Introduction:

Changes in knowledge and practice have consolidated physiotherapy as an emerging fast-growing profession. However, the market dynamics and the configuration of health systems have transformed the characteristics of human resources, as well as the working conditions, advances and trends of professional practice.

Objective:

To characterize the current state of the professional practice of physiotherapy in the organizational framework of the Colombian health system, since its transformations have impacted the professional practices of the health sector.

Materials and methods:

An online survey was applied to physiotherapists graduated from Universidad Nacional de Colombia between 1980 and 2012. The survey evaluates the fields and areas of performance, working conditions, professional autonomy, social assessment and morbidity profile.

Results:

Physiotherapy is conceived as a profession required by society, with fields and areas of performance projected beyond the health sector. However, the deteriorating work conditions are worrying, particularly recruitment, low wages and restrictions for autonomous professional practice, especially those related to healthcare services.

Conclusions:

It is necessary to ensure working conditions that promote a suitable professional practice and the permanence of professionals, particularly in clinical practice.

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