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Physiotherapist

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Physiotherapists help people recover from injuries, illnesses or disabilities through movement, exercise, manual therapy, and advice. They work with patients of all ages, including those recovering from operations, sports injuries, strokes, or managing long-term conditions. Physiotherapists are employed in hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and sometimes visit patients at home. The role involves assessing patients, developing treatment plans, and educating them on exercises and lifestyle adjustments to aid their recovery. Physiotherapists often work as part of a wider healthcare team alongside doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists.

Physiotherapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Physiotherapists in the UK earn between £28,407 and £50,056 per year in the NHS, depending on experience and seniority (Agenda for Change pay bands 5 to 7).

Job Availability

There were over 63,000 registered physiotherapists in the UK as of 2023, with demand expected to grow due to an ageing population and increased focus on rehabilitation.

Entry Requirements

To become a physiotherapist, you must complete a degree approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Most courses require at least 2 A levels (or equivalent), including a science subject.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Paediatric Physiotherapist

Works with children and young people to help them overcome physical difficulties resulting from illness, injury or disability.

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Sports Physiotherapist

Specialises in treating athletes and sports teams, helping them recover from injuries and improve their performance.

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Neurological Physiotherapist

Focuses on helping patients who have conditions affecting their nervous system, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease.

Achieve Relevant Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A Levels

Focus on science subjects such as Biology, Physical Education, and Chemistry at school.

To become a physiotherapist in the UK, you will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, Maths, and a science subject. For A levels, Biology is particularly useful and is often required by universities offering physiotherapy courses. Some universities may also accept BTEC or equivalent qualifications in health and science subjects.

Obtain a Physiotherapy Degree

Apply to a university offering an approved BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course.

Physiotherapy degrees in the UK are usually three years full time. You may need to attend interviews and complete work experience or volunteering in a healthcare setting to strengthen your application. Courses combine theory with practical placements in hospitals and community settings. Approved courses are listed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Register and Gain Experience

Register with the HCPC

Become a registered physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council.

After completing your degree, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practice as a physiotherapist in the UK. Registration involves submitting your qualifications and may require a character reference. Only those registered with the HCPC can use the protected title 'physiotherapist'.

Find a Job or Preceptorship

Apply for roles in the NHS, private practice, or sports organisations.

Most new physiotherapists start their careers in the NHS, but there are also opportunities in private clinics, sports teams, charities, and industry. Many NHS trusts offer preceptorship programmes to support new graduates as they begin their professional practice. These programmes help you build confidence and gain essential experience.

Develop Your Career and Specialise

Continue Professional Development

Take part in further training, courses, and specialisation opportunities.

Physiotherapists need to keep their skills up to date through continuing professional development (CPD). This might include attending workshops, studying for postgraduate qualifications, or specialising in areas such as sports injuries, paediatrics, neurology, or elderly care. Joining the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) can provide access to resources and networks.

Progress to Senior or Specialist Roles

Aim for roles such as Senior Physiotherapist, Team Leader, or Clinical Specialist.

With experience, you can move into more senior positions, manage a team, or specialise in a particular area of physiotherapy. Some physiotherapists also move into teaching, research, or set up their own private practice. Leadership roles often involve supervising junior staff and contributing to the development of services.

🎯 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.

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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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