Physiotherapy studies in Spain

Are you planning to become a physiotherapist and looking for quality training abroad? Spain is an ideal destination for your physiotherapy studies, offering many advantages to French students.

Admission requirements for physiotherapy studies in Spain

To enroll in the Grado en Fisioterapia (Bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy) in Spain, you need to have a baccalaureate, preferably in science.

Entry tests

Access to physiotherapy training in Spain is via a specific entrance examination called the Pruebas de Competencias Especificas PCE. This examination includes written and oral tests in biological sciences, physics, chemistry and mathematics.

Selection criteria

Students are selected on the basis of their baccalaureate and PCE results. A good level of Spanish is also required.

Note that some universities offer programs in English or French. Although most require a minimum level of Spanish, some accept lower levels, and some universities even offer courses entirely in English or French, in response to the increasing number of French-speaking students crossing the border to study physiotherapy.

• Spanish: Most universities require a B2 level in Spanish. However, some may accept lower levels, but a language test may be required. For programs taught in English or French, a level of Spanish may be less strictly required, but a basic command is often recommended for communication outside the classroom.
• English: for programs taught in English, a minimum level equivalent to B2 is generally required. Standardized language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL may be required to assess English proficiency. For programs taught in French, a basic command of English may be required for certain aspects of student and professional life.

1. Baccalaureate

Spanish physiotherapy schools take into account grades obtained in the baccalaureate, particularly in scientific subjects such as biology, physics, chemistry and mathematics. A solid academic record with good grades in these subjects will increase your chances of admission.

2. PCE test

The PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Especificas) is an entrance examination specific to physiotherapy training. It comprises written and oral tests on the same scientific subjects mentioned above.

The weighting of bac and PCE scores varies from one university to another. Some schools give more weight to the PCE, while others place more value on high school grades.

Tips for optimizing your notes :

• Start preparing for the PCE at the beginning of your senior year.
• Find out more about the content of the tests and the types of exercises on offer.
• Practise regularly with practice tests and exams.
• Consider PCE preparation courses offered by some physiotherapy schools.

Documents to be provided

• Baccalaureate diploma
• Transcripts
• Identification
• Certificate of Spanish level (minimum B2)
• Proof of payment of application fee

To know more..:

• Some physiotherapy schools in Spain offer PCE preparation courses.
• You can apply to several physiotherapy schools at the same time.
• French students with French government scholarships can receive financial aid for their studies in Spain.

Duration and content of physiotherapy studies in Spain

Duration of studies

Physiotherapy studies in Spain last 4 years and lead to the Grado en Fisioterapia, equivalent to a licence en kinésithérapie in France.

Program structure

The physiotherapy curriculum in Spain is generally divided into two cycles:

First cycle (2 years)

• Objectives: acquire the theoretical and fundamental bases of physiotherapy.
• Matières : anatomie, physiologie, biomécanique, pathologie, physiothérapie générale, etc.
• Course content: theory, practical work, laboratories, continuous assessment.

Second cycle (2 years)

• Objectives: deepen knowledge and develop practical skills in physiotherapy.
• Subjects: specialized physiotherapy (traumatology, neurology, pediatrics, etc.), electrotherapy, physiotherapy, functional rehabilitation, etc.
• Course: theory, practical work, clinical internships in various professional environments (hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers).

Areas of specialization

At the end of the course, students have the opportunity to specialize in a particular field of physiotherapy, such as :

• Sports physiotherapy
• Pediatric physical therapy
• Geriatric physiotherapy
• Respiratory physiotherapy
• Neurological physiotherapy
• Aquatic physiotherapy

Physiotherapy internships in France for Spanish graduates

There are two possible scenarios, depending on your situation:

1. You are still a physiotherapy student in Spain:

• Compulsory internships: most physiotherapy courses in Spain include compulsory internships as part of the curriculum. These can take place in Spain or in other European countries, including France.
• Looking for additional internships: You can also look for additional internships in France outside the framework of your course. You can contact private physiotherapists, rehabilitation centers or hospitals in France directly.

2. You have already qualified as a physiotherapist in Spain:

• Adaptation internship: if you wish to practice in France after graduating from your Spanish training program, you will need to complete an adaptation internship lasting at least 6 months. The aim of this internship is to familiarize you with the French healthcare system and the specific practices of physiotherapy in France.
• Finding an adaptation internship: you can carry out your adaptation internship in a variety of professional settings, such as private practices, hospitals or rehabilitation centers. The list of establishments authorized to provide adaptation internships is available on the Ministry of Health website.

Further information on finding an internship:

• Dedicated websites: many websites allow you to post and search for internship offers.
• Direct contact: don’t hesitate to contact physiotherapists, rehabilitation centers or hospitals in France directly to ask them about your application and internship opportunities.
• Professional networks: professional networks such as LinkedIn can also be useful for putting you in touch with French physiotherapists and finding internship opportunities.

Important notes:

• Professional insurance: it’s important to take out professional insurance to cover your civil liability during your internship.

Career opportunities after physiotherapy studies in Spain

Becoming a physiotherapist in Spain

With a Grado en Fisioterapia, graduates can work as physiotherapists in various public and private sectors in Spain :

• Hospitals: rehabilitation departments, physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Hospitals: rehabilitation departments, physical medicine and Clinics: private physiotherapy, private health centers
• Rehabilitation centers: specialized in traumatology, neurology, pediatrics, etc.
• Sports establishments: sports clubs, fitness centers
• Facilities for the elderly: retirement homes, day care centers
• Mutual and social security organizations

Possible specializations

Physiotherapists can specialize in various fields:

• Sports physiotherapy
• Pediatric physical therapy
• Geriatric physiotherapy
• Respiratory physiotherapy
• Neurological physiotherapy
• Aquatic physiotherapy

Future prospects

Physiotherapists can progress to managerial positions or positions of responsibility:

• Head of physiotherapy department
• Physiotherapist trainer
• Physiotherapist-researcher

Working in France

Spanish graduates in physiotherapy can practice in France following a diploma equivalence procedure. This procedure involves compiling a file and passing an eligibility test.

Plus d’informations

• There is a great need for physiotherapists in Spain and throughout Europe. Job prospects are therefore good for graduates.
• The average salary for a physiotherapist in Spain is around 2,500 euros net per month.
• The profession of physiotherapist is regulated in Spain and France.

Cost of physiotherapy studies in Spain

Tuition fees

Tuition fees for physiotherapy studies in Spain vary according to the institution and type of training.

• Public universities: annual tuition fees at Spanish public universities are generally between €1,000 and €2,000 for European students.
• Private universities: tuition fees at private Spanish universities can be higher, ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 euros per year.

Living expenses

The cost of living in Spain is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. Students can plan on a monthly budget of around 800 to 1,200 euros to cover accommodation, food, transport, etc.

Available scholarships

Several types of grants can help international students finance their physiotherapy studies in Spain:

• Spanish government scholarships: the Spanish Ministry of Education offers scholarships for foreign students wishing to study in Spain.
• Autonomous region scholarships: each autonomous region in Spain has its own scholarship program for international students.
• University scholarships: some Spanish universities offer specific scholarships to their international students.
• Scholarships from private organizations: there are also scholarships offered by private organizations, such as foundations and companies.

Additional financial assistance

In addition to scholarships, French students can also benefit from financial aid such as :

• L’aide au logement étudiant (ALS) : L’ALS est une aide versée par la Caisse d’allocations familiales (CAF) aux étudiants français résidant en Espagne.
• Bourse de mobilité étudiante : attribuée par le Centre national des œuvres universitaires (CNOUS) aux étudiants français qui étudient à l’étranger.

Plus d’informations

• Il est important de se renseigner auprès de chaque université qui vous intéresse pour connaître le montant exact des frais de scolarité et des bourses disponibles.
• Le gouvernement espagnol a créé un site web dédié aux étudiants internationaux : https://www.educacionfpydeportes.gob.es/servicios-al-ciudadano/becas-ayudas.html
• The CNOUS also provides a website with information on scholarships for French students abroad: https://www.etudiant.gouv.fr/fr/cnous

Universités et programmes d’études en physiothérapie en Espagne

Universités proposant des programmes de physiothérapie

En Espagne, de nombreuses universités publiques et privées proposent des formations en physiothérapie. Parmi les plus réputées, citons :

Universités publiques :

• Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) : L’UCM est l’une des principales universités espagnoles et propose un programme de physiothérapie reconnu au niveau international. https://www.ucm.es/
• Universidad de Barcelona (UB): UB is another of Spain’s leading universities, with a top-quality physiotherapy program.
• Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM): UAM offers a physiotherapy program focused on research and innovation.
• Universidad de Sevilla (US): US has a comprehensive physiotherapy program and a university hospital setting.

Private universities :

• Universidad Europea de Madrid (UEM): UEM offers a physiotherapy program in English and Spanish, with a strong emphasis on clinical practice.
• Universidad CEU San Pablo (CEU-USP ): CEU-USP offers a physiotherapy program based on a humanistic, patient-centred approach.
• Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV): UFV offers a physiotherapy program focusing on ethics and professional responsibility.

Study physiotherapy in Spain: in-depth details

Study physiotherapy in Spain: in-depth details

When choosing a university to study physiotherapy in Spain, it is important to take several criteria into account:

• Language of instruction: is the program taught in Spanish or English?
• The reputation of the university and the program: what are the rankings and evaluations of the program?
• Program content: Does the program match your expectations and professional goals?
• Teaching methods: does the program offer a good balance between theory and practice?
• International internships and exchanges: does the program offer opportunities for internationalization?
• Tuition fees and available scholarships: is the cost of education affordable? What financing options are available?

Why study physiotherapy in Spain rather than France?

1. Accessibility of training courses :

• Cost of studies: tuition fees at Spanish public universities are generally more affordable than in France, especially for European students.
• Admission criteria: access to physiotherapy studies in Spain is not restricted to the Parcours Spécifique Accès Santé (PASS) as in France. Admission procedures vary from university to university, and may include written and oral tests, as well as an analysis of academic records.

2. Program quality and diversity :

• University reputation: several Spanish universities offer internationally recognized physiotherapy programs, including Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad de Barcelona and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
• A wide range of specializations: training courses in Spain offer a wide range of specializations in physiotherapy, such as sports physiotherapy, pediatric physiotherapy, geriatric physiotherapy, neurological physiotherapy, aquatic physiotherapy, etc., enabling a more precise orientation right from the start of the course.
• Pedagogical approach: clinical practice is often emphasized in the early years, with internships and clinical simulations integrated into the program.

3. Professional and lifestyle benefits :

• Need for physiotherapists: Spain and Europe in general are experiencing a growing shortage of qualified physiotherapists, offering good job prospects for graduates.
• Professional mobility: the physiotherapy diploma obtained in Spain is valid throughout the European Union, facilitating professional mobility within Europe.
• Attractive living environment: Spain offers a pleasant living environment, with a Mediterranean climate, a rich culture and a relatively affordable cost of living in some cities.

Important points to consider :

• Language barrier: the level of Spanish required can be a challenge for some students.
• Selective admission process: access to physiotherapy programs in Spain can be competitive.
• Cost of living: the cost of living in some Spanish cities can be high.
• A different healthcare system: the Spanish healthcare system has its own particularities, which you’ll need to understand during your training and clinical placements.

Recognition of Spanish physiotherapy diplomas in France

Obtaining an Autorisation d’Exercise (AE)

Physiotherapists who have graduated in Spain can practice their profession in France by obtaining an Autorisation d’Exercice (AE) issued by the Direction Régionale de l’Économie, de l’Emploi, du Travail et des Solidarités (DREETS) in the region where they wish to practice.

EI eligibility requirements :

• Diploma in physiotherapy: have obtained a diploma in physiotherapy in Spain from a higher education institution accredited by the Spanish authorities.
• Attestation of conformity: obtain an attestation of conformity issued by the competent Spanish authorities, certifying that the diploma obtained confers the same rights to practice the profession as a French physiotherapy diploma.
• Language skills: sufficient level of French for the job (minimum B2).

AE application procedure :

1. Put together an application file including diploma, certificate of conformity, proof of identity, proof of address and proof of language skills.
2. Submit the file to the relevant DREETS.
3. DREETS examines the application, checking that the diploma and supporting documents are in order, and assessing language skills if necessary.
4. DREETS decision: issue or refusal of AE.

Special case: Diploma obtained in the European Union (EU)

For diplomas obtained in another EU member state, the procedure is simplified. The attestation of conformity is not required, and the physiotherapist can apply directly to the DREETS for the AE.

Further information

• DREETS official website : https://dreets.gouv.fr/
• Ministry of Health : https://sante.gouv.fr/

Ordre des masseurs-kinésithérapeutes : https://www.ordremk.fr/

Find all the answers to your questions about studying abroad in our book “Etudier à l’étranger après le Bac” (Studyrama Editions).

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