Physical Therapy, Bachelor of Science

Detailed Study Content

In the dual Bachelor's degree programme in Physiotherapy at Hochschule Fresenius, you combine a scientifically based education with intensive practical relevance. The central study contents include:

• Professionalisation of Physiotherapy: Development of professional ethical and subject-specific competences, insight into the occupational field and its interdisciplinary cooperation.
• Fundamentals of Scientific Work: Learning methods for scientific data collection, evaluation and the critical appraisal of medical studies.
• Therapeutic Action in the Health Science Context: Systematic analysis and assessment of body functions, structures, activities and participation in several modules with increasing difficulty.
• System-based Therapy Concepts for Cellular Regulation: Understanding the physiological fundamentals and transferring them into therapeutic action.
• Clinical Reasoning and Patient-Oriented Therapy Planning: Development of individual treatment plans based on diagnostics, screening and scientific evidence.
• Practical Modules: Several firmly integrated practical placements in which you independently apply and reflect on specific physiotherapeutic interventions.
• Additional Focus Areas such as personal development, communication and collaboration with other professional groups.

During your studies, you will acquire the ability to independently plan, implement and evaluate physiotherapeutic measures. The practice-oriented education enables you to continuously link theory and practice.

Course Structure: How Does the Dual Study Programme Work?

The dual study programme in Physiotherapy comprises eight semesters (four years) and takes place simultaneously at Hochschule Fresenius and the Ludwig Fresenius Schools (for the vocational training). The organisation is as follows:

• Structure: Alternating theory and practical phases. Theory phases at the university, practical units in cooperating clinics, practices and health facilities.
• Start of Studies: Annually at the winter semester.
• Professional Accreditation: After the sixth semester and the successfully passed state examination, you will receive professional accreditation as a physiotherapist. The further studies deepen scientific competences and enable specialisations.
• Special Features: Integrated training – alongside the academic qualification you will also be trained as a state-recognised physiotherapist.
• Practical Components: At least four extensive practical modules, often carried out in cooperation with partner clinics, rehabilitation centres or specialised practices.
• Accompanying Offers: StudyPLUS with additional events, language courses, coaching and career development.

The close connection to practice through cooperation with the Ludwig Fresenius Schools is a key element and ensures that you gain comprehensive practical experience already during your studies.

Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities: Where Can You Work After Your Studies?

With a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and the parallel professional accreditation, you have a wide range of career paths available. Typical areas of employment after graduation are:

• Physiotherapist: Treatment and rehabilitation in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, outpatient practices and care facilities.
• Specialisations: Depending on additional qualifications, work as a sports physiotherapist (e.g. in elite sports, club sports or rehabilitation sports), paediatric physiotherapist, geriatrics or neurology.
• Management Positions: Management of therapy facilities, departments and teams after gaining relevant professional experience.
• Research and Teaching: Entry into scientific projects, teaching at vocational schools or universities, or direct further qualification in a Master's programme (e.g. Sports Physiotherapy, Interprofessional Health Care).
• Own Practice: Self-employment as a practice owner after gaining professional experience and further business management qualifications.

Health and therapy professions are in high demand due to demographic developments. In particular, the areas of prevention, rehabilitation and working with chronically ill or elderly people are continuously growing.

Study Location: Where Does the Course Take Place?

The dual Bachelor's degree programme in Physiotherapy is offered at Hochschule Fresenius at two locations:

• Frankfurt am Main: The studies take place in the Health & Social sector directly in a hospital, with modern facilities and immediate patient contact.
• Munich: Here you can expect modern study conditions, well-equipped seminar rooms and a lively environment with a diverse leisure and cultural offer.

Practical phases are organised in cooperation with regional clinics, practices and other facilities. Additionally, parts of the training take place at the Ludwig Fresenius Schools, the closely connected vocational school of Hochschule Fresenius. Due to the two locations, you can choose the study location according to your preference.

Costs and Financing: What Should You Budget for the Course?

The monthly tuition fees vary depending on the location:

• Frankfurt am Main: 295 euros per month
• Munich: 395 euros per month

In addition, a one-time registration fee of 200 euros (Frankfurt) or 250 euros (Munich) applies. The total costs for the course thus amount – depending on the location and individual study duration – to around 14,360 to 19,210 euros.

The price includes all teaching materials, all practical training elements as well as participation in StudyPLUS offers (e.g. language courses, personal development, networking and career events).

Financing Options:

• You can apply for BAföG, as this is a full-time course.
• Various student loans and scholarships are available.
• Additional support is possible through education vouchers and, under certain conditions, via employers.

Hochschule Fresenius offers individual study advice on financing questions to find the suitable solution together with you.