Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) — formerly the 5-year B.Physiotherapy/BMR |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 years (DPT), then a 1-year internship and 1 year of NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Physiotherapy / Medical Rehabilitation |
| Regulatory body | Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRTB) |
| Professional body | Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What Physiotherapy is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Physiotherapy & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Physiotherapy is about
Physiotherapy is the health profession that helps people restore, maintain and maximise their movement and physical function — treating and rehabilitating conditions caused by injury, illness, surgery, ageing or disability using exercise, manual therapy and physical techniques.
A brief history of the discipline
Physiotherapy expanded greatly with the rehabilitation needs of the 20th century. In Nigeria the programme moved from a four-year B.Sc to a five-year professional degree, and universities are now adopting the six-year Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), with a one-year clinical internship before licensure.
What you will study
Core areas include anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and kinesiology, exercise therapy, electrotherapy, and clinical physiotherapy across musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiopulmonary conditions — with extensive supervised clinical placements.
Why study Physiotherapy & who it suits
Physiotherapy suits students interested in the body and movement, with empathy, patience and a hands-on, practical approach. Strong Biology helps.
Careers & where graduates work
Physiotherapists work in hospitals, sports and orthopaedic clinics, neuro-rehabilitation, paediatrics, community rehabilitation and private practice, and can move into academia or specialise further.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Physiotherapists’ pay rises with experience, and demand abroad is strong for those who choose to migrate.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (intern / graduate) | ₦150,000 – ₦350,000 |
| Experienced | ₦350,000 – ₦700,000 |
| Senior / specialist | ₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
Physiotherapy is offered by many Nigerian universities. Well-regarded, widely-recognised programmes include the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, University of Maiduguri, University of Uyo, Bayero University Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, among others.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Physiotherapy admission guide.
Is Physiotherapy a good course to study in Nigeria?
Physiotherapy is a respected, hands-on health profession with strong and growing demand at home and abroad.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Growing demand in sports, rehabilitation and an ageing population.
- Strong overseas mobility.
- Hands-on, people-centred and rewarding.
- Own-practice and specialisation potential.
Challenges to weigh:
- Long training: the six-year DPT plus an internship.
- Physically demanding work.
- Local public-sector pay is modest compared with abroad.
- Competitive admission.
It suits students interested in the body and movement who are empathetic and hands-on.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Physiotherapy builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Assessment and rehabilitation
- Manual therapy
- Anatomy and biomechanics knowledge
- Patient motivation
- Communication
- Problem-solving
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
DPT degree → one-year internship → registration with the MRTB → NYSC → practice, with options to specialise.
How to get in: Physiotherapy UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Physiotherapy is Use of English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, with five O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like Physiotherapy, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Physiotherapy in Nigeria?
Universities are adopting the six-year Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT); it is followed by a one-year internship and one year of NYSC.
What degree do you get from Physiotherapy?
The Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) at universities that have adopted it (previously the B.Physiotherapy/BMR). After internship and MRTB registration you practise as a physiotherapist.
What are the JAMB subjects for Physiotherapy?
Use of English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with O'Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Where do physiotherapists work?
Hospitals, sports and orthopaedic clinics, neuro-rehabilitation, paediatrics, community rehab and private practice.
Is Physiotherapy competitive?
Yes — it is a competitive health-science course requiring a strong UTME and Post-UTME.
Is Physiotherapy a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — demand is strong and growing, it offers good overseas mobility, and the work is hands-on and rewarding; the trade-offs are long training and modest local public pay.
Can physiotherapists work abroad?
Yes — with the appropriate licensing, Nigerian physiotherapists are in demand internationally.
How long does Physiotherapy take?
Universities are adopting the six-year Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), followed by a one-year internship and NYSC.
Do physiotherapists earn well?
Pay rises with experience, specialisation and private practice, and is considerably higher abroad.
Sources: Programme structure and licensing summarised from Nigerian faculties of physiotherapy/medical rehabilitation, the NUC and the MRTB; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.