Should I Study Physiotherapy?
Are you looking for the best reasons to follow a physiotherapy course? Here are a few:
- Create A Direct Impact To Patient Recovery – In other words, you are directly responsible in helping patients regain independence and mobility after medical conditions or injuries. It would be rewarding to witness their progress firsthand.
- Demand In Various Fields – You are not limited to hospitals or rehabilitation centres. Other possible areas to practice your skills are sports physiotherapy, geriatric care, and even neuro-physiotherapy. You may also consider opening your own practice.
- Technology Innovation – You can also be involved in tech advancement related to the industry. They include AI-driven movement analysis, virtual reality-based rehabilitation, robotic-assisted therapy, and many more.
Got Scholarship?
Use our Pathway Match tool to accurately get matched with your preferred courses, fees and scholarships you qualify for in 5 minutes.
RIASEC Compatibility To A Physiotherapy Course
The John Holland Theory of Career Choice states that in choosing a career, people will choose one similar to their personality to ensure job satisfaction, job performance, and career success. The test generates 6 different personality types:
- Realistic (R)
- Investigative (I)
- Artistic (A)
- Social (S)
- Enterprising (E)
- Conventional (C)
With the RIASEC Test, the 6 personalities can generate up to 720 combination possibilities to provide career compatibility. You can try the test yourself here.
The 3 main traits that you should ideally have to be in this career are:
SOCIAL
- You will be working with a lot of individuals as a physiotherapist. Hence, you need to have excellent interpersonal skills. You will be using these skills to guide patients in their journey to recovery.
REALISTIC
- You will have to work with physical techniques, exercises, and equipment as a physiotherapist andl also directly work with the human body.
INVESTIGATE
- Physiotherapy includes continuous learning and critical thinking to diagnose movement issues. You will be using that knowledge to customize treatment plans. Hence, you need to show an interest in medical science and anatomy as well.
Career Opportunities For Physiotherapy
These are some of the possible opportunities a Physiotherapist can explore:
| Areas of Opportunity | Types of Roles |
| Clinical Physiotherapy Specializations | Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Neurological Physiotherapist Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist Pediatric Physiotherapist Geriatric Physiotherapist Women’s Health Physiotherapist Sports Physiotherapist |
| Rehabilitation & Recovery | Rehabilitation Specialist Pain Management Specialist Amputee & Prosthetics Physiotherapist Hydrotherapy Specialist |
| Sports & Fitness Industry | Athletic Trainer Strength & Conditioning Coach Pilates or Yoga Therapist Occupational Health Physiotherapist |
| Research & Education | Physiotherapy Lecturer/Professor Medical Researcher Clinical Educator |
| Entrepreneurship & Alternative Careers | Private Clinic Owner Wellness & Rehabilitation Consultant Telehealth Physiotherapist Medical Sales Representative |
Recommended Course Guides
Looking for other related courses? Here are various medical and health sciences-related course guides you should check out:
If you’re still not sure what to study, we have many other Course Guides that will provide more guidance on the subject matter. Share with your friends!
We also took the liberty to compile all our University Guides and Course Fees Guides so you don’t have to go anywhere else!
About the Author:
Ken Hoong is the co-founder of Uni Enrol and a contributing writer. Drawing on his close work with Uni Enrol’s counsellors, he brings keen insight into Malaysia’s evolving private higher education landscape and the shifting preferences of students in learning and career choices.
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