Physiotherapist
What is the work like?
Physiotherapists treat patients with a range of physical difficulties, which may be caused by accidents, disability, illness or ageing. They work with patients to maximise the range of movement they experience, and to promote health and wellbeing.
As a physiotherapist your work could include:
- helping patients with spinal and joint problems, especially after an operation
- assisting in the rehabilitation of patients recovering from accidents, sports injuries and strokes
- working with children who have mental or physical disabilities
- promoting greater mobility in older people experiencing physical problems.
Physiotherapy is particularly useful for people with problems surrounding the function of their muscles, bones, heart, circulation and lungs. You could work with clients in a range of areas and departments, such as paediatrics, outpatients, intensive care, womens health and occupational health.
You would use a variety of treatments and techniques with patients, including:
- physical manipulation
- massage
- therapeutic exercise
- electrotherapy
- ultrasound
- acupuncture
- hydrotherapy.
You would keep accurate records of client's treatment and progress, often working closely with other health professionals, such as occupational therapists, health visitors and social workers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a chartered physiotherapist you need a physiotherapy degree approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). This will make you eligible for state registration and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Check the HPC and CSP websites for a list of course providers.
To get onto a degree in physiotherapy, you will usually need:
- at least five GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English and a range of science subjects
- four AS levels at grade B or above
- three A levels at grade C or above, including a biological science.
Check with universities for exact requirements because alternatives, such as an Access to Higher Education course, may also be accepted.
You would have an advantage if you also had some relevant experience. Contact the voluntary services coordinator or manager at your local NHS Trust for details. And for further advice, why not read our article on Volunteering in the health sector?
When you apply for a course you will have a CRB check, however, a criminal conviction does not automatically exclude you from working in the NHS. The admissions tutor for your course can give you details.
Alternative entry routes
Cadet scheme – if you are aged 16 to 19 you could prepare for a career in physiotherapy by doing a two-year Cadet Scheme. This involves clinical placements and working towards a qualification such as an NVQ Level 3 in Health, which may satisfy the entry criteria for a physiotherapy degree. Check with your local NHS Trust or NHS Careers for details.
Physiotherapy assistant – as an assistant you may be able to take a part-time degree in physiotherapy whilst working. Check the Physiotherapy Assistant job profile for more information. NHS Careers and the CSP have details of part-time degree course providers.
Accelerated postgraduate courses – if you have a first class or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject (such as a biological science, psychology or sports science) you could qualify as a physiotherapist by taking a fast-track postgraduate course. Contact the CSP for details.
What further training and development can I do?
As a qualified physiotherapist, you would be encouraged to expand your knowledge and skills by attending workshops, portfolio development courses and reflective practice programmes as part of your Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Check the CSP website for details of over 500 post-qualifying courses listed on their course database.
If you are a qualified physiotherapist wishing to return to the profession after a career break, you could take a return-to-practice or refresher training course. The CSP can send you an information pack.
Where can I go for more information?
Park House184 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BU
Tel: 020 7582 0866
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
London
WC1R 4ED
Tel: 020 7306 6666
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for physiotherapists in the NHS are between £19,600 and £25,500.
- Specialist physiotherapists can earn around £32,000.
- Team managers and advanced physiotherapists can earn up to £37,500.
Salaries in the private sector are generally similar to those in the NHS.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work 37.5 hours a week, based in a hospital or the community, in a health centre, clinic or GP surgery. You may also visit patients in their own homes.
In local authorities, voluntary organisations or the private sector, you may be based in a nursing home, fitness centre or sports clinic.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in anatomy, physiology and health science
- a genuine concern for the health and wellbeing of patients
- excellent communication skills
- good teamworking skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- good interpersonal skills
- patience, sensitivity and tact
- good organisational and administrative skills.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most job opportunities in the NHS, however, you could also work with local authorities and in the private sector in settings such as day centres, schools, hospices, care homes, fitness centres and sports clinics.
With experience you could become self-employed and set up your own private practice. Within the NHS, you may be able to progress to senior physiotherapist or move into health service management.
You could go on to specialise in an area such as orthopaedics, sports therapy, occupational health, or working with older people or children. Other related areas of work include research or teaching.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading:
NHS Jobs
NHS Choices, for a list of NHS Trusts
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
