Who is the Distance Learning Physiotherapy (B.Sc.) suitable for?

The Distance Learning Physiotherapy (B.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius is specifically aimed at state-recognised physiotherapists who wish to expand their scientific skills and qualify for leadership roles or specialised tasks in healthcare. You will particularly benefit if you already have professional experience in physiotherapy and want to complement your practice with solid scientific, economic and management-related knowledge.

What are the formal admission requirements?

To enrol in this degree programme, you must meet the following requirements:

• Completed state-recognised training as a physiotherapist
• Submission of an official professional certificate as a physiotherapist
• Your completed training will be credited with 90 ECTS, the remaining 90 ECTS you will acquire during your studies

Other typical university entry routes such as Abitur, Fachabitur, master craftsman qualification or advanced training do not apply to this specialised degree programme. A Numerus Clausus is not required.

Personal requirements mainly concern your motivation and methodological skills. You should have:

• Independent and structured working in distance learning
• Interest in scientific work and the critical handling of studies and evidence-based practice
• Willingness for regular further education
• Basic digital skills to attend online seminars and use learning platforms
• Communication skills for exchange with lecturers and fellow students
• Time management to invest about 30 hours per week in the studies alongside work and possibly other commitments

Study Content in Detail: What Does the Distance Learning Course in Physiotherapy (B.Sc.) Teach?

In the bachelor's distance learning course in Physiotherapy at Hochschule Fresenius, you acquire comprehensive specialist knowledge and scientific competencies for qualified physiotherapeutic professional practice. You deepen your knowledge specifically to be able to apply and reflect on evidence-based treatment planning, diagnostics, and therapy procedures. The degree programme is specially designed for qualified physiotherapists and builds directly on your practical experience. The following focuses and skills are at the core:

• Scientific and Empirical Work: Methodological skills for conducting, analysing, and evaluating current research findings in physiotherapy.
• Health Promotion and Prevention: Development, implementation, and evaluation of concepts for prevention and health counselling for various patient groups.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Confident handling of scientific studies and transferring the results into therapeutic care.
• Project Management & Business Administration: Knowledge of business administration and project management tailored to medical facilities and therapy practices.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Promotion of the ability to work in multiprofessional teams and design patient-centred therapy processes.
• Diagnostics and Treatment Planning: Taking patient histories, creating physiotherapeutic diagnoses, planning and evaluating treatment courses.
• Communication and Documentation: Competence for structured communication of results and standardised documentation of therapy processes.
• Therapy Science Across the Lifespan: Analysis and interventions for children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens.
• Ethical and Legal Aspects: Dealing with ethical issues in therapy and research as well as legal frameworks in healthcare.
• Elective Areas: Specialisation either in “Introduction to Business Administration” or “Health Economics” – depending on individual interest and career goals.

The integration of theory and practice is promoted through alternative examination formats, including term papers, project work, and online presentations. This allows you to directly transfer and reflect on the study content in your professional daily life.

Course Structure: How is the Distance Learning Course in Physiotherapy at Fresenius Organised?

The course is designed entirely online and optimised for compatibility with work, family, and further education:

• Standard Period of Study: Depending on the chosen model, 3 to 6 semesters (corresponding if applicable to 36, 48, or 72 months), start possible on the 1st of every month.
• Credit Points: A total of 180 ECTS, of which 90 ECTS are recognised for the completed professional training as a physiotherapist. You earn a further 90 ECTS during the course.
• Learning Platform: Digital provision of all content via studynet – including interactive Studymags, videos, online library, and virtual communication tools.
• Self-Directed Learning: Flexible, self-paced work on the modules according to an individual timetable, no fixed semester deadlines or attendance requirements.
• Examinations and Performance Records:
  • Hardly any classic written exams; instead, alternative examination formats such as term papers, project work, case studies, portfolio assessments, and online presentations.
  • Exams mostly location-independent online and possible around the clock (24/7 online exams).
  • Minimal number of compulsory on-site exams; attendance required only for individual modules if applicable, with early notice of dates.
• Support and Supervision: Personal study coaches support you throughout the course; online seminars and consultation hours with lecturers encourage exchange.
• Additional Offers: Access to international certificates and masterclasses through the partnership with Arizona State University (ASU).

The degree programme begins with an introductory project on self-organised learning. During the course, you take modules including evidence-based practice, empirical work, therapy science across the lifespan, and health prevention. The degree is completed with a bachelor thesis in which you work on an independent scientific question.

Career Opportunities & Job Prospects: What Perspectives Do You Have After Graduation?

With the academic degree Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, extended career paths in the healthcare sector open up for you. The most important options for graduates are:

• Leadership Positions: Taking on leadership roles in physiotherapy practices, rehabilitation centres, clinics, or outpatient facilities.
• Specialisation and Research: Qualification for involvement in research projects in the field of therapy science as well as development, evaluation, and implementation of new therapy concepts.
• Interprofessional Collaboration: Working in multiprofessional teams at the interfaces with medicine, nursing, and other healthcare professions.
• Quality and Project Management: Engagement in management and development of care services, including taking on tasks in quality assurance and process optimisation.
• Self-Employment: Expansion of existing or establishment of own physiotherapy practices with an extended range of services and academic profile.
• Further Education and Master’s Degree: Access to advanced master’s programmes, e.g. in therapy sciences, health management, or pedagogy in healthcare.
• Teaching Activities: Foundation for teaching roles in the training and further education of physiotherapists.

The degree is highly recognised as it imparts a scientifically grounded and practice-oriented profile. Especially with regard to the increasing demand for highly qualified professionals in healthcare, you sustainably improve your career prospects.

Costs and Financing: What Do You Invest in the Distance Learning Course in Physiotherapy?

The costs for the bachelor's distance learning course in Physiotherapy at Hochschule Fresenius depend on the chosen time model. For the 36-month model, the following guideline figures apply:

• Monthly Tuition Fee: from €215 (discount promotion possible, list price may be higher)
• Total Costs: approx. €6,210 for the standard model (36 months)
• Shorter Models (e.g. 18 or 24 months): Higher monthly fees, total costs vary accordingly.

Included in the tuition fee are:

• Access to the learning platform and all digital teaching materials
• Online library and e-books
• Personal support from study coaches and lecturers
• All regular examination fees
• International certificates and masterclasses (ASU)

Optional Additional Costs:

• Travel and possible accommodation for rare compulsory on-site exams
• Purchase of printed learning materials (digitally available free of charge)
• Own technical equipment (PC/laptop, internet access)

Financing Options at a Glance:

• Monthly instalment payments
• Discount promotions such as “START11” (cf. current offer conditions)
• Funding from employers
• Financing and student loans (e.g. KfW student loan)
• Funding through scholarships (e.g. Deutschlandstipendium) or possibly BAföG
• Tax deductibility of further education costs as income-related expenses

Hochschule Fresenius offers individual advice on fee models and funding options, so that you can plan and finance your studies in the long term.