How to become a Physiotherapist in Ukraine?

male physiotherapist checking woman's leg

By stefan January 18, 2021 Recruitment, Services

This is a good question not only for those who are preparing to comply with the requirements needed for this profession but also for those who have already graduated and are looking for a job. This article will help you be knowledgeable with essential information and legal requirements.

But first, let's define the field of work of the profession discussed further below.

Physiotherapists are health care professionals who assess and treat patients who have problems with movement due to illness, injury, or physical disabilities.

What are the responsibilities of a physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist does the following:

Assess patients' physical abilities through detailed historical analysis and hands-on tests
Design treatment programs (exercise, electrotherapy, education, etc.) based on individual needs and abilities
Monitor and document patients’ progress
Communicate with referring physician and other healthcare professionals regarding patients’ problems, needs, and progress
May provide consulting or education services to the community or educational organizations

The Current Status of Physiotherapy in Ukraine

Physiotherapy in the post-Soviet countries, including Ukraine, is analogous to hardware electrotherapy in English-speaking countries

A specialist in physical therapy is a professional, a person with higher education who has completed a full course of study in the specialty “Physical Therapy” and meets the international term Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy) – physical therapy or physiotherapy, respectively physical therapist or physical therapist. Abbreviation – PT. Not to be confused with the term physiotherapy in the post-Soviet sense.

According to the current legislation, they may occupy the positions of “specialist in physical rehabilitation”, “nurse (instructor) in physical education”, “nurse in massage”. The current state of affairs in the Ukrainian legislation and in the Ukrainian health care system does not meet the needs of this profession (it does not satisfy either patients or physical rehabilitators).

«Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine of October 27, 2008, No. 614 On Further Development and Improvement of Medical and Physical Training Service in Ukraine».

In particular in paragraph 2.8.1. Exemplary position instruction of a nurse (instructor) in therapeutic physical education states that “Specialists with Higher physical education in the specialty “ physical rehabilitation ”may also be appointed to the post of instructor in therapeutic physical education. These specialists are considered to have special training in therapeutic exercise. ”

08/10/2016 The profession “physical therapist” (code 2229.2) was introduced into the Classifier of Occupations, which opens the way to unification and further access to the European and world labor market in this field.

Categories and Classification for Physical Therapists in Ukraine

Qualification requirements

Physical therapist of higher qualification category: higher education (master's) in the field of knowledge “Health care” in the specialty “Physical therapy, ergotherapy” or higher education (master) in the field of knowledge “Health care”, specialty “Physical rehabilitation”, or higher education (specialist, master) in the field of knowledge “Physical education, sports, and human health” in the specialty “Physical rehabilitation”. Specialization “Physical therapy”. Upgrading (according to the current legislation). Certificate of affirmation/assignment of the highest qualification category in physical therapy. Professional experience of at least 10 years.

Physical Therapist of the first qualification category: Higher education (Master's) in Knowledge “Health” in the specialty “Physical Therapy, ergotherapy” or higher education (Master) in Knowledge “Health” in the specialty “Physical Rehabilitation”, or higher education (specialist, master) in the field of knowledge “Physical education, sports, and human health” in the specialty “Physical rehabilitation”. Specialization “Physical therapy”. Upgrading (according to the current legislation). Certificate of approval/assignment of the first qualification category in physical therapy. Professional experience of at least 7 years.

Physical Therapist of the II qualification category: Higher education (Master's) in the field of knowledge “Health” in the specialty “Physical therapy, ergotherapy” or higher education (Master) in the field of knowledge “Health” in the specialty “Physical rehabilitation”, or higher education (specialist, master) in the field of knowledge “Physical education, sports, and human health” in the specialty “Physical rehabilitation”. Specialization “Physical therapy”. Upgrading (according to the current legislation). Certificate of confirmation/assignment of the second qualification category in physical therapy. Professional experience of at least 5 years.

Physical Therapist: Higher Education (Master's) in Knowledge Health Care, majoring in Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy, or Higher Education (Master's) in Health Knowledge, Physical Rehabilitation, or Higher Education (Specialist, Master) in the field of knowledge “Physical education, sports, and human health” in the specialty “Physical rehabilitation”. Without work experience requirements.

Qualification requirements for physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor

Physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor of higher qualification categories: second level of higher education (Master's) in Health Sciences with a degree in Medicine. Specialization in the specialty “Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine” (internship, specialization courses). Upgrading (refresher courses, internships, etc.). Certificate specialist doctor, certificate of approval/assignment of the highest qualification category in this specialty. Professional experience for more than 10 years.

Physician of physical and rehabilitation medicine of the first qualification category: the second level of higher education (master's) in the field of knowledge “Health” in the specialty “Medicine”. Specialization in the specialty “Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine” (internship, specialization courses). Upgrading (refresher courses, internships, etc.). Presence of the certificate of the specialist doctor and the certificate of confirmation/assignment of the first qualification category in this specialty. Professional experience of more than 7 years.

Physician of physical and rehabilitation medicine of the second qualification categories: second level of higher education (Master's) in Health Sciences with a degree in Medicine. Specialization in the specialty “Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine” (internship, specialization courses). Upgrading (refresher courses, internships, etc.). Presence of the certificate of the doctor-specialist and the certificate of confirmation/assignment of the II qualification category in this specialty. Professional experience for more than 5 years.

Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Doctor: Second Level Higher Education (Master's) in Health Sciences with a major in Medicine. Specialization in the specialty “Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine” (internship, specialization courses). Certificate of a specialist. Without work experience requirements.”

Qualification requirements for assistant physical therapist

Assistant Physical Therapist of the highest qualification category: educational qualification level Junior Specialist (Junior Bachelor) or Bachelor of Health Sciences in Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy or Physical Rehabilitation, or Nursing; either a Bachelor's Degree or a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Sports and Human Health in the Physical Rehabilitation Professional Training Degree. Specialization “Physical therapy”. Upgrading (according to the current legislation). Certificate of affirmation/assignment of the highest qualification category in physical therapy. Professional experience for more than 10 years.

Assistant Physical Therapist Qualification Category: Educational Qualification Junior Specialist (Junior Bachelor) or Bachelor of Health Sciences in Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy, or Physical Rehabilitation, or Nursing; or a Bachelor of Science degree or a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Sports and Human Health in the Physical Rehabilitation Professional Training Degree. Specialization “Physical therapy”. Upgrading under current legislation). Availability of a certificate confirming the assignment of I qualification category in physical therapy. Professional experience of more than 7 years.

Physical Therapist Assistant II Qualification Category: Educational Qualification Junior Specialist (Junior Bachelor) or Bachelor of Healthcare Knowledge in Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy, or Physical Rehabilitation or Nursing; either a Bachelor's Degree or a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Sports and Human Health in the Physical Rehabilitation Professional Training Degree. Specialization “Physical therapy”. Upgrading (according to the current legislation). Certificate of confirmation/assignment of II qualification category in physical therapy. Professional experience for more than 5 years.

Physical Therapist Assistant: Educational qualification level Junior Specialist (Bachelor of Science) or Bachelor of Health Sciences in Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy, or Physical Rehabilitation, or Nursing; or educational qualification Junior Specialist (Bachelor's) or Bachelor of Science in Physical education, sports and human health “of the direction of preparation” Human Health “of professional direction” Physical rehabilitation “. Without work experience requirements.”

Summarizing the topic of becoming a physical therapist

In order to become a specialist physiotherapist, you must have higher medical education and a valid certificate of “Physiotherapy”. In medical universities, future physiotherapists study for bachelors in the specialties “Medical” or “Pediatrics” and then embark on a master's degree in the same specialties.

After training, be sure to work in a polyclinic or outpatient clinic, then enroll in a two-year internship for a residency in the specialty “Physiotherapy”.

Physiotherapist, in addition to the basic disciplines, must be trained and have knowledge of anatomy, biochemistry and biophysics, psychology and physiology, medical biology and kinetic therapy, physiotherapy and manual therapy, therapeutic massage.

A brief view of the discussed subject

The specialty “specialist in physical rehabilitation” should be considered the foreign equivalent of specialty “physiotherapist” (physical therapist), which is a non-medical profession and entered under code 2264 in part 226 “Other health professionals” of the International Classifier of Professions KC0-08.

In the context of integration processes, it seems correct and appropriate to use the generally accepted international term “physical therapist” instead of the professional “profession in physical rehabilitation”, which is accepted only in Ukraine.

As you can see from all the previous mentions there are a lot of differences even between qualified and skilled specialists. So if you are looking for a physiotherapist you could try to make the search by yourself. Remember though that there is a bunch of information that you need to gather to get the talents you want to work for your company.

Of course, the easiest route is to contact someone who already is already familiar with this field, can find and choose the candidates for the position who comply with the requirements. As you can see from this article we have the knowledge and sources to help you in the recruiting process. With our extensive database of candidates, we can handle the entire recruiting possess and help you achieve your recruitment needs.

We hope you find this article useful for everyone. If you still need more questions in the hiring process feel free to contact us.

Sources

We are grateful for all the resources that have been useful in writing this article:

Changes to the Handbook of qualification characteristics of professions of workers:

Issue 78 Health Care
APPROVED
Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine
12/13/2018 N 2331

Image Credit: freepik – www.freepik.com

How to become a Physiotherapist in Ukraine?