In a historic move, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has made two big announcements that will reshape the future of physiotherapy in India.
📌 Key Highlights:
- Physiotherapists can now use the ‘Dr’ prefix with the suffix PT (e.g., Dr. Zita Misquitta, PT).
- NEET is now mandatory for admission into Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) courses.
- The BPT programme will now be a 5-year course – 4 years academic + 1 year clinical internship.
- A uniform curriculum will be introduced across India under the “One Nation, One Curriculum” initiative.
What Does This Mean for Physiotherapy Students?
As per the Physiotherapy Curriculum 2025 released on April 23, 2025:
âś… Students must now qualify for NEET to enter a physiotherapy course.
âś… They must have completed 10+2 in Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (minimum 50% marks).
âś… The title “Dr.” will now be formally used by physiotherapists who complete a recognized BPT degree.
âś… The new curriculum will be followed starting from the 2026 academic year.
This brings physiotherapy education in line with global standards by adopting guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
A Milestone for Physiotherapists
With this recognition, physiotherapists in India will no longer remain in the background of medical care. They are now officially acknowledged as independent healthcare professionals with a strong academic foundation and clinical training.
Government and National Commission Support
At the Karnataka Physiocon-25, the Medical Education Minister confirmed that the state supports NEET-based admissions for physiotherapy. He also announced plans to expand physiotherapy courses in more government colleges.
Ms. Yagna Shukla, Chairperson of NCAHP, emphasized that a standardized national curriculum will boost the profession’s image and improve training quality for students across India.
Why This Matters for Healthcare Entrepreneurs
For those in the healthcare and education sectors, especially doctorpreneurs, this opens new opportunities in:
- Course development and training programs
- Tele-rehabilitation platforms
- Digital physiotherapy clinics
- Healthcare content creation for NEET aspirants
This aligns perfectly with the goals of The Doctorpreneur Academy, where we empower doctors and health professionals to grow their digital presence, launch educational ventures, and create impact-driven businesses.
Final Thoughts
The approval of the “Dr” title and the integration of NEET for physiotherapy admissions mark a big leap in India’s healthcare education system. It adds credibility, structure, and visibility to the physiotherapy profession.
🚀 Are you a healthcare professional looking to future-proof your career?
Join The Doctorpreneur Academy today to explore how to build your digital health brand, launch your online services, or create educational content for upcoming medical professionals.
👉 To register for our next masterclass, please click here https://linktr.ee/docpreneur