What should you bring with you for your studies?

The Physiotherapy Bachelor’s Program is designed for people who are interested in movement, health, and the human body. A good sense of body awareness, an enjoyment of movement, an interest in natural sciences, as well as keen observation skills and analytical thinking are helpful.

Empathy, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility are also important for working with people. The ability to work in a team, reliability, and mental and physical resilience will help you successfully meet the theoretical and practical demands of the program.

What you will learn during your studies

In the Physiotherapy Bachelor’s Program, you'll develop technical, scientific, and social-communication skills necessary for a professional career in Physiotherapy. You will learn to analyze movement patterns, set treatment goals, and plan, implement, and evaluate treatments based on medical and scientific findings.

Here’s how the Physiotherapy Program at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences prepares you for your future professional practice:

Planning and performing physical therapy treatments
You will learn to create individualized therapy plans, set treatment goals, and implement appropriate measures in a professional manner. In doing so, you’ll take into account the health status and personal needs of your patients and clients.

Analyzing Movement Patterns and Symptoms
You will analyze body postures and movement sequences and identify causes and correlations between complaints, symptoms, and movement patterns. Based on this analysis, you will determine appropriate physical therapy interventions.

Identifying Contraindications and Acting Safely
You will learn to screen for and identify risks and contraindications of Physiotherapy interventions at an early stage. This will enable you to professionally assess treatments and safely adapt them to each patient’s specific health situation.

Working with a Scientific Foundation
You will apply Physiotherapy interventions based on current professional and scientific knowledge. In doing so, you will combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, make evidence-based decisions, and critically reflect on your actions.

Documenting and Evaluating Treatment Progress
You document the course of treatment, evaluate therapy outcomes, and regularly review the progress of therapy. As needed, you adjust interventions and goals accordingly.

Supporting People Individually and Respectfully
During your studies, you strengthen your social and communication skills. You learn to take into account different life circumstances, cultural and religious needs, as well as individual values, and to support people respectfully and holistically.

What opportunities will you have after you graduate?

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy, a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare sector are open to you. These include, among others, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, prevention and health promotion facilities, sports organizations, and private practice.
Upon successful completion of your studies and fulfillment of the legal requirements, you will be licensed to practice as a physical therapist in Austria. In addition, numerous career development paths are available to you through specializations, continuing education and professional development, as well as advanced Master’s programs leading up to a Doctorate.

How the program is structured

The Physiotherapy Program spans six semesters and is worth 180 ECTS credits. Classes are generally held full-day Monday through Friday, and occasionally on Saturdays as well. Starting in the second year of study, one day per week is free of classes. The modular program structure combines theoretical content with practical exercises, interdisciplinary projects, and opportunities for individual specialization.

Starting as early as the second semester, you’ll complete mandatory clinical rotation phases in various fields of Physiotherapy. In doing so, you’ll gain valuable practical experience early on and apply your knowledge directly in everyday Physiotherapy practice under expert supervision. Courses, practical projects, and internship phases prepare you step by step for your future career as a physical therapist.

General information about the Program

For more information on admission requirements, training contracts, nostrification and recognition, the admissions process, examination regulations and grading, ECTS credits, and the academic calendar, please refer to the General Study Information.