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The data has been provided by the Member Organisation and to the extent possible are a true reflection of the situation in the country, however not all figures are authoritative and should be interpreted accordingly.
For questions or feedback please contact info@erwcpt.eu
General View
Country Profile
Education
Profession & Practice
CPD & Specialisation
Migration & Mobility
Estonian Association of Physiotherapists (EAP) is the only organization in Estonia that represent the interests of physiotherapists. At the moment EAP also serves as a professional licencer for physiotherapists.
Address
Tartu maakond, Kambja vald, Räni alevik, Tiigrisilma tn 37
Telefon
+372 5360 3122
Website
Social media:
Number of Members:
370
Europe Region Primary Contact
President / Chair
CEO / General Secretary
Margot Pintson
1 300 000
Population
800
Practising Physiotherapists
370
Physiotherapists' Members
Publications
Newsletters
no
Journals
Scientific Publications
We are not a research institution
Events
Organisation Congress
EAP's congress is held once a year, usually around the international physiotherapists day in September.
Other events
Entry Level Educational programmes: Those programmes that prepares graduates for entry into practice of physiotherapy. They bring a person to the point of being able to practice as a physiotherapist in the country of education. Entry requirements, length of the education programmes and the final qualification obtained may vary within and across countries.
World Physiotherapy definition: “Entry level physical therapist professional education programmes are those that equip physical therapists to practise as independent professionals. World Physiotherapy recommends that education for entry-level physical therapists should be based on university or university-level studies of a minimum of four years, independently validated and accredited as being at a standard that affords graduates full statutory and professional recognition.”
In some countries it could be a difference between education itself and access to the profession such as possible legal requirements to practice – i.e. registration or training period.
Bachelor of Science in health Sciences
12
School years needed before entering the Physiotherapy Programme
3.0
Years of the Physiotherapy Education Programme
180
ECTS
1st
Correspondent Bologna Cycle
Level 6
Level 7
Level 6
National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level
European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED)
Professional Title
English title
National language titles
Physiotherapist
Füsioterapeut
Practice and Regulation
Professional Autonomy
Standards of practice
Yes
Code of conduct
Yes
Registration required to practice
No
Re-registration required
No
Re-registration frequency
5 years
CPD required for re-registration
Yes
Permitted to Assess?
Yes
Permitted to Diagnose?
No
Permitted to Treat?
Yes
Permitted to Refer on to other specialities/services?
Yes
Permitted to Refer on to other tests or examinations (MRI, Radiography, US)?
Yes
Access to Physiotherapy
Access to physiotherapy: Ability of a client or patient to be referred to a physiotherapist for assessment and treatment. There are different types:
1. Direct access: The patient/client directly asks the physiotherapist to provide services (The patients refer themselves). The physiotherapist freely decides his conduct and takes full responsibility for it. Also when the physiotherapist has direct access to patients/clients and determines those that need a physiotherapy assessment/intervention without referral from a third party.
2. Access by referral: The patient/client has access to the physiotherapist by referral from another health professional (medical practitioner or other).
3. Access by referral with the freedom to decide intervention: The patient/client has access to the physiotherapist by referral from another health professional. The prescription will not indicate the technical modalities used in the intervention.
4. Access by referral with an imposed programme of intervention: The patient/client has access to the physiotherapist by referral from another health professional. The prescription will include the diagnosis, and will further specify the intervention modalities to be carried out by the physiotherapist. The prescription may also include the number of sessions and their frequency.
Can service users refer/seek directly asks the physiotherapist to provide services (assessment, intervention or treatment)?
Yes
Is Self-referral allowed or possible within the national health system?
No
Is Self-referral allowed or possible outside the national health system?
Yes
In the case a medical/ physician referral is needed, are there limitations?
No
Do the expected competencies of graduates from entry-level physical therapy programmes prepare them to accept self-referrals on qualification?
No
Clarifications:
The national qualification system in Estonia exists, but the registration is not required by the law at the moment. However, there are strong pressure from the National Health Insurance Fund for starting registration. There is a law proposal prepared in order to do so.
There are some employers who require the national qualification certificate.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Continuing professional development (CPD): Is a systematic, ongoing structured process of maintaining, developing and enhancing skills, knowledge and competence both professionally and personally. The aim is to develop the clinical performance at work. The individual physiotherapist undertakes her/his CPD activity systematically keeping a record of her/his clinical reflection and learning. This process strengthens the personal and professional profile along with quality service to the patient/clients
CPD in the country is:
Not obligatory, but highly recommended.
CPD is monitored by:
Self monitored
What is the CPD approach in the country?
Input based (quantity of learning e.g. number hours, days, credit points)
More information on what is recorded
EAP is not recording physiotherapists; CPD results neither qualitativly or quantitativly. EAP as a national qualification provider sees and looks at the CPD results for the ones who apply for the national qualification certificate.
Does the MO offer advice on career pathways to its members?
No
Is this advice in relation to:
Further information on the advise the MO provides
Does the MO offer CPD courses to its members?
No
Courses are to
Does the MO survey their members about CPD?
No
Who is financing or otherwise supporting CPD?
Self
Employer
Professional Body
Other
Other - Responsible for financing
Different projects
Who provides the MOST financial support
Clarifications:
Clinical Specialisation
Physiotherapy clinical specialisation recognised?
No
Physiotherapy clinical specialisation recognised by
Recognised clinical specialisations
Clarifications:
Permanent Stay
Documents you must provide / the application (attachment) or information to be submitted:
Physiotherapy is not a regulated profession in Estonia – so you don't need to have your qualifications recognised by the Estonian authorities to work there.You'll just have to submit the documents required by your employer when applying for a position as physiotherapist. It is advisable to have Your graduate diploma revised in Estonian organization ENIC/NARIC in order to show on what level it is in Estonian terms.
One can always contact EAP for advice.
Responsible authority:
When can you expect an answer:
Cost:
Temporary Stay
Documents you must provide / the application (attachment) or information to be submitted:
Physiotherapy is not a regulated profession in Estonia – so you don't need to have your qualifications recognised by the Estonian authorities to work there.You'll just have to submit the documents required by your employer when applying for a position as physiotherapist. It is advisable to have Your graduate diploma revised in Estonian organization ENIC/NARIC in order to show on what level it is in Estonian terms.
One can always contact EAP for advice.
Responsible authority:
When can you expect an answer:
Cost:
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