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Physiotherapist

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Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who help people affected by injury, illness, or disability through movement, exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice. They work with patients of all ages to improve mobility, manage pain, and prevent further problems. Physiotherapists treat a wide range of conditions, including sports injuries, arthritis, stroke rehabilitation, and post-operative recovery. Most work within the NHS, but there are also opportunities in private clinics, sports clubs, and community settings. The role requires excellent communication skills, empathy, and a strong understanding of the human body. To become a physiotherapist in the UK, you need to complete an approved degree in physiotherapy and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Physiotherapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Physiotherapists in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year, with experienced specialists and consultants earning up to £60,000 or more.

Job Availability

There are over 60,000 registered physiotherapists in the UK as of 2023, with high demand across NHS trusts, private practices, and sports organisations.

Working Hours

Most physiotherapists work around 37.5 hours per week, often including some evenings or weekends, especially in hospital settings.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Paediatric Physiotherapist

Works with children and young people to help them recover from injuries, manage conditions, and improve physical development.

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Sports Physiotherapist

Specialises in treating sports-related injuries and helping athletes recover and maintain peak physical condition.

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Neurological Physiotherapist

Focuses on helping patients recover movement and function following neurological conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis.

Achieve Required Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A Levels

Achieve at least five GCSEs at grades 4-9, including English, Maths, and Science, and then take A levels (or equivalent) in subjects such as Biology, Physical Education, or Psychology.

Most physiotherapy degree courses require you to have a good foundation in science subjects, particularly Biology. Consider also relevant Level 3 qualifications such as BTEC in Health and Social Care. Strong grades will help you get into your chosen university.

Gain a Physiotherapy Degree

Apply for and complete a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy, which is usually a three-year full-time course approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

You will study anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and practical physiotherapy skills. Most courses include placements in hospitals or clinics, providing real-world experience. Some universities offer part-time or apprenticeship routes.

Register with the HCPC

Upon graduation, register with the Health and Care Professions Council to become a licensed physiotherapist.

Registration is a legal requirement to practise as a physiotherapist in the UK. The process is straightforward once you have completed an approved degree. You must also demonstrate your fitness to practise and adhere to professional standards.

Develop Practical Experience

Complete Work Placements

Undertake practical placements as part of your degree to gain hands-on experience in different healthcare settings.

Placements might be in NHS hospitals, private clinics, sports teams, or community centres. You will work with qualified physiotherapists and real patients, developing your skills and confidence.

Seek Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteer in healthcare environments to broaden your experience and understanding of the profession.

Look for volunteering roles at local hospitals, care homes, or sports clubs. These opportunities help you build your CV and make valuable professional contacts.

Start Your Physiotherapy Career

Apply for Physiotherapist Positions

Look for entry-level roles within the NHS, private practices, sports organisations, or community health settings.

Most new physiotherapists start as Band 5 practitioners in the NHS. You may specialise later in areas such as musculoskeletal, neurological, or paediatric physiotherapy. Keep your HCPC registration and consider joining the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) for professional support.

Continue Professional Development

Engage in ongoing learning to maintain your professional registration and advance your career.

Attend courses, workshops, or pursue postgraduate qualifications to learn about new techniques and specialisms. Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for career progression to advanced or specialist roles.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Physiotherapist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can do a physiotherapy degree course approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

You can also do a postgraduate master's course if you already have a first degree in a related subject, like:

  • biological science
  • health science
  • sports and exercise science

Once you are qualified and have clinical experience you could specialise in an area like sports injuries and rehabilitation.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Physiotherapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

It usually takes 4 years to complete and includes a mix of learning on the job while studying at university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship

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Work

You may be able to start as a physiotherapy assistant and study part time for a degree or degree apprenticeship to qualify as a physiotherapist.

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some get some volunteering experience in a healthcare setting before you apply for a course.

You can also get advice on work experience from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

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Registration

Career tips

You'll be expected to show an understanding of the NHS values when applying for jobs and apprenticeships.

If you're interested in sports physiotherapy, it will help if you can get some experience with an amateur sports team or club. This will show your commitment when it comes to applying for training and jobs.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for professional development and to build up your contacts in the industry.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in physiotherapy from:

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