Looking for fellow english speaking physiotherapists in France

[gisambert]

Hi Olivia,

I saw that I wrote this post back in 2014!! Time flies. I finally got the equivalent of my degree recognised here and I'm now working as a 'kinesitherapeute' in France. It was NOT an easy ride, but the gist of the matter is that you'll need a European degree to be accepted in their system. The French health system is complicated and very well protected. Either they'll make you repeat one or two years of their physiotherapy degree, but only after doing three paid exams (which in my opinion is not worth it), or you'll have to complete a European degree (which I did in doing a Masters in the UK......although now with the voting of the Brexit that might change things).
It is an extremely complicated process which cost me A LOT of time and money. Feel free to contact me via private mail if you need more information.

Best wishes
G

[Dinob12]

Hi Gisambert,
I'm currently looking at moving to France from the UK. I work as an extended scope Physio and understand that i need to complete a language test to B2 standard and register with the professional body- how did you find working in France as a Physio? Would you recommend it?
I'm looking at moving out there mainly for the lifestyle but understand that my professional position won't be as autonomous as it is in the UK.

[gisambert]

Sorry for the late response! I cleaned my inbox today and found this one, which I'm still to answer, so here goes. My best advice is to come here on a visit and try and spend some time with a physio in a practice. Hospital work is not much different to anywhere else, but private practice (kine liberale) is a HUUUUGE difference is you come from the anglosaxon system. treatments here are only half an hour, compared to the 45-1hr that I was used to. So doing proper assessments can be tricky. Also if you decide to work with someone, be very careful because there are physios here who sees 2-4 patients at the same time (yes, in half an hour). I could not and would not accept doing that so it took me a while before found a suitable practice. Also we do not have secretaries in the practice so all phonecalls and appointments and whatever you need to do is all up to you and if you are treating someone for half an hour...life can become tricky. But as I said before.....try and visit before deciding.

Hope this helps.
Gisambert

Hi Gisambert,
I'm currently looking at moving to France from the UK. I work as an extended scope Physio and understand that i need to complete a language test to B2 standard and register with the professional body- how did you find working in France as a Physio? Would you recommend it?
I'm looking at moving out there mainly for the lifestyle but understand that my professional position won't be as autonomous as it is in the UK.

[Dinob12]

Thanks for this Gisambert, it is very much appreciated.
With regard the balance between work, financial reward, social time off etc- how did you find this?
I'm not too worried about seeing patients in 30mins, I get 20mins in the UK for clinical assessments as it is. So going up to 30 would be great. I've heard about the 2 patients in 30mins though which sounds quite mad.
Thanks again for your response.