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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 work aims to restore movement and function when someone is affected by a health condition, as well as to prevent further injury. Physiotherapists work with patients of all ages, from children to older adults, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. They may specialise in areas such as musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. The role can involve working in hospitals, clinics, patients' homes, or sports facilities.

Physiotherapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Starting Salary

Newly qualified physiotherapists in the UK typically start on Band 5 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, which is around £28,407 to £34,581 per year.

Number of Registered Physiotherapists

As of 2023, there are over 70,000 physiotherapists registered with the Health and Care Professions Council in the UK.

Employment Opportunities

The NHS employs the majority of physiotherapists in the UK, but there are also roles in private practice, sports clubs, and community health settings.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Paediatric Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist who specialises in helping children and young people improve their movement and physical abilities.

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Sports Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist who works with athletes and sports teams to prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries.

Neuro Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist who focuses on helping people with neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease to regain movement and independence.

Achieve Academic Qualifications

Complete GCSEs

Obtain at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, Maths, and Science.

Most physiotherapy university courses require a strong foundation in science subjects. Biology is especially helpful, as it provides knowledge about the human body and how it functions. Focus on achieving good grades to keep your options open for further study.

Study A Levels or Equivalent

Take A Levels, usually including Biology, PE, or another science subject, or complete a relevant BTEC or Scottish Higher.

Most universities ask for at least two or three A Levels, with Biology often required or highly recommended. Alternatively, a BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care or Applied Science can be accepted. Check the entry requirements of the universities you are interested in, as they may vary.

Gain a Recognised Degree

Apply for a Physiotherapy Degree

Apply to universities offering a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, which is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Physiotherapy degrees are typically three years full-time. Applications are made through UCAS. Ensure the course is HCPC-accredited, as this is required to practise as a physiotherapist in the UK. Some universities also offer part-time courses or degree apprenticeships.

Complete the Degree and Placements

Complete your physiotherapy degree, including all required coursework and clinical placements.

During your degree, you will gain both academic knowledge and practical experience through placements in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. This hands-on training is essential to develop your skills in real-life situations and to meet the requirements for professional registration.

Register and Begin Your Career

Register with the HCPC

Register with the Health and Care Professions Council to be legally allowed to practise as a physiotherapist.

After successfully completing your degree, you must register with the HCPC. This involves providing evidence of your qualifications and may include a character reference. Registration ensures you meet the standards required to practise safely and effectively.

Apply for Entry Level Roles

Apply for physiotherapy jobs in the NHS, private practices, sports clubs, or community health settings.

Look for jobs such as Band 5 Physiotherapist in the NHS or similar positions in private clinics. You may also choose to specialise in areas such as paediatrics, sports injuries, or elderly care as your career progresses. Continuing professional development is important to maintain your registration and advance 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.

🎓 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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