Diploma in Physiotherapy Vs Bachelors in Physiotherapy - Which is Better?

Diksha Nautiyal

Updated On: December 03, 2023 10:46 PM

While both, Bachelor in Physiotherapy and Diploma in Physiotherapy are job-oriented programmes, there are a number of differences between them. Have a look at the comparison between these courses below to know the best option.

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Diploma in Physiotherapy Vs Bachelors in Physiotherapy

Which is better - BPT or DPT after 12th?’ is a common question that comes to the mind of the aspirants of Physiotherapy candidates. If you looking to make a career as a Physiotherapist then there are a number of course options that you can pursue. But, out of all these numerous options, which one is the best for you? Finding the answer to this question can sometimes be a daunting task as there are so many factors that we need to consider while choosing a course that will lead us toward our careers. To understand which is better, candidates must go through the comparison between BPT and DPT in order to evaluate their differences and similarities.

To understand which is better - BPT or DPT, applicants must first focus on the academic level of the two degrees. BPT stands for Bachelor of Physiotherapy while DPT stands for Diploma in Physiotherapy. BPT is an undergraduate level degree with a duration of 4,5 years. DPT is a diploma degree course with a duration of 2 years. Both courses can be pursued after completing higher secondary education. Now the question arises, ‘Which is better - BPT or DPT after 12th?’. This article answers this question with the help of a well-researched comparison between all important aspects of BPT and DPT.

Table of Content

About BPT and DPT

BPT Vs DPT - Highlights

Course Duration and Fee for BPT VS DPT

Eligibility Criteria for BPT VS DPT

Admission/ Selection Process for BPT VS DPT

Top Colleges for BPT vs DPT

Career Prospect Salary After BPT VS DPT

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About BPT and DPT

BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy) and DPT (Diploma in Physiotherapy) are two distinct programs in the field of physiotherapy, each with its own set of features and career prospects.

BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy):

  • Duration: BPT is an undergraduate degree program with a total duration of 4.5 years.
  • Eligibility: Candidates pursue BPT after completing their higher secondary education in the science stream.
  • Subjects: The curriculum includes subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, and Biochemistry.
  • Internship: In the final year, candidates are required to complete a 1-year internship.
  • Employment Opportunities: BPT graduates can find employment in both private and public sectors.
  • Average Salary: The average salary for BPT graduates ranges from INR 3,50,000 to INR 15,00,000 per annum.
  • Designations: Designations after BPT may include Physiotherapist, Private Practitioner, and Sports Physiotherapist.

DPT (Diploma in Physiotherapy):

  • Duration: DPT is a diploma degree with a total duration of 2 years.
  • Eligibility: Candidates can opt for a DPT course after completing their higher secondary education in the science stream or, in some cases, after passing class X.
  • Focus: DPT enables candidates to use massages and therapy to treat ailments in patients.
  • Average Salary: The average salary for DPT graduates ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 8,50,000 per annum.
  • Designations: Popular designations after DPT may include Osteopath, Sports Physio Rehabilitator, Customer Care Assistant, and Self Employed Private Physiotherapist.

In summary, BPT is a more comprehensive undergraduate degree with a longer duration, covering a broader range of subjects, and includes a mandatory internship. DPT, being a diploma course, has a shorter duration and focuses on practical applications of physiotherapy. Both programs offer diverse career opportunities in the field of physiotherapy, catering to different academic and career preferences.

BPT Vs DPT - Highlights

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Here we have provided the important highlights of the BPT and DPT degree programmes:

Courses

BPT

DPT

Full-Form

Bachelor in Physiotherapy

Diploma in Physiotherapy

Duration

4.5 Years

2 Years

Level

UG

UG

Course Type

Degree Course

Diploma Programme

Eligibility Criteria

10+2

10 or 10+2

Course Fee

INR 1 Lakh to INR 5 Lakh

INR 10,000 to INR 5 Lakh

Admission Through

Merit-Based or Entrance Exam

Merit-Based or Entrance Exam

Course Duration and Fee for DPT VS BPT

Courses

BPT

DPT

Course Duration

The duration of BPT is 4 years after which, students are required to complete a 6-months internship. So, the total duration would be 4.5 Years.

The duration of the DPT programme is 2 years.

Course Fee

Depending on the institute, the fee can range from INR 1 LPA to INR 2.5 LPA.

As per the institute’s discretion, the fee can range from INR 10,000 per annum to INR 80,000 per annum.

Eligibility Criteria for BPT VS DPT

The difference between the eligibility criteria of BPT and DPT is very institute-specific. Have a look at the table below.

Eligibility Criteria for BPT

Eligibility Criteria for DPT

  • Candidates are required to pass 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, English, and Biology (not PCM) as compulsory subjects.

  • The passing certificate must have been issued by a recognized board.

  • In some institutes, candidates who have passed Class 10 from a recognized board are considered eligible for the DPT course.

  • Some institutes require students to pass Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board to apply for the DPT course.

Syllabus of DPT VS BPT

Due to the major difference in the duration of these two courses, the syllabus of BPT varies highly from that of DPT. It must also be noted that unlike DPT, the course of Bachelor in Physiotherapy is followed by a mandatory six-months internship. Here is a comparison between the syllabus of BPT and DPT .

Syllabus of BPT

Syllabus of DPT

  • Anatomy

  • Physiology

  • Biomechanics

  • Biochemistry

  • Sociology

  • Psychology

  • The orientation of Physiotherapy*

  • Basic Nursing*

  • Pathology

  • Pharmacology

  • Microbiology

  • Electrotherapy

  • Exercise therapy

  • Research Methodology and Biostatistics

  • Introduction to Treatment*

  • First Aid and CPR*

  • Clinical Observation Posting*

  • Constitution of India*

  • Allied Therapies*

  • General Medicine

  • Orthopaedics and Traumatology

  • General Surgery

  • Cardio-Respiratory and General Physiotherapy

  • Orthopaedics and Sports Physiotherapy

  • Community Medicine

  • Neurology and Neurosurgery

  • Neuro-Physiotherapy

  • Evident-Based Physiotherapy*

  • Community-Based Rehabilitation

  • Ethics, Administration and Supervision*

  • Anatomy

  • Physiology

  • Biochemistry

  • First Aid and Nursing

  • Sociology

  • Psychology

  • Fool Science and Nutrition

  • Pharmacology

  • Electrotherapy

  • Biomechanics

  • Pathology

  • Microbiology

  • Clinical Observation

  • Sports Science and Medicine

  • Exercise Therapy

  • General Medicine and Surgery

  • Bioengineering

  • Physiotherapy in General Medicine and Surgery

  • Rehabilitation Science

  • Bioengineering

  • Orthopaedics

* Subsidiary Subjects - Not for University Exam

Admission/ Selection Process for BPT VS DPT

  • The selection process for BPT and DPT i s more or less similar.

  • For both the courses, some institutes conduct entrance exams whereas, some institutes carry out direct admissions.

  • Some institutes also conduct personal interviews.

  • For some colleges, candidates’ prior work experience or their professional portfolio is also taken into consideration for the final selection.

Career Prospect and Salary After DPT VS BPT

Here is the difference between career prospects after BPT Vs DPT .

Courses

DPT

BPT

Employment Areas

  • Defence Medical Organisations

  • Colleges and Universities

  • Pharma Industry

  • Health Institutions

  • Rehabilitation Centres

  • Private and Government Sectors

  • Orthopaedic Departments

  • Gyms and Fitness Centres

  • Sports Clubs

  • Health Institutions

  • Defence Medical Establishments

  • Fitness Centres

  • Educational Institutions

  • Hospitals

  • Physiotherapy Equipment Manufacturers

  • Orthopaedic Departments

  • Rehabilitation Centres for the Handicapped

  • Private Clinics

  • Sports Training facilities

  • Schools for Physically Disabled and Mentally Retarded Children

Job Profiles

  • Consultant

  • Physiotherapist

  • Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Private Practitioner

  • Community Physiotherapist

  • Sports Physiotherapist

  • Assistant Physiotherapist

  • Therapy Manager

  • Sports Physio-Rehabilitator

  • Therapy Manager

  • Customer Care Assistant

  • Osteopath

  • Physiotherapist

  • Researcher

  • Assistant Physiotherapist

  • Research Assistant

  • Sports Physio Rehabilitator

  • Self Employed Private Physiotherapist

  • Sports Physiotherapist

Salary

  • Initially, the salary can vary from INR 12,000 to INR 15,000 per month.

  • With experience, the package will be increased.

  • The initial salary can range anywhere from INR 15,000 per month to INR 5.5 LPA.

Top Colleges for BPT VS DPT

Here’s a list of top BPT vs DPT colleges in India . You can get more details about the colleges by clicking on their names. If you like a college and wish to apply or want to know more about other physiotherapy colleges then fill out our Common Application Form and avail free counselling.

Top BPT Colleges in India

Top DPT Colleges in India

Hope the difference between BPT and DPT helped you find the answer to your question, ‘Is BPT Better or DPT?’. If you still have any doubt or want to more about it, clear your doubts by asking us questions through our Q&A Section . You can also fill our common application form to apply for admissions in the college of your choice

Good Luck!

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