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Physiotherapist

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Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who help people affected by injury, illness, or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice. Their aim is to improve a patient's quality of life by promoting recovery, reducing pain, and restoring movement and function. Physiotherapists work with people of all ages, from premature babies to the elderly, and see patients in a variety of settings including hospitals, GP surgeries, sports clubs, and private clinics. The job also involves creating tailored treatment plans, teaching patients exercises, and working closely with other health professionals. To become a physiotherapist in the UK, you need an approved degree in physiotherapy and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Physiotherapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Physiotherapists in the UK earn between £28,407 and £43,742 per year within the NHS, with experienced specialists or managers earning up to £50,056.

Job Availability

There are over 70,000 registered physiotherapists in the UK, with strong demand in hospitals, private practices, and community settings.

Typical Working Hours

Most physiotherapists work around 37.5 hours per week, often on a rota including evenings and weekends in hospital settings.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Paediatric Physiotherapist

Specialises in helping children improve their movement skills and physical development, often working in hospitals, schools or community settings.

Sports Physiotherapist

Works with athletes and sports teams to prevent and treat injuries, improve performance, and support rehabilitation in a sporting environment.

Neurological Physiotherapist

Focuses on patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, helping them regain movement and independence.

Prepare for University Entry

Achieve Good GCSEs and A-Levels

Focus on subjects like Biology, Physical Education, or Health and Social Care at GCSE and A-Level.

Universities typically look for at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English, Maths, and Science. At A-Level, Biology is highly recommended and some universities may require it. Gaining good grades will help you meet the entry requirements for physiotherapy degree courses.

Gain Relevant Experience

Seek work experience or volunteering in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or care homes.

Work experience shows your commitment to healthcare and gives you insight into the profession. Try contacting local hospitals, clinics, or care homes to ask if you can shadow a physiotherapist or volunteer. This experience will also strengthen your university application.

Get Qualified

Complete a Physiotherapy Degree

Apply for and complete an approved BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy degrees in the UK are usually three years full-time. Courses combine academic study with practical placements in hospitals and other settings. Use the UCAS website to research and apply to universities that offer HCPC-approved physiotherapy programmes.

Register with the HCPC

Register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise as a physiotherapist.

After successfully completing your degree, you must register with the HCPC. This is a legal requirement to work as a physiotherapist in the UK. The registration process checks your qualifications and suitability for the role.

Start Your Career

Apply for Physiotherapy Jobs

Look for entry-level physiotherapist roles in the NHS, private clinics, or community health settings.

Newly qualified physiotherapists often start in NHS band 5 positions, but you can also find roles in private practice, sports clubs, or rehabilitation centres. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your education, placements, and relevant skills.

Continue Professional Development

Take part in ongoing training and consider specialisations as you gain experience.

Physiotherapists are expected to keep their skills up to date. You can attend workshops, complete postgraduate courses, or specialise in areas such as paediatrics, sports physiotherapy, or neurology. Continuous learning helps you 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.

More Information

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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