How to Find a Physiotherapy Job in Switzerland as a Foreigner | SRK Diploma Recognition Guide

Hello everyone! In this video, I share my experience and insights into the process of transferring my physiotherapy license from the U.S. to Switzerland. Whether you're a physiotherapist considering a move to Switzerland or navigating the SRK (Swiss Red Cross) recognition process, this guide is for you.
I discuss the steps involved, including the importance of completing the Precheck assessment (which is free!) to determine if your training meets Swiss standards. I also provide links to helpful resources for SRK diploma recognition and answer common questions about the process.
For detailed information, check out the SRK Anerkennung Gesundheitsberufe: www.redcross.ch/de/srk-dienst...
Physiotherapie: www.redcross.ch/de/anerkennun...
Precheck: precheck.ch
Steps:
1. Complete Precheck (FREE!) to find out if your training will be recognized by Switzerland for Diploma Recognition
2. Continue the process by submitting the required documents along with a non-refundable 600 CHF processing fee
3. Wait and SRK will let you know if there are missing documents or if everything is complete. If everything required has been submitted, they send you a second bill that is dependent on whether you need further education (Partial Decision, more expensive) or if you are now ready to be registered (Direct Recognition).
4. Pay the bill and wait a few days before your name is visible on NAREG, if through Direct Recognition (nareg.ch)
If this guide has helped you, please comment, like, and subscribe! You can also keep in touch on Instagram @whereshexplores
MUSIC:
Music by Mak Mon, Dusty - LAMPEDUSA - thmatc.co/?l=5AF44CBD

[@whereshexplores]

Here is a video where I talked about the resources that I used while I was learning German: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYDRlJ2Jl8uJhpI

[@MarcosMaquedaAlonso]

thank you so much for your video from Spain!!!

[@whereshexplores]

You're welcome 👋🏼🥰

[@bellaswan717]

Thanq so much for the information 💕

[@whereshexplores]

You are welcome!

[@sawitreethaisiam1216]

❤thx .....🎉

[@ViajeniBree]

Congrats on making the move to Switzerland and practicing your profession there! Namiss ko tuloy bigla ang Switzerland! 😭 I had the opportunity to work there 2 years ago.

[@whereshexplores]

Thank you! Hahahaha yeah pero ngayon hindi masyado lively dahil corona. At least na-experience ko muna 2 years ago pano yung normal na buhay. Sang part and profession yung work mo?

[@Hades-tw4ql]

Hey, thank you so much for making this video. May I know if physios are paid well in Switzerland? I've heard Switzerland is crazy expensive to live in. How much can a physiotherapist make on average when you're just starting out?

[@whereshexplores]

Hi! I would say so because I lived in the Bay Area in California and make the same here. However, apartments cost 1/3 of the price compared to San Francisco. Switzerland is expensive with leisure stuff like going out to restaurants, but cooking your own meals it's not as expensive. It's also really relative to where you are coming from. They have the information on the government website called salarium (I think it's only in the official languages) and it gives you an estimate for how much you can expect to make of you are a Swiss citizen vs. a visa holder, male/female, and years of experience!

[@Naiaa6920]

Hi thank you for you video it helps a lot! I have one question actually I started the process and giving them what they asked for as a document, but this some of them a bit strange to me and I didn’t got them from my school so I cannot continue the prices because of it. This document still missing and I don’t Know what to do about it! Thank you for answering 🤗

[@whereshexplores]

Hi! Sorry for only answering now. You should contact SRK and tell them you want to know what you should ask the school for and they would tell you. Sometimes it helps to show that email to the school and they can give that to you, but it really matters on your school. I had to ask my University and the PT Department of my University to send some files to me since I didn't have copies of them anymore.

[@varishabhatt6634]

Hello charlene ! I wanted to ask another question that is it really difficult for NON EU physios to do physiotherapy practice in Switzerland? And do u have any idea that For NON EU they are not providing residential permit for longer time ?

[@whereshexplores]

I came from a non EU country and I have US citizenship and it was really difficult for me even if that was the case. They prioritize EU citizens or family members of Swiss citizens so you have to keep that in mind. My case is not the only possibility, but as far as I am concerned it was very difficult. You can directly message the embassy to get more information. I'm married to a Swiss citizen so after marriage getting the work permit was easy than when I tried previously.

[@varishabhatt6634]

@@whereshexplores okay ..Thanks charlene !

[@imedlaridi4354]

Congrats. I want to ask you if after this recognition you were able to contact directly a hospital and apply for work?

[@whereshexplores]

Hi! Yes, once I received this I was able to work right away. You need the number they give you in order to start work :)

[@nonchalantnobody]

Hi! Could you please make a video on the pros & cons of being a clinical PT in US vs. Switzerland? Also, are there any differences? Thank you so much

[@whereshexplores]

Hi! Thanks for the idea. I will try to make this as soon as possible 😇

[@benposts0786]

I'm also looking forward to seeing this

[@whereshexplores]

@@benposts0786 Thank you! I will get to it after editing some other pre-recorded videos. I got sick so it's taking a while, but I am writing out the differences so I don't forget anything. Thanks for watching!!!

[@whereshexplores]

@@benposts0786 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX_UlpmvorF-r7c Hi! I just published the video listing pros and cons as a PT in Switzerland vs. the US! 😇

[@whereshexplores]

Here you go! I just publish the video that you requested. I hope this helps out kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX_UlpmvorF-r7c

[@jonathanrobles2453]

Hello how long you’ve waited for the feedback of redcross after you register pay and send all documents needed?

[@whereshexplores]

Hello! I would say mine was quicker than usual. From the moment I got my resident card, maybe about 3 months? But I already had all the documents I needed ready even before I came to Switzerland so that helped my process to be quicker.

[@vikaspatil6067]

thanx informative vlog i am an indian physiotherapist i am looking forward to work in swiss can you pls suggest any link thorugh which i can can start to end complete guidance but i am familiar only with english so accordingly how can i proceed pls mention any link in short thanks

[@whereshexplores]

Hi Vikas! I am not sure how or where you can find a job since they are usually strict with immigration and prioritize Swiss and European citizens for work. French, German, or Italian are necessary for working in Switzerland and is non-negotiable.

[@keerthikam6221]

Hi could you tell how much cost it take to apply SRK (swiss red cross) for physiotherapy?

[@whereshexplores]

Hi! I'm not quite sure currently, but it is listed on their website. When I did it, it was about CHF 2,000 not including costs of translation, getting the papers, plus the notarization costs

[@jpt3635]

Hi, i would like to ask about sa course syllabus. Did you submit online the whole. Pages of. Your syllabus? Kasi andaming pages ng PT course syllabus natin. Did you merge it and send it online?

[@whereshexplores]

Hi! No, I had my university send the course description of all courses in the PT curriculum from the official university catalog.

[@katedavies4640]

Hi! Does the language exam have to be in German or can it be in French?xx

[@whereshexplores]

Hi @katedavies4640! It can be in any of the official Swiss languages. If you plan on working on the French part then that's all you need.

[@simranthapa2270]

Hey I would like to ask more about this process, how can I get in touch with you?

[@whereshexplores]

Hi! Thanks for watching. You can click the link from the description from the SRK website and after reading that and you still have questions I can answer you on Instagram 😇

[@MuhammadRizwan-ki7rn]

please guide me i wanted to know that, after learning B2 german language can i directly apply for assisstant physiotherapy job and when i will come to switzerland i will aplly for all that pre-check and SRK red cross Recognition. can i have a assistant job contract on the basis of B2 language?

[@whereshexplores]

Hello, As stated in the video, you cannot apply for SRK recognition unless you have a visa for Switzerland. There are no PT assistants in Switzerland. Good luck!

[@MuhammadRizwan-ki7rn]

@UCNVzTR80woo8h4FmxsQogQw you came here on Family visa. But how we can have work visa then? If we apply for job while in home country can our employer giva us work contract so that so we can apply for work visa. Is that possible.?

[@whereshexplores]

Hey sorry for the late response. I tried to apply for the work visa, but I was not able to since European countries are so strict. Physio assistants are also not something you hear of in Switzerland. Sorry I can't help much!

[@francesremo]

Hi! My name is Frances, I’m a filipina too but I live in USA. I have DPT from US as well, but I got my bachelors from the PH. Your video about this recognition process is very helpful and very similar to the requirements for Annerkenung in Deutschland. I would like to ask if it’s possible to ask something about the requirements? Itatanong ko lang po sana pano po kayo nagrequest ng copy ng mga syllabus sa college nyo in US? And how did you get them translated? My boyfriend is German and we are planning to settle down in Germany, hopefully in 2 years. I’m fully aware how intense sa paperwork ang EU although walang exam so I’m planning to start accumulating the requirements early para ready na at german language na lang problema ko. I’m currently at A2 level. I hope you get to reply. I appreciate your help.

[@whereshexplores]

Hi Frances! Thank you so much. Do you mind messaging me on instagram para masagot ko lahat ng questions mo? For the translation of my syllabus I used RushTranslate online. It is really easy for us to ask for a Syllabus from the American Universities because they have an Academic Catalog that comes out each year and they have an online copy of this as well.

[@whereshexplores]

For the language I would recommend intense online language lessons/self study if kaya mo 1-2x a week. Kasi ako I did A2 in Switzerland (after doing Duolingo and Memrise app for German my German was good enough to skip to A2). Then I came back and started intensive German lessons 1-2x a week for about 9 months with a teacher who was a PT in Germany (I can give you her info) so that really helped me a lot. I can also give you some other resources too if you want 😇

[@whereshexplores]

For me I didn't (still don't) speak with my boyfriend (now husband) in German during this time kasi sa Switzerland iba din yung German nila pero I think that is advantageous to start with your boyfriend kasi talagang Hochdeutsch salita niya 😇 hopefully he is patient and good with the grammar haha! I took the B2 test in SF after the 9 months of intense self study and with one-on-one lessons with my tutor then passed it all except the listening part. That part I was missing ten points so I had to redo in Switzerland. I recommend doing the test in American because it is so much cheaper! It also helps to already speak German para mas mabilis yung Anerkennung and Integration process so you can work as soon as possible then you improve your German even faster then. Best of luck! 🥰

[@francesremo]

Thank you so much charlene for answering my questions 🥺🥺🥺 i was really thinking it's impossible for me to do until I saw your video and I felt so motivated you have no idea how happy and excited I felt, kasi kaya pala. I messaged you on IG and I might ask some more questions there if i need to... sobrang naappreciate ko help mo. I hope I will be able to see you within 5 years time, now I have a reason to visit Switzerland ❤

[@SwissItalianPinayCouple]

Hello po, I know this convo is already a year 😭 and I don't know if you will still reply but I'll take my chances since I'm lost 😞. My husband is a swiss and I'm a physio (Graduated only bachelor degree from Phil). Question ko lang po sana: 1. What are the chances of recognition of my bachelor degree if I don't have DPT in Switzerland? 2. Will you advise me first to get DPT before I tried the screening? 3. I will be having my Visa D soon (crossing my fingers) so will it help me po ba for the process? 4. Currently in level A1 (since I just started learning german) will you advise me to focus with my language for the moment? 5. How many months or years will it take for me if I started now? Hoping for your answers po 😊

[@matthewg8285]

Hello mam! Can I ask if you need any working experiencee or can you apply as a fresh graduate? Also, do you need to be registered with the Physio board in your country befre applying? Thank you and keep safe!

[@whereshexplores]

Hi Matthew just call me Charlene! Yes, I was already a board passer and had experience working. I am not sure if it is 100% necessary, but in the form that I filled out they did ask for my past work experiences. The best way to know if through emailing SRK because they are quick with answering! 😇 GOOD LUCK!

[@Toonguyify]

@@whereshexplores How much work experience did you have at the time?

[@whereshexplores]

Hi I had a year of work experience and 6 months of internship at that time 😇

[@remmynweke9020]

Hi, I have Bachelor in Physiotherapy from University of Nigeria. I have interest working in Switzerland as a physiotherapist. I want to know the first steps to take for a job offer. I found your video helpful. Can I also have the website for the form you just explained in your video. Thank you.

[@remmynweke9020]

I meant the Swiss recognition form. How do get the form?

[@whereshexplores]

Hi the website is listed below on the description. However it's really hard to get a job in Switzerland if you don't already have a European residency/citizenship or family (spouse, etc.). Good luck and thanks for watching ✨🥳

[@getrammarte6650]

Congrats! Do you speak or understand German? I got my BS in PT in Philippines and transitioned to DPT in USA. Sinubukan ko mag apply sa pre-check for Switzerland Physiotherapy but I can’t fill up the questions online since German ang tanong. Pano mo na sagot yung questions? Nag aral ka ba muna ng German before going there?

[@whereshexplores]

Hello! Congrats!!! Yes, nag aral ako ng German for two years before going and hindi ko pwede ma fill out yung pre-check until I got my resident permit here (through marriage). We tried to do it through Young Professionals Program but it didn’t work even with US citizenship. Ang hirap kasi pumasok sa Switzerland kahit healthcare unless you are a European country citizen

[@getrammarte6650]

@@whereshexplores Thank you for your reply. So, you mean to say for a non-EU, like me, what’s the chance of getting a job there when you have the recognition and the B2 proficiency? Is there an age limit to work as PT in Switzerland?

[@whereshexplores]

@@getrammarte6650 Hi! Sorry for the late reply, youtube hasn't been showing me notifications for all comments. I don't think there is an age limit at all. For a non-EU citizen (even with American citizenship) it is really low unless you can get a resident permit (usually through marriage). Kasi sa akin sobrang hirap talaga and LDR kami ng boyfriend ko and we tried all the ways for me to get a job and move to Switzerland before getting married... pero no chance talaga. Priority nila are Swiss then EU citizens.

[@lotjasmine]

Hi Charlene, good day. May I ask if you need to have a license and an experience working as a Physical Therapy, before you can start the pre check? I'm a Non EU from the Philippines and will be taking the exam soon. Does Physiotherapist jobs in Switzerland have an age limit to be able to work? How many years of experience is ideal? Thank you so much for posting this video, it's informative🌺 Have a great day🌼

[@whereshexplores]

Hello @lotjasmine! I am not sure since I already had a license before coming here to work. This was regarding the recognition process of an existing license. As for experience, yes they had me write down my job experience. It seemed to me that it was necessary, but I am not 100% sure. I don't think it's specific, but I think that having at the very least a year of work experience is good before moving to a country with a different language because that way you already have your style of working with patients. I think that helps a lot when you try to do it in the new language 😇 I don't think there is a set age limit. I think as long as you are happy and capable to work you can still do it. Good luck with your exam! 😊

[@lotjasmine]

@@whereshexplores HI Charlene, good day. Thank you so much for your reply. May I ask another question again? Hahaha, hope you wont mind, cause it's hard to gather information about Physio in Switzerland. So, you when you went first to Switzerland, during that time did you applied in an agency in Switzerland for an employer? Because, it says that you need a resident permit first before you can work there. Can you survive with the cost of living there? Because it's so expensive but the benefits of living there says it's all. Thank you so much Charlene, hope you can make a video about a day in the life of a Physio in Switzerland, love the views on your videos by the way hahha, thank you so much for posting videos about the online processing. Have a great day you🌼

[@whereshexplores]

No worries and thank you @lotjasmine! No I didn't have an agency. I had a resident permit already when I started the process because of my husband. I tried to get my license recognized before we got married, but since I didn't have the permit I wasn't able to start it until I received it didn't work. I'm not sure how the process works otherwise since I only know the specific case for me.

[@whereshexplores]

I know that people with EU passport have it much easier. Maybe you can take a look at the Spanish residency permit because I saw online that because the Philippines was colonized by Spain they make the process a bit easier. I have no experience on it though, but just letting you know in case the info is useful for you 😊

[@lotjasmine]

@@whereshexplores Hi Charlene, thank you so much for your reply. It's seems so hard to get a resident permit, hahah. But they did not required you to take the licensure exam? 🌼 Yeah, I will check on that, but maybe I can gather more information if I go to their embassy here. Hahaha, after I have all the documents I need and the experience. Thank you so much Charlene. hope I didn't bother you that much hahaha. Have a wonderful day🌼

[@omar-cz6ec]

Hi! Im also from the US interested in moving to Switzerland as a physical therapist. Is there anyway i could reach out to you and ask some questions about what your experience was like? Thanks, Omar

[@whereshexplores]

Hey! You can reach me on Instagram for more questions!

[@omar-cz6ec]

@@whereshexplores thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, i don't have Instagram. Was it easy for you to get a job in Switzerland? And how difficult was it to transition to working completely in German (note taking, talking to patients, and coworkers, etc.)?

[@whereshexplores]

Sorry for just replying now, YT notifications are not so good. As a foreigner, you have to pass the B2 exam before being a licensed PT. I grew up bilingual and have an easy time learning languages so it was easier for me than others. I was able to understand some Swiss German within the first 3 months of working so that made it easier working with patients since I worked mostly with elderly clients. Writing is the most challenging, but thank goodness for the internet translations 😉

[@abbypt1797]

Hi. Congratulations! 😍 I'm a Filipina physio, and I also aspire to work in Switzerland someday. May I know if it is easy to find work there in Switzerland even without any Swiss or Non-EU connections/relatives?

[@whereshexplores]

Hello! It was difficult as a non-EU citizen, as I tried it 2 years ago when my husband and I were still dating. I got offers for interview (back then I had A level German only, required is B2). However, as soon as they found out that I did not have a resident permit they didn’t want to interview me anymore, even if I have American citizenship. BUT I think you should still try! I tried with the Young Professionals Program and I know Philippines is on that list. Maybe they will be more open since the demand of PTs is really high here.

[@abbypt1797]

@@whereshexplores may I know where can I join the Young Professionals Program? thank you for your response! I appreciate it. It will sure take longer for me to land a job there cause I do not have any swiss connections but thanks for giving me an idea and i hope i can find a pathway soon 😊❤️🙏

[@whereshexplores]

You can search it on google! I actually just found out about it through my searches. There is an age limit though. If you have more questions you can DM me on ig 😊

[@myuniverse8457]

What’s the age limit?

[@whereshexplores]

Hi I'm not sure if they have an age limit!

[@Suissi_vlogs]

Please tell me how you deal with Schweizer deutsch people? Have you learned Swiss German?

[@whereshexplores]

Hi I don't treat them any differently than I would treat anyone. 😊 I am now able to understand Swiss German, but I don't think I will be able to speak it. I just respond in high German, but I was told in Germany that my accent sounds like I live in Switzerland lol

[@Suissi_vlogs]

Hi, I am Spanish national and I want to work in Switzerland as nutritionist. I am interested in industrial side. Do I still need to go this recognition process? Because I am not perusing clinical side

[@whereshexplores]

Hi I am not sure what it takes to work for the industrial side. It may still be needed if they want you to say that you are licensed in Switzerland because I know that other EU nationals who work the clinical side still need to get the Swiss recognition. I'm sorry I can't help much! It might be good if you directly email the board responsible for Nutrition and they can guide you better

[@Suissi_vlogs]

Ok thank you so much. Can you tell me in how much time you did your B2 exam?

[@whereshexplores]

Yes I will be making a video on that soon with resources on what helped me learn German 😇

[@Suissi_vlogs]

Yes please! Really needed. 😊🙏

[@bonibonbon2000]

hi sis congrats sa success ng Anerkennung mo. btw i have sets of questions: 1. nirequired ba sa sa Gesuchsunterlagen ang Course Syllabus? ska may I know please kung ano po yung complete final requirements para sa 2nd step ng Anerkennung. 2. complete positive decision po ba yung decision ng SRK sa application mo? kung baga no need for further trainings, exams etc? 3. kamusta po ang pag aapply mo as PT sa Switzerland? mataas po ba ang demand ng PT sa Schweiz? thanks in advance 😊❤️

[@whereshexplores]

Hi thank you! 😊 Yes required yung course syllabus and I had to send my university catalog information to them (may kasamang description ng course). After ko siya sinend kasi tinanong lang nila at the end. Pero super strict nila and I had to contact my university and I asked them to send the same information I sent in para "official" so yun yung nakakainis. Also if you have the calendar of semester schedule it's also good to have. Yes I didn't need further training kasi mas mataas yung degree ko kasi dito Bachelor lang ang kailangan to practice. Mabilis ang application dito basta you have the Anerkennung and confident ka na magsalita ng German kasi B2 level naman na. Minsan kailangan lang yung walang hiya kahit marami mali 😂 you learn more from work during the first month pati dialect. Nandito ka na ba?

[@bonibonbon2000]

Hallo charlene. Thank you so much for tge reply. Very much appreciated. yes nandito na ako sa Switzerland and learning the B2 language. Mga 1 year and 3 months na rin akong nandito and pag natapos ko na ung b2 Kurs ko, exam naman and all para mkpag proceed sa next level ng anerkennung. Required kc tlga ang zertifikat unlike before pde kna mag process and to follow nlang ang b2 zertifikat. Btw i still have sets of questions, i hope okay lang sau. 😊 1. Sa finaL requirements po ba, nid ipa notarized dito sa Switzerland lahat ng dox required? 2. Pwede po ba malaman ung list of complete requirements sa 2nd step ng Anerkennung? Para makapag request na ako skul. Ang tgal kc ngaun ng processing due to pandemic. Dati pdeng pumunta in person sa school, ngaun panay email request kya ang tgal ng response nila. Danke im Voraus Charlene und bleib gesund ❤️😊

[@whereshexplores]

@@bonibonbon2000 Hi Boni! Sorry I didn't see your comment dahil sa youtube. Yung final requirements dahil sinend directly ng PT school ko sa SRK email, hindi ko na siya kinailangan i-notarize. But you can't send it in until they have the case number for your application and all, otherwise baka mahirapan ka pa in the end. It's better to wait if anything. Sana ma-pass mo ng walang problema yung test. Super sakit sa ulo ang pag review for B2 haha! I'm glad I don't have to do it anymore. 3 months lang pala ako mas maaga pumunta sayo dito. How do you like it so far? Danke gleichfalls You can also message me on instagram if you have more questions :)

[@bonibonbon2000]

Hi charlene. unfortunatey di ko maopen instagram ko coz i don’t use it so often and i forgot my password already. btw may idea kb kung magkano ang entry level halimbawa sa Switzerland with 10 years of experience sa phil as PT? Danke charlene. sending hugs 🤗

[@whereshexplores]

Hi I just published a new video baka makatulong sayo to know what it's like to practice in Switzerland as a PT! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX_UlpmvorF-r7c

[@Aaisha.physio]

Did you complete all this processes by going there(going to swiss) or uou did all this process from your hometown

[@whereshexplores]

I had to be in Switzerland because I needed my residence permit to start the process. Without the residence permit since I was not a Swiss or EU passport holder, it was not possible to start the process even if I had all the documents and requirements.

[@Aaisha.physio]

@@whereshexplores it means we have to present in switzerland for applying physio job ??? Am I right

[@Aaisha.physio]

Hlo mam can you pls tell me how can i work as a license physiotherapist after completing bachelor's degree in physiotherapy ( fresher)... Can you pls tell me how can i become a physiotherapist in swiss wht should i have to do, is there any exam we have to give or wht pls tell me

[@whereshexplores]

Hi, please watch the video and see if the following applies to you. Thanks!

[@durajetarifi5112]

hello can you please tell the average salary in swis as physical therapy

[@whereshexplores]

Hey you can find out gov't collected information here: www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/en/home/statistics/work-income/wages-income-employment-labour-costs.html

[@durajetarifi5112]

@@whereshexplores i cant look it up can you tell me the average salary per month

[@sahal_physio_coach2532]

Thanks a lot for the video, can you please drop your mail to clear some of my queries. Thanks in advance :)

[@varishabhatt6634]

Can I know your Instagram id ?

[@whereshexplores]

Hi! It's @calipina.ch