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Physiotherapist

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Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who help people recover from injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice. They work with patients of all ages to improve physical wellbeing and prevent further injury. Physiotherapists often collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other specialists to create treatment plans tailored to each individual. In the UK, physiotherapists may work in NHS hospitals, community clinics, care homes, private practices, or with sports teams. The role involves assessing patients, setting treatment goals, and monitoring progress. To become a physiotherapist in the UK, you need a degree in physiotherapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It is a rewarding career for those interested in science, health, and helping others regain their independence.

Physiotherapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Newly qualified physiotherapists in the UK (Band 5 NHS) typically earn between £28,407 and £34,581 per year.

Job Demand

There were over 66,000 registered physiotherapists in the UK as of 2023, with strong demand in both NHS and private sectors.

Work Settings

Approximately 80 percent of physiotherapists in the UK work in hospitals or community health settings, with others working in sports, schools, or private practice.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Sports Physiotherapist

Specialises in helping athletes recover from injuries and improve their physical performance, often working with sports teams or in sports clinics.

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Paediatric Physiotherapist

Focuses on treating children and young people with movement difficulties, developmental conditions, or injuries.

Neurological Physiotherapist

Works with patients who have neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinsons disease to improve movement and quality of life.

Complete Relevant GCSEs and A Levels

Achieve Strong GCSE Results

Obtain good GCSE grades, especially in English, Maths, and Sciences, as these are essential for further study.

Most universities require at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, Maths, and Science. Good results will help you progress to A Levels or other Level 3 qualifications needed for university entry.

Choose Relevant A Levels

Select A Levels such as Biology, PE, or Psychology, as these are often preferred for physiotherapy courses.

A minimum of two or three A Levels is generally required, including at least one science subject. Some colleges may accept equivalent Level 3 qualifications, such as BTECs in Health and Social Care.

Obtain a Degree in Physiotherapy

Apply for an HCPC-Approved Physiotherapy Degree

Apply to universities offering physiotherapy degrees accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

A physiotherapy degree typically lasts three years full-time or up to six years part-time. Entry is competitive, so gaining work experience or volunteering in healthcare settings can strengthen your application.

Complete Academic and Practical Training

Engage in both classroom learning and clinical placements throughout your degree to gain practical experience.

Courses combine theoretical study with hands-on placements in NHS or private health settings. You will learn about anatomy, physiology, and the techniques used in physiotherapy, as well as develop essential patient care skills.

Register and Start Your Physiotherapy Career

Register with the HCPC

Apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, which is required to practise as a physiotherapist in the UK.

Once you have completed your degree, you must register with the HCPC to legally work as a physiotherapist. Registration ensures you meet professional standards and can work in the NHS or private sector.

Apply for Physiotherapist Positions

Seek employment in hospitals, clinics, community health centres, or private practices.

Newly qualified physiotherapists usually start as Band 5 in the NHS. You can specialise in areas such as sports, paediatrics, or neurological physiotherapy as you gain experience. Continuous professional development is important to progress in your career.

🎯 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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