An event titled “Becoming a Physiotherapist Abroad: The Germany Example” was held by Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. Assist. Prof. Dr. Osman Çoban from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation participated in the online event. Çoban offered advice to students aiming to become physiotherapists and those wishing to pursue physiotherapy abroad.
Prof. Dr. Deniz Demirci, Head of Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, also participated in the event.
“This experience broadened my horizons”
Assist. Prof. Dr. Osman Çoban from Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, who runs a physiotherapy practice abroad, spoke about his experience working with professionals from multiple fields on a specific disease group. Çoban; “I started my international journey in 2005 with Finland, in addition to my university studies. This was my first experience abroad. I was particularly in an institute where children with rare respiratory diseases were treated. In this institute, I had the opportunity to see how a physiotherapist, along with other healthcare professionals, doctors, dietitians, and occupational therapists, all work together on a specific disease group. This experience broadened my horizons, and I received an award for a project I undertook in the next stage.” he stated.
“In Germany, a physician writes a physical therapy prescription, and with this prescription, the patient can go to any clinic they wish”
Çoban also provided information on working with a system different from Turkey's abroad; “Actually, I started working focusing on both Turkey and abroad. Parallel to academic life, I am a board member of a company with centers in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Adana in Turkey. At the same time, we also have a center with two companies in Germany. After graduating and completing my master's, I immediately had the chance to experience working abroad. Once you open a path, it becomes easier to progress. Since our education system is similar to countries like England, Ireland, America, and Canada, I chose this place, but I never considered going to Ireland, I just obtained my equivalency. In 2020, we opened two centers in Germany with our partners in Turkey. The characteristic of these two centers is that you work with a system different from Turkey's. In Germany, a physician writes a physical therapy prescription, and with this prescription, the patient can go to any clinic they wish. Showing that prescription is enough; it's actually a national prescription. A patient with a prescription written in Hakkari can receive treatment in Edirne, and with a prescription written in Trabzon, they can receive treatment in Ankara. That's actually the point… This also makes the physiotherapist's work easier. You can work more independently and comfortably,” he said.
No equivalency for two-year physiotherapy programs
Çoban, speaking about the working conditions and requirements for a physiotherapist in Germany; “In our clinic, a physiotherapist performs electrotherapy, respiratory physiotherapy, joint physiotherapy, massage – but generally regional massage, pain treatments, and heat treatments are performed. To become a physiotherapist in Germany, you first need to have a 4-year physiotherapy diploma; there is no equivalency for two-year physiotherapy programs. Since their profession does not have an equivalent, they must study again. A transcript, German language proficiency, and some additional documents are required. First, to find a job, you need to be able to speak German. After finding a job, the employer gives you a contract, saying, ‘I have reached an agreement with this person, I want to employ them.’ After this, you need to apply to the equivalency centers and prepare your documents properly,” he stated.
Being a new graduate is a disadvantage in job application processes
Çoban, noting that a B1 level is required for internships in Germany; “To work in the field of physiotherapy in Germany, an individual is first asked to create a CV. Being a new graduate on the CV is a disadvantage. Two to three years of experience are definitely required and taken into consideration. Time is needed to learn a language. You cannot learn any language in six months, so to complete these tasks, you need to have an A2 level of English. I recommend completing the A2 English level, having a job interview, and then applying for equivalency. Because when you reach the A2 level, you can say to the other party, ‘I have completed A2, I can get B1.’ A B1 level is required for internships in Germany. If you say you can go to Germany without knowing any language, it will take a very long time,” he said.
The seminar concluded after the question and answer session.