Physiotherapists Use ‘Dr’ Before Their Name in India? Here’s What the 2025 Curriculum Says
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| Releasing Physiotherapy Curriculum 2025 |
New Delhi: Yes, physiotherapists in India can now officially use “Dr” before their name and “PT” after, as per the latest government curriculum released in 2025. The status and recognition of physiotherapists in India have received a major boost with the launch of the 2025 Physiotherapy Curriculum by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
One of the key highlights of this reform is the official permission for physiotherapists to use the “Dr” prefix and “PT” suffix upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program.
Use of “Dr” Prefix Now Officially Recognized
According to the new curriculum guidelines, any individual who has completed the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) from a recognized college or university, is now entitled to use the professional title, clearly mentioned that in Physiotherapy Curriculum 2025, Page No 29, 3.2 heading and 3.2.3 line.
> Dr. [Name], PT
> (e.g., Dr. Anjali Verma, PT)
This officially recognizes physiotherapists as primary healthcare professionals in India, in line with global standards and classification codes such as ISCO Code 2264.
Key Changes in the BPT Curriculum 2025 Update
The BPT program has been significantly overhauled to raise its academic and clinical standards:
1. Course Duration Extended
- The BPT is now a 5-year degree program.
- It includes 4 academic years + 1 year mandatory internship.
2. NEET Mandatory
- Admission to the BPT course now requires qualifying the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
- This change aims to make physiotherapy education more competitive and streamlined.
3. Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 (Science stream) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology + NEET.
Why This Matters
- This recognition standardizes physiotherapy education and practice across India.
- Enhances the professional identity of physiotherapists.
- Aligns Indian physiotherapy education with international norms, enabling global mobility and respect for Indian-trained professionals.
Important Note for Physiotherapy Practitioners
The use of the “Dr” title is permitted, only when accompanied by suffix “PT, to clear designation such as “Physiotherapist”. This ensures transparency and prevents misrepresentation with medical doctors (MBBS).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a physiotherapist use the prefix “Dr” in India?
Yes. As per the 2025 curriculum released by the NCAHP and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, physiotherapists who have completed a recognized Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program can use “Dr” as a prefix and “PT” as a suffix. For example: Dr. Ritu Mehra, PT.
2. Is NEET mandatory for BPT admission now?
Yes. Starting from the 2025 academic session, qualifying NEET is mandatory for admission into the BPT program. This aligns physiotherapy education with other major healthcare disciplines in India.
3. What is the new duration of the BPT course?
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy program is now a 5-year degree course, which includes:
- 4 years of academic study.
- 1 year of compulsory clinical internship.
4. Who is eligible to apply for BPT?
Students must have completed Class 12 (Science stream) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and must qualify NEET to be eligible for admission into the BPT program.
5. Is “Physiotherapist” the official designation now?
Yes. The NCAHP has standardized the use of the term “Physiotherapist” as the official professional title, which is recognized both nationally and internationally.
6. Is it legal for physiotherapists to use “Dr” in India?
Yes, it is legal as long as:
- The person holds a valid BPT degree.
- The prefix “Dr” is clearly followed by the suffix “PT” or the title “Physiotherapist”.
- The use of the title is not misleading or impersonating an MBBS doctor.
7. Will this title be recognized internationally?
While the use of “Dr” varies by country, Indian physiotherapists with “Dr. [Name], PT” are increasingly recognized globally especially in countries where the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) model is common. The updated Indian curriculum aligns with global standards.
8. Can physiotherapists practice independently as primary healthcare providers?
Yes. The new guidelines recognize physiotherapists as first-contact primary healthcare professionals in many cases, especially in musculoskeletal, neurological, and rehabilitation care.
More: The Pakistan government allowed Physiotherapists to prefix Dr