Physiotherapy Schools and Programs in Mexico

Physiotherapy Studies in Mexico

Physiotherapy (fisioterapia, also called terapia física in Mexico) is the health profession that assesses and treats problems of movement and physical function: after injuries and operations, in neurological and cardio-respiratory conditions, in sport and in older age. In Mexico it is a university degree, the licenciatura en fisioterapia or licenciatura en terapia física, taught in Spanish with a large share of clinical practice.

SpainExchange lists two universities in Mexico for physiotherapy: the Universidad de Guadalajara and the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP).

How the degree is organised

Higher education in Mexico is overseen by the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP). The licenciatura is the first university degree; it ends with social service (servicio social) and a final degree requirement (titulación). Postgraduate study continues with a specialisation (especialidad), a master's degree (maestría) or a doctorate. At the Universidad de Sonora, for example, the Licenciatura en Fisioterapia takes eight semesters and leads to the title of Licenciado en Fisioterapia.

The two universities on our list show how the programmes are organised:

• At the BUAP, physiotherapy is one of five degrees of the Facultad de Medicina, next to medicine, biomedicine, forensic science and clinical nutrition. The programme is built on the study of human movement and its disorders, with anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology and ergonomics, and prepares students to treat patients in public and private health services.
• The Universidad de Guadalajara calls the degree Licenciatura en Terapia Física and teaches it at its Centro Universitario in Tlajomulco (CUTLAJOMULCO). The aim is to treat limitations of physical function at all stages of life and to work in multidisciplinary teams. The university also has a nivelación programme at its health sciences centre (CUCS), which allows holders of a higher technical diploma (TSU) in physical therapy, physiotherapy or rehabilitation to upgrade to a licenciatura.

Admission and language

Each university sets its own admission process, normally with an entrance exam; the Universidad de Sonora, for example, requires applicants to pass its admission exam. The BUAP expects applicants to have a background in the natural and social health sciences and basic English. Teaching is in Spanish. Students who need to improve their Spanish first can take an intensive course, for example at the UNAM's Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros (CEPE).

Applicants with school certificates from abroad need extra documents. The Universidad de Guadalajara asks for:

• Certificates legalised by a Mexican consulate or with an apostille
• Revalidation of prior studies, handled at university level by the SEP's Departamento de Revalidaciones y Equivalencias
• An official translation of documents from countries where Spanish is not spoken
• Proof of command of the language
• Authorisation to study from the Instituto Nacional de Migración within 90 days of admission

Recognition of the qualification

In a health profession, official recognition is essential. Degrees from public universities such as the BUAP and the Universidad de Guadalajara are part of the national education system. At private schools, a programme is official only if it has an RVOE (Reconocimiento de Validez Oficial de Estudios), granted per study plan. The school must state the RVOE agreement number, date and granting authority. Without an RVOE, students cannot obtain an official title or the cédula profesional, which the SEP says is needed to practise professions such as medicine and nursing.

Student visa

According to the Mexican consulate in Chicago, students staying longer than 180 days need a visa, the Visa de Residencia Temporal de Estudiante. Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that Spanish citizens need a visa to study in Mexico whatever the length of the stay, and that some Spanish students have been refused enrolment without one. Applications need an appointment at a Mexican consulate; in Chicago the non-refundable fee is US$56. After arrival, the visa is exchanged for a residence document at the Instituto Nacional de Migración.

Careers

The Universidad de Sonora lists the main fields of work for graduates:

• Public and private clinics and rehabilitation centres, including neurology, orthopaedic and sports trauma and cardio-respiratory therapy
• Hospitals, in multidisciplinary teams
• Sports clubs and gyms
• Care centres for older people
• Self-employment and private practice
• Teaching and research

According to the BUAP, graduates can also continue with a master's degree, a professional specialisation or a doctorate in Mexico or abroad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a physiotherapy degree take in Mexico?

It depends on the university. The Universidad de Sonora's Licenciatura en Fisioterapia, for example, has eight semesters, plus social service.

Is "terapia física" the same as physiotherapy?

Yes, both names are used in Mexico. The Universidad de Guadalajara calls its degree Licenciatura en Terapia Física, while the BUAP uses Licenciatura en Fisioterapia.

Can I study physiotherapy in Mexico without speaking Spanish?

Not in practice. Teaching is in Spanish, and the Universidad de Guadalajara asks applicants from abroad for proof of command of the language.

Do I need a visa to study physiotherapy in Mexico?

For a degree programme, yes: a Visa de Residencia Temporal de Estudiante, requested at a Mexican consulate before travelling.