Name: Andras Banyasz
from ESTONIA
How are Physiotherapy studies setted up in your country:
a. What is the level of education (State exam, BA, Master, Special National Diploma, or other degree)?
In Estonia, specifically in Tartu University (one of the two schools that teach PT), it is possible to earn both BA and Masters degrees. In the other school, Tartu Healthcare College you can obtain a diploma in professional higher education.
b. Where is it educated (college, university of applied sciences, university, private institute)? One of the schools of PT is a college and the other one is a university. Both of which are located in the city of Tartu.
c. How long is the duration of the studies? In the College it takes 3 years to get the diploma. In the University the duration for BA is 3 years; although lots of students continue their studies in Masters for 2 years.
d. Special information about the education (e.g. preparation year, specific entrance requirements,...) To enter the studies, it is necessary to have completed state exams in Estonian language and mathematics for University’s BA and for the College state exams in 1. Estonian language, 2. Physics, chemistry, biology or mathematics; and also the GPA of English or German is needed.
e. What is the entry level for working as a physiotherapist in your country?
At the moment you can work as a physical therapist already after graduating the bachelor program so after 3 years of studying. But we are moving toward the 3+2 system so that you should have the masters degree as well in order to work.
Do you offer English-speaking courses or summerschools for PTs/ PT-students?
No
e. Links where to find more information about the education (curricula,...)
Tartu University: http://www.ut.ee/en/ut-oppekavad/fusioteraapia
Tartu Health Care College: http://www.nooruse.ee/est/sisseastumine/oppekavad/rakenduskorgharidus/fusioterapeut/
What about money?
a. The average school-/ university fee:
In Estonia, studying is free of charge in case you earn 30 points each semester. Otherwise they will charge you for each missing point.
b. The average rent of apartments, dormitories / per month.
The average rent for a 2-room apartment would be about 250-300€. For a bed in a dorm room it’s between 60€ and 100€.
c. The average salary in the country / per month.
The average salary as of 2013 is 930€.
d. The monthly prices of food.
The prices at supermarkets are fairly reasonable – averagely 150-200€ per month per person. Going out to eat in a diner is about 6-7€; the average price for a beer in a bar/club is 2-2,5€.
How are the working conditions of a physiotherapist in your country?
a. Where do they work (e.g. rehab centers, private practices,...)?
Physios mostly work in rehab centers and hospitals. There are a relatively small number of private practices, though.
b. Evidence base practice?
Yes, evidence-based practice is taught in schools as well as executed in all the centers and almost all the private practices.
c. Do they work with ICF (International classification of functioning)?
Yes, ICF is used in Estonia among practically all the physios.
d. Needed licensing renewal, needed credit points in specialisation,...? None.
Name of your students organization(s): Estonian Organization of Physical Therapy Students, Eesti Füsioteraapia Üliõpilaste Selts (EFÜS)