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Deutsch Who is the dual Physiotherapy degree programme at RH Cologne suitable for?
The dual Bachelor's degree programme in Physiotherapy (B.Sc.) is aimed at everyone interested in a comprehensive education in the healthcare sector who also wish to obtain an academic qualification as well as state recognition as a physiotherapist. Typical target groups are school leavers with university entrance qualifications seeking a practical career entry in healthcare. The programme also appeals to those who value a scientifically based and evidence-based education and aim to work in prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, or competitive sports – both in employed positions and with the perspective of self-employment.
What admission requirements do you need to meet?
To be admitted to the dual Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy at the Rheinische Hochschule Köln, the following formal criteria apply:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or qualification for entrance to a university of applied sciences.
- Alternatively: A qualification through vocational education in accordance with the Vocational Education Higher Education Entrance Regulation (e.g. master craftsman’s diploma, advanced training) or an equivalent recognised qualification based on resolutions of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs.
- Sufficient German language skills: These are considered proven with a German university entrance qualification; with a foreign university entrance qualification, appropriate evidence is required.
- Proof of a training or employment relationship in a related field at the start of your studies – usually at the medicoreha Dr. Welsink Academy (practice partner).
Further details can be found in the university’s admission regulations. If in doubt, you can also contact the student advisory service.
You should enjoy working with people, have an interest in medical and scientific issues, and be willing to work independently as well as in a team. Important qualities are resilience, responsibility, and the ability to apply complex contexts practically. Initial experience in the social or medical field, for example through placements, is helpful. A dual degree also requires strong self-organisation, motivation, and interest in scientific work – also with a view to evidence-based practice. Good communication skills and a respectful approach to patients in different life situations complete your profile.
What content is taught in detail in the dual Bachelor Physiotherapy (B.Sc.) programme?
The dual Bachelor’s degree programme in Physiotherapy at the Rheinische Hochschule Köln combines scientific theory, evidence-based practice and a state-recognised vocational training. The course is based on the CanMEDS framework and imparts comprehensive professional, methodological and personal competences. The central subject areas include:
- Key models of physiotherapeutic action – e.g. the analysis and influence of mobility
- Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology – basics related to the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular systems
- Evidence-based medicine and evidence-based practice – working with medical guidelines, scientific work and statistics
- Clinical practical training – comprehensive practical modules in surgery, traumatology, neurology and orthopaedics
- Communication, counselling and health education – group education, intercultural competence, age and target group specifics
- Digitalisation and e-health – information management and technologies in healthcare
- Management competences – introduction to the German healthcare system as well as practice management, marketing and practice start-up
- Profession-oriented reflection and projects – promotion of independent, reflective action and a close theory-practice transfer
- Individual specialisations in the 6th and 7th semesters (e.g. practice management, musculoskeletal or neurological system)
With this professional-methodological depth, you are able to care for patients holistically, develop treatment concepts and prepare yourself flexibly for different fields of work.
How is the dual Physiotherapy degree course organised?
The Bachelor’s degree is a dual on-campus course and normally lasts 7 semesters. During this period, you complete the degree programme at RH Köln as well as the vocational training to become a state-recognised physiotherapist at the medicoreha Dr. Welsink Akademie in parallel.
- Semesters 1–6: Interlinked teaching of scientific theory (at the university) and practical training (at medicoreha Dr. Welsink Akademie and practice sites). During this time, you can already take the state examination after the sixth semester and enter the profession.
- Semester 7: Advanced specialisation (elective areas) and completion of the Bachelor’s thesis.
- Practical modules and practice projects are carried out in outpatient rehabilitation clinics, inpatient facilities and within the medicoreha corporate group network.
- The dual model ensures direct transfer between study and practice. Small groups and intensive support by lecturers are an integral part of the concept.
Thanks to this close connection between theory and practice, you are optimally prepared for professional everyday life and can already gain valuable practical experience early on.
How do your career prospects improve after the Bachelor in Physiotherapy?
With the degree, you will obtain two qualifications: the academic Bachelor of Science and the state recognition as a physiotherapist. This opens up diverse professional entry opportunities and perspectives for you:
- Deployment in various fields of the health sector: prevention, treatment and rehabilitation with outpatient or inpatient providers, in competitive sports or private practice
- Cross-age and cross-sector patient care: working with children, adults, elderly people and physically active individuals
- Self-employment: after completing the course, you are qualified to start your own practice as well as practice management
- Opportunity for takeover within the medicoreha corporate group network
- Further training and academic progression opportunities: access to specialised Master’s programmes, for example in health economics
- International fields of work, since the course is oriented towards recognised European standards
The job market prospects in physiotherapy are very favourable in the long term, as the demand for therapeutic services in prevention, rehabilitation and chronic care is increasing.
Where does the dual Physiotherapy degree take place?
The dual degree is conducted in partnership between the Rheinische Hochschule Köln and the medicoreha Dr. Welsink Akademie. Course and training locations are Neuss (medicoreha Akademie) as well as other medicoreha practice locations and clinics in the surrounding area.
- Theory: lectures at the medicoreha Dr. Welsink Akademie in Neuss
- Practice: practical training in the outpatient specialist clinics of the medicoreha Dr. Welsink corporate group – possibility to participate in practical projects throughout NRW
- Advanced modules and seminars may take place at further network locations as well as in the relevant environment of RH Köln
The study organisation is designed for close integration between learning locations and intensive personal support. Small learning groups ensure individual exchange with lecturers and practice partners.
What tuition fees are charged and how can you finance your studies?
The tuition fees for the dual Bachelor’s programme in Physiotherapy amount to 250 euros per month, which corresponds to a total of 10,500 euros over a study period of 7 semesters (3.5 years). Alternatively, a payment of 1,500 euros per semester may be chosen.
- Additional costs for living expenses and possible examination fees must be calculated individually.
- Financing options include state and private funding opportunities, student loans, scholarships or part-time jobs.
- In the dual model, part of the training can already be remunerated, depending on the contract with practice partners.
Individual advice on financing and scholarships is offered by the university. Various funding programmes and models for study financing are available.
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