- Home
- MedBound Hub
- InternshipInternship
- BiographyBiography
- InterviewInterview
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Biotechnology
- College/InstituteCollege/Institute
- Dentistry
- Blog
- Wellness & Nutrition
- Nursing
- Opinion
- Videos
In a historic step for India's physiotherapy profession, the NCAHP (National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Profession) has formally recommended the use of the "Dr." title by qualified physiotherapists. [1] This is a big leap toward recognition of the important role that physiotherapists play in healthcare.
Besides the title recognition, there's also another significant change: the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is now compulsory for admission to undergraduate courses in physiotherapy. This step seeks to simplify the admission process for aspiring physiotherapists and ensure that only the most eligible candidates enter the profession. Through NEET, the NCAHP aims to introduce standardization and improve the level of competition in the field of physiotherapy education, just like in medical and dental courses.
The move is part of a broader initiative to standardize and modernize the physiotherapy education system. The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) course will now be five years long, incorporating an obligatory one-year internship. This modification will ensure that students gain in-depth theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience to prepare them for an effective career in physiotherapy.
By aligning the physiotherapy curriculum and admission process with international standards, the Indian physiotherapy profession is set to gain more global recognition. The inclusion of NEET makes Indian physiotherapists comparable to their global counterparts in terms of qualification and competence, thus opening up more career opportunities both within India and abroad.
In most countries—including the UK, Australia, and Canada—physiotherapy is already a regulated profession that requires advanced degrees and clinical experience. By harmonizing India’s entry and training standards with international expectations, these reforms enhance the international portability of Indian physiotherapy qualifications. Indian physiotherapy graduates are now more likely to find it easier to pursue further studies or work in countries with rigorous licensure processes, subject to local credentialing standards.
This latest recommendation of the use of "Dr." prefix and to make NEET compulsory for BPT admissions has ignited a strong reaction from the physiotherapy community in India. Let's take a look at how young professionals are responding:
As a physiotherapist in Maharashtra, I’m super proud that we’re now officially recognized as “Doctors” under the new NCAHP guidelines! It feels amazing to finally have our hard work and role as frontline healthcare providers acknowledged. Being able to use “Dr.” before our names is a huge boost for our profession and our confidence.
Dr. Mahima Shah (PT), Senior Physiotherapist, Prakruti Physiotherapy Clinic, Mumbai, Maharashtra
This shift is more than symbolic—it’s an affirmation of our sense of identity as essential healthcare workers. Being able to use the “Dr.” title isn’t merely about prestige; it symbolizes our advanced clinical expertise and the accountability we bear.
Dr. Ajinkya Hange (PT) , Physiotherapist at Pioneer Hospitals, Pune, Maharashtra
This recognition as a “Doctor” is not just about the title but more about the value of our profession being finally acknowledged. I really hope this will help bridge the awareness gap we’ve always faced—especially in a country like ours, where physiotherapy is still a budding profession.
Dr. Purva Dalvi (PT) , RJS College of physiotherapy, Maharashtra
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has in the past adopted an opposing view regarding the use of the "Dr." prefix for physiotherapists, citing fears that it could mislead patients into believing physiotherapists are MBBS-qualified doctors. [2] Their position highlighted guarding public comprehension and ensuring clarity in the hierarchy of healthcare.
But physiotherapists and allied health workers contend that using "Dr." is a rightful academic title—obtained through a degree such as Bachelor or Doctor of Physiotherapy (BPT/MPT)—and not impersonating medical doctors. They also point out that internationally, physiotherapists typically use the title with proper indication of their specialization (e.g., Dr. [Name], PT). [3]
The "Dr." controversy isn't about competition—it's about clarity. The IMA makes legitimate points about public confusion, but physiotherapists are also looking for rightful acknowledgment for their academic and clinical work.
References:
1. National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions. “Curriculums.” NCAHP, April 23, 2025. Accessed May 1, 2025. https://ncahp.abdm.gov.in/Curriculum.ncahp.abdm.gov.in+5ncahp.abdm.gov.in+5ncahp.abdm.gov.in+5
2. Indian Medical Association. “PHYSIOTHERAPISTS CANNOT USE THE PREFIX 'Dr'.” IMA India. Accessed May 1, 2025. https://ima-india.org/ima/left-side-bar.php?pid=476.ima-india.org
3. Indian Association of Physiotherapists. “IAP Public Notice – 2010.” The Indian Association of Physiotherapist, March 28, 2010. Accessed May 1, 2025. https://www.physiotherapyindia.org/news-events/notices/3953-iap-public-notice-2010.html.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)
