Therapy and rehabilitation
A field of study in health and welfare
Vocational or degree?Both routes3 in 10 train through vocational routes in the EU: 262,000 finished vocational training and 527,000 higher education in this field (2024). Figures for the wider field.Eurostat
Do graduates use it?81% in a matching jobof health and welfare graduates with a degree in the EU work in a job that matches what they studied. After vocational training: 73%.All health and welfare fields · Eurostat 2024
Do they find work?87% in workof people who finished higher education in the last 1 to 3 years in the EU (2025). Vocational training: 80%. General upper secondary only: 67%.All fields · Eurostat
What you'd learn
KineticsMovement techniquesRehabilitationDieteticsTherapeutic massageMassage theoryTypes of aromatherapy treatmentsKinesiologyMassage typesFasciatherapyNutritionOsteopathy+ 13 more
The knowledge areas ESCO files under this field, those most needed by jobs first. Actual programmes vary by school and country.
Where it can lead
12 jobs use what this field teaches.
| Job | Prospects | Pay | Usual study | AI exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masseur/masseuse | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Kinesiologist | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Shiatsu practitioner | Good | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Massage therapist | Good | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Weight loss consultant | Average | Below average | Vocational | Very low |
| Complementary therapist | Good | Well above average | Degree | Low |
| Physiotherapy assistant | Good | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Occupational therapy assistant | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Aromatherapist | Good | Well above average | Degree | Low |
| Prosthetist-orthotist | Good | About average | Post-secondary | Very low |
| Osteopath | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Dietetic technician | Good | About average | Post-secondary | Low |
Jobs that need the knowledge this field teaches (ESCO), closest match first. This is not a record of where graduates actually end up: no EU-wide data says that per field.
Where to study
946 institutions in the EU offer health and welfare bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.