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Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy cannot be learned through online studies - however, there are now some advanced degree programs for trained therapists that lead to a bachelor's degree. Obtaining a bachelor's degree is particularly beneficial if you want to improve your professional opportunities and salary as a therapist. A bachelor's degree is also useful if you want to open your own therapeutic practice.
Here I present all distance learning courses or part-time online courses in the field of therapy sciences as well as the corresponding universities, such as the IU International University and the Hochschule Fresenius.
Alle Fernstudiengänge im Fachbereich der Therapiewissenschaften im Überblick
We have a total of 16 courses in the field of Therapy Sciences.
Medical professions
- DIPLOMA University
- 5 Semester
- German
- Healthcare Basics, Basics of Social Sciences, Therapy or Nursing Processes in Practice, Healthcare Case Management, Healthcare Expert Interview, Clini…
Therapy and Nursing Sciences
- Hamburg Distance University
- 6 Semester
- German
- Professional modules: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Health and (Pediatric) Nursing Interprofessional modules: Working in projec…
Health Education
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
Health education for everyone with a qualification in the healthcare sector! With this bachelor's degree programme, you will learn everything you need to know to train professionals in the healthcare …
Physiotherapy
- IU International University
- 3 Semester
- German
Bachelor in Physiotherapy in just 3 semesters! The physiotherapy distance learning programme at IU is aimed at qualified physiotherapists. By recognizing your previous training, you will shorten the duration of …
Physiotherapy
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 3 Semester
- German
This Bachelor distance learning programme is aimed at qualified physiotherapists who wish to qualify for leadership positions in their field and acquire basic knowledge of the healthcare sector with specific …
Speech therapy
- IU International University
- 3 Semester
- German
This part-time distance learning course is aimed at trained speech therapists who want to train as a "reflective practitioner." The course provides in-depth understanding of health economic basics, disciplinary and …
Occupational therapy
- IU International University
- 3 Semester
- German
Bachelor in Occupational Therapy in just 3 semesters full-time study for qualified therapists! With this part-time distance learning course, you will learn to question and systematically develop occupational therapy practice …
Speech therapy
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 3 Semester
- German
The online course in speech therapy is aimed at trained speech therapists. In just 3 semesters of full-time study or in part-time study, you will be dealing with topics such …
Occupational therapy
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 3 Semester
- German
The online course Occupational Therapy is aimed at qualified occupational therapists. In just 3 semesters of full-time study or part-time study, you will engage with topics such as health promotion …
Physiotherapy
- DIPLOMA University
- 8 Semester
- German
- Scientific Working, Practical Information and Data Processing, Clinical Reasoning I, Status Quo Physiotherapy, Clinical Reasoning II, Clinical Reasoni…
Applied Health and Therapy Sciences
- DIPLOMA University
- 5 Semester
- German
- Empirical research, Qualitative and quantitative research methodology, Evidence-based therapy, Communication and leadership skills, Project management…
Sport and exercise therapy
- German University of Prevention and Health Management
- 7 Semester
- German
- Nature health science, exercise science, sports and exercise therapy, medical fundamentals, health system and prevention
Applied Therapy Sciences
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
The distance learning course "Applied Therapy Sciences" at the APOLLON University of Health Economics leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in 36 months. With a scope of 180 ECTS, …
Speech therapy
- DIPLOMA University
- 8 Semester
- German
- Scientific Work, Practical Information and Data Processing, Clinical Reasoning, Status Quo Speech Therapy, Diagnostics in Speech Therapy, Ethical and …
Complementary Healing Methods in Pain Therapy
- DIPLOMA University
- 4 Semester
- German
- Characteristics of pain, Qualitative and quantitative research methodology, Evidence-based medicine, Ethics, Law and Governance in healthcare, Homeopa…
Occupational therapy
- DIPLOMA University
- 8 Semester
- German
- Scientific work, Diversity in Occupational Therapy, Clinical Reasoning, Advanced occupational therapy methodology, Occupational therapy status quo, Ge…
Which university is the best?
Currently, there are only 4 universities offering distance learning courses in physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and therapy sciences. All 4 universities are private universities. But which one is the best? I cannot answer that definitively for you. The choice of the right university depends on a variety of factors:
- Where is the university located? The location is particularly important when presence phases are part of the course. Universities like IU International University or Hochschule Fresenius also have numerous exam and test centers throughout Germany.
- What are the study contents and specialization options? The details of the courses are more crucial than the university itself from my point of view. Always inform yourself thoroughly about the content and specialization possibilities of a course.
- How much does the study cost? I recommend always orienting yourself towards the overall costs of a course. The monthly tuition fees are important. Exam fees are also important. However, you can best estimate the costs based on the overall expenses.
Here are the universities offering bachelor's degree programs in the field of therapy sciences in brief:
Hochschule Fresenius is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences based in Idstein, Hesse. The university's history dates back to 1848. In the WS 2021/2022, a total of 18,000 students were enrolled at the university. Distance learning courses are offered by the university through its onlineplus department. Special feature: The university also offers physiotherapy as a campus-based and dual study program.
IU International University is a private university of applied sciences based in Erfurt, Thuringia. Since the SS 2021, IU has been the largest university in Germany, with over 130,000 enrolled students. The university offers campus-based programs, part-time courses, and over 100 distance learning programs.
DIPLOMA University: The DIPLOMA University of Northern Hesse is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences based in Bad Sooden-Allendorf/Hesse. The university was founded in 1997, and in the WS 2020/2021, a total of 8,925 students were registered. The university offers a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy, both as an advanced study program and as a study integrated with training.
Hamburger Distance University: HFH is a non-profit, private, state-recognized university of applied sciences based in Hamburg. With 12,331 enrolled students in the WS 2020/2021, HFH is one of the larger private distance universities. The university offers distance learning programs in the fields of health & nursing, technology, as well as economics & law. The university offers a B.Sc. in Therapy and Nursing Sciences, aimed at experienced professionals in therapy and nursing who want to study part-time.
Physiotherapy in online studies as an advanced program in just 3 semesters
Regarding all distance learning programs in physiotherapy that I present to you here, these are postgraduate programs aimed at trained physiotherapists. Advantage: Your education will be recognized at all 3 universities - thus, you can shorten the regular study period from 6 semesters to just 3 semesters in full-time studies.
Therefore, it is required:
- Either the general / subject-specific university entrance qualification or the university of applied sciences entrance qualification + a completed education as a physiotherapist.
- Or a completed education as a physiotherapist + 3 years of full-time work as a physiotherapist. For admission to Fresenius University, 2 years of professional experience are sufficient.
DIPLOMA University offers its program both as an advanced study program and as a study integrated with training. Integrated with training, the program lasts a total of 8 semesters or 4 years. For enrollment, you need to present a training contract.
Here is an overview of all 3 programs:
| Course | University | Duration | Course contents | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 3 Semester | Introduction to self-organized learning project, Scientific work, Empirical work, Health promotion & prevention, Evidence-based practice, Project management, Ethical aspects in therapy & research, Int… | from 6210 € total from 215 € monthly | |
| Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 3 Semester | Foundations of Anatomy, Physiology, Physiotherapeutic Practice, Physiotherapeutic Examination, Assessment, Physical Therapy and Massage Techniques, Legal and Socio-Scientific Foundations, Basics of Bi… | from 9019 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University | 8 Semester | Scientific Working, Practical Information and Data Processing, Clinical Reasoning I, Status Quo Physiotherapy, Clinical Reasoning II, Clinical Reasoning III, Training and Fitness, Training and Therapy… | from 8705 € total from 147 € monthly |
Bachelor Occupational Therapy part-time in distance learning
For trained occupational therapists, there are currently 3 distance learning programs: the B.A. Occupational Therapy at IU International University, the B.A. Occupational Therapy at Hochschule Fresenius, and a B.A. Occupational Therapy at DIPLOMA University.
All 3 programs are advanced programs. This means that your education will be recognized, and the study period will accordingly be reduced from 6 semesters to 3–5 semesters.
Required is as follows:
- Either you have the general / subject-specific university entrance qualification or the university of applied sciences entrance qualification + a completed education as an occupational therapist.
- Or you have a completed education as an occupational therapist + 3 years of full-time work as an occupational therapist.
Here is an overview of the three programs:
| Course | University | Duration | Course contents | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational therapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 3 Semester | Introduction project for self-organized learning, scientific work, empirical work, project management, health promotion & prevention, evidence-based practice, ethical aspects in therapy & research, in… | from 6210 € total from 215 € monthly | |
| Occupational therapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 3 Semester | Health economics, introduction to scientific work, framework conditions of the healthcare market, theory and practice models, qualitative research methods, neuro- and pathophysiology in therapy - fund… | from 9019 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Occupational therapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University | 8 Semester | Scientific work, Diversity in Occupational Therapy, Clinical Reasoning, Advanced occupational therapy methodology, Occupational therapy status quo, General economic competence, Health promotion and pr… | from 8705 € total from 147 € monthly |
Bachelor Speech Therapy part-time in online studies
For trained speech therapists, there are currently 2 distance learning programs: the B.A. Speech Therapy at IU International University and the B.A. Speech Therapy at Hochschule Fresenius.
Both programs are advanced programs, which means that your education will be recognized, leading to a study period of 3 semesters instead of 6.
Required is as follows:
- Either you have the general / subject-specific university entrance qualification or the university of applied sciences entrance qualification + a completed education as a speech therapist.
- Or you have a completed education as a speech therapist + 3 years of full-time work as a speech therapist.
Here is an overview of the two programs:
| Course | University | Duration | Course contents | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech therapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 3 Semester | Introduction project on self-organized learning, Scientific work, Empirical work, Project management, Health promotion & prevention, Evidence-based practice, Ethical aspects in therapy & research, Int… | from 6210 € total from 215 € monthly | |
| Speech therapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 3 Semester | Health economics, introduction to scientific work, framework conditions of the health market, theory and practice models, qualitative research methods, neuro- and pathophysiology in therapy - basics, … | from 9019 € total from 259 € monthly |
About the Author Christian Wolf
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