Physiotherapist in Switzerland

Hi, I’m a self-employed physiotherapist in France, and as my wife (a nurse) and I look into working abroad in about two years, I’ve been offered an equivalence to become a respiratory physiotherapist in Switzerland. Actually, I’m currently doing a postgraduate diploma in pediatric respiratory physiotherapy and want to specialize in that area. Anyway, that’s not the main point—could anyone explain the pros and cons of doing this job in Switzerland? Based on the paperwork I’ve received, the equivalence seems purely administrative or almost... What about working conditions, quality of life, salaries, etc.?

Thanks for your replies. PS: Same question for my wife, a nurse, regarding her integration.

Thanks, Nicolas and Bérengère

What about working conditions, living conditions, salary...

Working conditions, life, and salary are better... Same for your wife...

PS: I know, my answer isn’t very constructive 😎

Good evening,

You asked the same question about the Caribbean six months ago—zero replies.

Now it’s Switzerland. You didn’t even use the Search button, because this question comes up almost every week, and you’ll find all the answers there.

Or on the internet. But I totally get how tempting it is to let someone else do the research for you and hand you a neat little report ready to use.

You already have the links to hospitals for your wife, and if you don’t, just Google "Swiss hospitals," "physiotherapists Switzerland"—you’ll find the Association’s website. Google "property management Switzerland" for apartment rentals, "Swiss administration" for the paperwork you need, and possible permits. Plus, you speak French—there’s no reason you can’t do this yourself.

You can also call Payot bookstore; they sell a little guidebook to make expat life easier.

Danielle

Hello, thanks for your reply. I haven’t changed my mind about wanting to change our lives in the coming years. When I asked about the Caribbean, I received private responses and specific, interesting contacts that really made us rethink things... That’s the whole point of forums, isn’t it?!

In our line of work, we can go just about anywhere—there’s work available. We’re not here to advertise or ask for handouts, but to find people who’ve taken the leap and can give us advice.

I already have the Swiss Red Cross paperwork for equivalency, and sites for living conditions. What I’m really looking for is contacts with interesting people who live there and their impressions.

Thanks to those who responded to this thread and in private.

I’m open to anyone who wants to chat. Nicolas

I’m one of those who replied in private.

Guess why!

I think I’ve figured it out—you don’t wanna get into a spat with your neighbor!!!!

And guess why I don’t feel like answering anymore: I’ve done it at least 50 times, so you’ve still got some room to catch up.

Bingo!

Well, thanks senior ch, I looked at your conversations and there are indeed some interesting things, but anyway, that's no reason—if our questions annoy you, just don’t answer, that’s all.

Anyway, moving on!!!!

So, the equivalence papers have arrived, and now I have mixed opinions about working in Switzerland while living in Switzerland or France!!!!!!!!! Even the health agency offering me contracts advises me to stay living in our beloved France... I’m currently looking into social benefits, taxes, retirement, cost of living... Well, yes, this Swiss paradise...

See also www.geinfo.ch for questions about Geneva.

Hi there, I’ve been living in Switzerland for two years now. I had my first experience at Helvetic Physio in Geneva. Great clinic and high-quality patient care.

You’ll need your full Red Cross certification to practice in Switzerland. https://helvetic-physio.ch