Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists help people regain movement and ease pain after injuries, operations or illness. Exercise, knowledge of the body and good conversations go hand in hand.
Typical tasks
- assessing mobility, strength and posture
- creating an exercise plan and guiding exercises
- treating with the hands, for example mobilising joints
- explaining to patients what they can do themselves at home
- documenting progress and adapting the plan
Where people work
Physiotherapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, their own or shared practices, sports clubs and facilities for older people.
A good fit if
- you are interested in health, sport and the human body
- you are good at explaining and motivating
- you are empathetic and a good listener
- you like working directly with people
Education pathways in Austria
In Austria you need the Matura (school-leaving exam), for example at an AHS (academic secondary school) or another upper secondary school. This is followed by a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy at an FH (university of applied sciences) with an admission procedure. In Germany the equivalent is usually training at a Berufsfachschule or a degree at a Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, in Switzerland a degree at a Fachhochschule.
- AHS-Oberstufe (Gymnasium)
- General education with Matura as the basis for university. 4 years
- Fachhochschule (FH)
- Practice-oriented degree, often with an internship. 3-year bachelor
Matching schools in Austria
A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.
- BG und BRG OberwartAHS, 7400 Oberwart, BurgenlandCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- Europagymnasium KlagenfurtAHS, 9020 Klagenfurt, KärntenCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- BG und BRG Baden BiondekgasseAHS, 2500 Baden, NiederösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- Akademisches Gymnasium LinzAHS, 4020 Linz, OberösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- Akademisches Gymnasium SalzburgAHS, 5020 Salzburg, SalzburgCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- Akademisches Gymnasium GrazAHS, 8010 Graz, SteiermarkCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- Akademisches Gymnasium InnsbruckAHS, 6020 Innsbruck, TirolCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- BG Bregenz BlumenstraßeAHS, 6900 Bregenz, VorarlbergCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
Frequently asked questions
How long does the degree take?
The bachelor's degree at an FH usually takes three years and includes many work placements.
Do I have to be sporty myself?
You do not need to be a professional athlete. Enjoying movement and a good feel for your body do help.
What is the difference from occupational therapy?
Physiotherapy works mainly on movement and body functions. Occupational therapy helps people manage everyday activities on their own again.
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