7 Reasons for Studying Physical Therapy in Turkey

Pursuing various medical specialties is the dream of most students after finishing high school, especially when deciding to study abroad. The interest is not limited to human medicine or dentistry; there is a strong competitor in the field—physical therapy and rehabilitation. This field is one of the most widespread medical areas with numerous job opportunities after graduation.

Therefore, in this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on studying physical therapy in Turkey, considered one of the best countries offering this specialty due to its top medical universities and its reputation as a prime destination for medical tourism. Now, let’s delve deeper into understanding this specialty and how to obtain a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Turkish universities.

Overview of Studying Physical Therapy in Turkey

Physical therapy delves into the study of movement. Students of physical therapy learn to provide advice, education, and rehabilitation to individuals who have suffered injuries or are recovering from surgery. Physical therapy professionals also assist individuals with chronic or neurological issues affecting their movement, helping them to increase their mobility without pain. Studying physical therapy in Turkey offers four years of undergraduate education to earn a bachelor’s degree, while postgraduate programs last at least two years.

Physical Therapy Program

Studying physical therapy in Turkey is a medical specialty that focuses on providing care and treatment to individuals with health issues affecting their physical functions. This is achieved by assessing their condition and guiding them towards tailored therapeutic programs that include various exercises and techniques to improve movement, strength, and reduce pain.

Physical therapy includes a variety of therapeutic exercises and personal treatments such as therapeutic exercises, massage, stretching, and using medical devices like ultrasound and thermal therapy. Physical therapy is provided to a wide range of patients, including those with sports injuries, back and spinal problems, muscle strains, chronic diseases such as paralysis, nervous system disorders, and many other conditions that have impacted their natural movement.

What is Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation?

Both physical therapy and rehabilitation are healthcare fields aimed at improving individuals’ health and increasing their ability to function and live normally after injuries or certain medical conditions, thus enhancing their quality of life. Physical therapy focuses on improving physical function and movement through therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and the use of medical devices. Rehabilitation aims to enhance individuals’ personal capabilities and independence after an injury, surgery, or chronic illness.

What is the Goal of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation?

The primary goal of physical therapy is to restore and improve body functions naturally after injury, surgery, or illness. Physical therapy is used to reduce pain, increase the range of motion, and enhance strength and flexibility. Rehabilitation programs aim to provide support and treatment for individuals with severe injuries, chronic illnesses, or disabilities to restore their abilities and improve their quality of life. Rehabilitation goals include teaching life skills and enhancing individuals’ physical, psychological, and social abilities.

Skills Required for Studying Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation:

• Be prepared to study and understand complex scientific concepts and gain in-depth knowledge in medical sciences, anatomy, physiology, and sports sciences.
• Ability to educate patients about the risks of recurring injuries and how to prevent them.
• Capability to understand patients’ needs, work with them professionally and empathetically, and help them improve their health and lives.
• Possess communication skills to understand patients’ problems, clearly explain the treatment plan, and guide patients appropriately.

Role of a Physical Therapist

The profession of a physical therapist involves using physical methods and therapeutic skills to treat pain and functional disorders resulting from all types of damages, injuries, diseases, and aging that cause movement disorders. The role of a physical therapist is not limited to physically examining the patient and making an accurate diagnosis; it also includes developing and implementing a treatment plan suitable for each patient.

Additionally, the therapist prepares and rehabilitates the patient before and after surgeries to achieve the best possible outcome from physical exercises. Physical therapists typically work in rehabilitation centers, physical therapy units, and physical therapy and rehabilitation departments in private clinics.

Job Opportunities for Graduates

After completing their studies in physical therapy in Turkey, students gain broad job opportunities in the fields of physical therapy and rehabilitation, providing care and support to patients in need of their services.

Graduates can find employment in universities, public and private hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private clinics, sports clubs, industrial facilities, public health units, home rehabilitation centers, sports and recreational centers for both the healthy and disabled, schools, hotels with spa centers, special schools for the disabled, and primary healthcare centers. Below are some of the positions that students can take up after graduating from the Department of Physical Therapy:

• Private Clinics: Working in specialized clinics to provide services to patients seeking independent care and treatment.
• Hospitals: Collaborating with medical teams in hospitals to rehabilitate patients post-surgery or after injuries.
• Rehabilitation Centers: Working in rehabilitation centers for individuals with disabilities.
• Schools and Universities: Engaging in academic work and teaching physical therapy and rehabilitation programs.
• Sports and Fitness Centers: Serving as sports trainers or assistants, providing physical care, rehabilitation, improving physical performance, and helping with injury recovery.
• Social Care and Mental Health: Working in social care institutions such as nursing homes and child care centers.
• Developing Specialized Programs and Exercises: Creating programs and exercises tailored to meet each patient’s needs based on a comprehensive evaluation of their condition.

Study Physical Therapy in Turkey

Studying physical therapy in Turkey is one of the most popular choices for students wishing to study abroad. This specialty, also known as “physical therapy and rehabilitation” or “physiotherapy,” is part of the College of Health Sciences. The study of physical therapy in Turkey is characterized by the highest levels of educational quality, with Turkish universities offering bachelor’s programs in physical therapy placing special emphasis on medical specialties.

Many universities offer this program in English and work on preparing and qualifying students for their future careers as physical therapists. As a result, every graduate from this department, whether holding a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, achieves a prestigious position and a variety of job opportunities.

The Main Goal of Studying Physical Therapy in Turkey

The primary goal of studying physical therapy in Turkey is to support medicine in all its fields. Physical therapy contributes to patient care from the birth of children, treating any deformities they might have, and rehabilitating them to properly adapt to their health conditions and physical capabilities. Additionally, this specialty is the cornerstone for treating bone and joint pain and muscle disorders, improving the physical condition of anyone who has had an accident or injury. Therefore, the study of physical therapy heavily relies on training students in physical movements and understanding the necessary exercises to treat patients with various conditions.

Turkish universities Admission Requirements:

• Payment of the university application fee.
• Proficiency certificate in the language.
•  In the case of studying in English, passing the TOEFL or IELTS language test with a score determined by the university is required.
• In the case of studying in Turkish, passing the TOMER Turkish language test or attending a preparatory year is required.

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Required Documents:

To register at Turkish universities, there are several documents required, and the student must submit these files and documents before sending the university application. It is sufficient to send them in PDF or JPG format during the initial registration stage for the student to obtain provisional acceptance at the university. These documents may vary depending on the undergraduate or graduate level, but there are some documents that are common to both stages. The following are the necessary documents for application:

For undergraduate and institute students:

• Valid passport.
• Recent passport-sized photo (white background).
• Copy of high school diploma.
• Student’s email address.

For graduate students:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate for graduate students.
• Translated copy of the transcript in English or Turkish.
• Receipt of payment for the application fee.
• Recommendation letters (Master’s, Ph.D.).

Cost of Studying Physical Therapy in Turkey

The cost of studying physical therapy in Turkey varies depending on the university and the type of program. Generally, the tuition fee for an undergraduate degree in physical therapy is $5,950 USD, while the cost for a master’s degree is $12,000 USD, and a doctoral degree costs $40,000 USD. Additionally, universities offer various scholarships and financial aid options that students can explore through the campus in Turkey.

Duration of Studying Physical Therapy in Turkey

The duration of studying physical therapy in Turkey to obtain a bachelor’s degree is four years, which includes theoretical courses, practical training, and clinical internships. There is also a preparatory year for language studies if students do not present a language proficiency certificate in English or Turkish, depending on their choice.

Top Turkish Universities for Studying Physical Therapy

• Bahçeşehir University
• Biruni University
• Haliç University
• Istanbul Gelisim University
• Istanbul Medipol University
• Istinye University

Studying Physical Therapy at Bahçeşehir University

Bahçeşehir University is one of the best universities for studying physical therapy in Turkey. The Faculty of Physical Therapy at Bahçeşehir University is distinguished by its comprehensive curriculum, modern facilities, and top-notch faculty. The advantages for students include:

1. Student Services: Bahçeşehir University offers a wide range of student services, making campus life as smooth as possible.
2. Accredited Degree: Earning a physical therapy degree from Bahçeşehir University opens up numerous academic and professional opportunities.
3. Modern Equipment: The university boasts the latest equipment and technology in its dedicated physical therapy labs.
4. Training Opportunities: The physical therapy programs at Bahçeşehir University foster connections with leading physical therapy institutions, enhancing internship opportunities.
5. Access to Advanced Facilities: Students have access to modern laboratories and research centers equipped with advanced technology and tools.

Studying Physical Therapy at Istanbul Medipol University

The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul Medipol University focuses on health disciplines aimed at restoring health and functional abilities for individuals following acute illnesses or injuries such as strokes, spinal cord injuries, heart surgery, amputations, joint replacements, sports injuries, or spinal disorders. Graduates are committed to advancing their knowledge in effective physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments and providing the best possible care for patients.

The education duration is four years, and patient interaction is an essential part of the curriculum from an early stage, with summer practical training and clinical internships provided. The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul Medipol University aims to provide a healthcare team that assists patients in achieving optimal recovery of function and movement and improving overall quality of life by:

• Enhancing physical fitness and health care.
• Preventing disabilities.
• Identifying the causes of disorders (such as pain and muscle spasms).
• Increasing independence in daily life activities.

Why Study Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Turkey?

If you plan to study physical therapy and rehabilitation, Turkey offers one of the best educational opportunities for you, given the advancements in Turkish research in this specialty. Turkish universities ensure the quality of their educational curricula to meet global standards and utilize all their resources to serve the requirements of physical therapy and rehabilitation, ensuring students excel in their academic and professional lives. Here are some reasons why students might choose to study physical therapy in Turkey:

1. Reputable Universities: Turkey is home to many prestigious, accredited universities recognized worldwide.
2. Leading Research Centers: Turkey has some of the best research centers in the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation.
3. Modern Infrastructure: Private universities invest in modern infrastructure and advanced equipment to support research and development in this specialty.
4. Expert Faculty: Studying physical therapy in Turkey allows you to benefit from the expertise of highly skilled faculty members.
5. Technological Advancement: Turkish universities’ technological advancements contribute to research and the design of specialized rehabilitation and physical therapy applications, keeping abreast of the latest treatment methods and models.
6. Cultural Experience: Turkey offers a blend of tradition and modernity, East and West, and provides a diverse cultural experience for international students studying there.
7. Affordable Living Costs: Turkey offers reasonable living costs compared to some other countries, making it an attractive destination for international students.

In conclusion, we hope to have provided a comprehensive guide to assist our students in their decision regarding studying physical therapy in Turkey. You can now contact the Sefa team if you have any questions about studying in Turkey or need assistance with university admission.