An Interview with Gadikota Kumar, Final Year BPT Student at East Point College of Physiotherapy

East Point College of Physiotherapy is a private institution that has been affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. The institution was established in the year 2018, and approved by the Government of Karnataka. The college offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including BPT and MPT courses. To secure EPCPT Bengaluru admission, applicants must fulfil the eligibility criteria set for their selected specialisation.

Careers360 interviewed Gadikota Kumar, a final-year BPT student at East Point College of Physiotherapy, Bengaluru. In this interaction, he shares his experiences and journey at the institute. Read the full article to learn about the insights from a student’s perspective.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself. Where are you from? What makes you want to pursue a BPT degree? What do you hope to achieve with East Point College of Physiotherapy?

Gadikota Kumar: I’m Gadikota Kumar from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, currently pursuing my Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy at East Point College of Physiotherapy. My passion for patient care—especially in the area of musculoskeletal rehabilitation—inspired me to take up this course. Physiotherapy is a dynamic and evolving field that blends clinical science with human empathy, and I find that deeply motivating.

I chose East Point College for its strong clinical training and integrated hospital facilities, which provide invaluable hands-on experience. My goal is to strengthen my clinical expertise and build a solid foundation for advanced studies in physiotherapy. In the long term, I hope to contribute to the field of rehabilitation by integrating evidence-based practice with patient-centered care, ultimately helping individuals regain mobility and quality of life.

Careers360: Presently which year are you? What has been your most rewarding academic experience thus far?

Gadikota Kumar: I am currently in my final year of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme at East Point College of Physiotherapy. One of the most rewarding experiences in my academic journey has been the hands-on clinical training at East Point Hospital. Working directly with patients under the supervision of experienced clinicians has significantly sharpened my practical skills and deepened my understanding of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. What makes this experience even more enriching is the opportunity to study in a multidisciplinary campus that houses colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences—all in one place. With access to the 1000-bedded East Point College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, the environment is truly ideal for a health science course like BPT.

Careers360: Tell us about the course curriculum and specialisations offered. Are the learnings more theory-based or practical-based?

Gadikota Kumar: East Point College of Physiotherapy is affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, offers a comprehensive curriculum that strikes an ideal balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The college offers an undergraduate programme in BPT and postgraduate programmes under the MPT degree.

The MPT specialisations include Musculoskeletal Sciences, Neurological Sciences, Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Sciences, Community Health, Sports Sciences, and Pediatrics. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core medical sciences while also equipping them with hands-on clinical skills through internships, case presentations, workshops, and hospital postings.

The programme places strong emphasis on clinical internships, hands-on workshops, seminars, and case presentations. Students benefit from real-world clinical exposure through postings at East Point Hospital and the 1000-bedded East Point College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre.

Careers360: Did you face any difficulty in the initial months when you joined the institute?

Gadikota Kumar: Yes, like many new students, the initial months came with a learning curve. Adjusting to the academic rigor, new environment, and clinical routines was challenging at first. However, East Point College made this transition easier with well-structured orientation sessions, peer support systems, and faculty mentorship.

Their supportive and student-friendly approach helped me settle in and adapt quickly. Over time, I became more confident in both the academic and clinical aspects of the course.

Careers360: Since now classes are being held in online mode majorly. Share your experience of online classes with us. What are the challenges of distance learning amid the coronavirus pandemic?

Gadikota Kumar: During the pandemic, online classes became the norm and brought both opportunities and challenges. While it allowed continuity in learning, the lack of physical interaction and limited hands-on practice were significant drawbacks for a clinical field like physiotherapy.

Technical issues, internet connectivity, and screen fatigue were also common concerns. However, the college adapted quickly by offering virtual simulations, recorded lectures, and e-resources, ensuring we didn’t miss essential learning outcomes. The faculty remained supportive throughout, making the most of digital tools.

Careers360: Chalk out the differences you felt between online and offline classes. How stressful is distance learning for you during the COVID-19 pandemic? Which mode of learning do you prefer?

Gadikota Kumar: Offline classes are definitely more effective for a hands-on profession like physiotherapy. They offer real-time interaction, immediate feedback, and better skill-building through practical sessions.

Distance learning, though convenient, often felt isolating and less engaging. Learning techniques like joint mobilizations or gait training are difficult to grasp without in-person demonstration. While online classes helped maintain academic progress during the pandemic, I much prefer offline learning for its immersive and collaborative nature.

Careers360: Were there any guest lectures/industry interactions held by the Institute during remote learning? Tell us about them.

Gadikota Kumar: Yes, despite the constraints of remote learning, East Point College organized several guest lectures and webinars featuring industry professionals and subject experts. These sessions covered recent advancements in physiotherapy, clinical case studies, and emerging techniques in patient management.

They helped us stay connected with industry trends and inspired us to think beyond textbooks. Such interactions kept us engaged and expanded our understanding of the real-world applications of physiotherapy.

Careers360: Does the institute provide opportunities to interact with industry stalwarts and people from the corporate world? If yes, share your experience and learnings.

Gadikota Kumar: Absolutely. The institute regularly invites professionals from reputed hospitals and rehab centers to share their experiences with students. These sessions are not only insightful but also motivating, as they offer clarity on career paths and current expectations in the physiotherapy domain. Personally, interacting with seasoned clinicians gave me a better understanding of specialisation choices and the qualities needed to excel in this profession.

Careers360: What activities are offered in the institute? Are there any clubs, societies, etc. for the various extracurricular activities? Which ones have you taken up and are a part of?

Gadikota Kumar: The college actively promotes extracurricular engagement through clubs and committees. Cultural, sports, and academic clubs organize fests, tournaments, and awareness programmes. I am part of the cultural committee, where I’ve had the opportunity to help organize several campus events. These activities have helped me build leadership skills, foster creativity, and stay balanced amidst academic demands.

Careers360: Tell us about the faculty-student ratio here and the teacher-student relationship in your understanding.

Gadikota Kumar: East Point maintains a favourable faculty-student ratio, allowing for better mentorship and individual attention. The teacher-student relationship is cordial and supportive, where students feel comfortable discussing doubts and seeking career guidance. Faculty members encourage open dialogue and foster a learning environment that is both respectful and enriching.

Careers360: Does your college help you get internships? Have you undergone an internship via college? Was there any stipend? Share your internship experience with us.

Gadikota Kumar: Yes, the college has a dedicated placement and internship coordination team. I completed my internship at East Point Hospital, where I received extensive hands-on training in various departments, including orthopedics and neurology. Though it was an unpaid internship, the practical exposure was invaluable. I learned about patient communication, therapy planning, and teamwork in a real clinical setting—skills that classroom learning alone could not provide.

Careers360: Tell us about the placement drive. Is there a placement cell in your college? Do seniors help you prepare for placements?

Gadikota Kumar: East Point College has an active placement cell that organizes campus drives and training sessions. Faculty and senior students provide guidance in resume writing, mock interviews, and skill development. The placement cell ensures that students are well-prepared and confident before stepping into the professional world.

Careers360: Which all companies generally visit your campus for placements? Can you give us an idea about the salary packages offered to the students at the time of placement?

Gadikota Kumar: Leading healthcare providers like Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, and Manipal Hospitals often visit our campus for recruitment. The salary packages offered vary depending on the role and location, but they generally range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 per month for fresh graduates, with opportunities for career growth.

Careers360: What all facilities do you have on the campus? What do you like here the most which you feel is unique and differentiating?

Gadikota Kumar: Our campus offers excellent facilities including spacious classrooms, advanced laboratories, a digital library, gym, and a hygienic cafeteria. What I appreciate most is the integrated learning environment with East Point Medical College Hospital right on campus, allowing us immediate access to clinical practice alongside our theoretical education.

Careers360: What about the medical facilities? Can you avail requisite medical attention if needed in an emergency?

Gadikota Kumar: Yes, being attached to East Point Hospital ensures that students receive immediate medical attention when needed. The hospital is well-equipped to handle emergencies, and medical care is always accessible for students, which also reassures our families back home.

Careers360: How do you balance your studies, projects, exams, and other activities?

Gadikota Kumar: Time management and goal setting have been crucial in balancing academics and extracurricular activities. I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance, allowing me to perform consistently across exams, projects, and club responsibilities while maintaining personal wellness.

Careers360: How comfortable are your hostels and how about the cleanliness factor over there?

Gadikota Kumar: The hostels at East Point are clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Facilities like Wi-Fi, gym access, study halls, and recreation areas make it a student-friendly space. Hygiene is regularly maintained, making it a safe and pleasant living environment.

Careers360: What are the popular hangouts at the institute? What, according to you, are the most-visited places nearby?

Gadikota Kumar: Within the campus, the canteen and garden areas are popular student hangouts. Outside the campus, students often visit nearby cafes, eateries, and parks for a break from academic life. These spots are perfect for bonding, relaxing, and recharging.

Careers360: How do you spend your leisure time at the campus?

Gadikota Kumar: In my free time, I enjoy participating in cultural activities, catching up with friends, playing sports, or simply reading. The campus atmosphere encourages both focus and fun, ensuring a well-balanced student life.

Disclaimer: This content has been published as a part of a marketing initiative between Careers360 and EPCPT Bengaluru.