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Associacão Portuguesa de Fisioterapeutas (A.P.F.)

Rua João Villaret, 285 A
Urbanização Terplana 2785-679
S. Domingos de Rana
PORTUGAL
  Tel.: +351 1 214 524 156
Fax: +351 1 214 528 922
email: apfisio@apfisio.pt
Web: www.apfisio.pt
Last update: 24.08.2009
PORTUGAL Download this document (PDF) for printout



Contact person
  President   Isabel Guerra

Our office hours
  DURING THE WEEK  
mon. 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
tue. 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
wed. 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
thu. 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
fri. 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Country information
 PORTUGAL 
Population:10.000.000
Number of Physiotherapists 
- in the association: 980
- in the country: 2.500

Headquarters
  DETAILS   The Portuguese physiotherapy association is the only professional organisation for physiotherapists in Portugal. It has established rules of professional conduct for physiotherapists. Membership is open to the migrant physiotherapist.

The Portuguese physiotherapy association has three staff employees and a part time managing director employed. The association holds weekly executive meetings and furthers liasions with other health care professions and authorities. The Portuguese physiotherapy association is not member of a trade union.

Migration Information
  LINK TO DETAILED INFORMATION FOR MIGRATORS   Click here for detailed information regarding the migration procedures for Physiotherapists to: PORTUGAL

Physiotherapy Education
  INFORMATION AND NUMBERS   The Portuguese association has its own education department.

There are 5 Physical Academy and 5 Medical Academy schools in the country with 800-1200 students per year. The professional physiotherapy education has a duration of 3 years plus 1 additional year (3.000 - 3.500 hrs) and is integrated in the higher education system (BSc level). Postgraduate courses for physiotherapists are being developed including Masters and Doctorate.

Physiotherapists are involved in both teaching and research. Portugal has no recognition of physiotherapy specialists.

Status of profession
  TITLE AND REGULATIONS ON THE PROFESSION   Professional Title/ Qualification:

Fisioterapeuta

The title is protected by state legislationtion but not the professional activity. The rules of professional conduct are determined directly by the state through national legislation. Registration or licence to practice is not required but a code of ethics for physiotherapists has been established.

The national authority responsible for the physiotherapy profession in Portugal is the "Ministry of Health". Employment for physiotherapists cannot be guaranteed.

Practice of physiotherapy
  INSURANCE AND PRACTICE REGULATIONS   Wheter the physiotherapy services in Portugal are determined by the profession has not been specified by the association. The physiotherapist is however allowed to determine the clinical intervention of physiotherapy him/herself. Portugal offers both public and private physiotherapy services. The insurance cover for physiotherapy is paid both through the national health care system and privately by the patient.

Twinning
  The Portuguese association has not yet established any twinning program. No governmental or EU funding has been applied for. The association herewith announces its wishes to establish twinning activities with other countries.