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Physiotherapist

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Physiotherapists help people recover from injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice. They work with patients of all ages in hospitals, clinics, community settings, and even in people's homes. The role involves assessing patients' physical conditions, developing treatment plans, and supporting people to improve their mobility and quality of life. Physiotherapists often work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, occupational therapists, and nurses, to provide holistic care. Good communication skills, empathy, and a strong understanding of the human body are important for success in this field.

Physiotherapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Physiotherapists in the UK typically earn between £25,655 and £45,839 per year within the NHS (Band 5 to Band 7), with higher earnings possible in private practice or senior roles.

Job Opportunities

There are over 63,000 registered physiotherapists in the UK, and demand is expected to grow by around 4 percent per year due to an ageing population and increased focus on physical health.

Working Hours

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

🚀 Careers in this path

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Paediatric Physiotherapist

Works with babies, children and young people to help them improve their movement and physical development after injury, illness or disability.

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Sports Physiotherapist

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

Neurological Physiotherapist

Focuses on helping people recover movement and function after neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease.

Achieve Relevant Qualifications

Complete GCSEs and A-levels

Focus on science subjects such as Biology and Physical Education at GCSE and A-level.

Most university physiotherapy courses require at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 including English, Maths, and Science, as well as A-levels, usually including Biology or another science. Work hard in these subjects to keep your options open.

Apply for a Physiotherapy Degree

Apply to a university offering a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy is a protected title in the UK, so you must complete an approved degree. Courses typically last three years full-time, with a mix of academic study and practical placements. Applications are made through UCAS, and you may need to attend an interview as part of the selection process.

Gain Practical Experience

Complete work experience or voluntary work in a healthcare or physiotherapy setting.

Many universities look for applicants with some experience in a care or physiotherapy environment. This could include volunteering at hospitals, care homes, or sports clubs. Practical experience will help you decide if the career is right for you and strengthen your university application.

Develop Professional Skills

Undertake Clinical Placements

Gain hands-on experience during your degree through supervised clinical placements.

Clinical placements are a core part of your physiotherapy degree. You will work with real patients under the supervision of qualified physiotherapists in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. These placements help you apply your knowledge in practice and develop essential skills.

Build Communication and Empathy

Practise effective communication and empathetic care with patients.

Physiotherapists need to explain treatment plans clearly and motivate patients through their recovery. Developing strong listening skills, patience, and empathy is essential for building trust and supporting patients’ progress.

Register and Begin Practising

Register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Apply for registration with the HCPC to become a licensed physiotherapist.

You need to be registered with the HCPC to legally work as a physiotherapist in the UK. Registration is straightforward if you have completed an approved degree. You will need to demonstrate your qualifications and fitness to practise.

Find Your First Physiotherapy Job

Look for entry-level physiotherapist roles within the NHS, private practices, or sports clubs.

Newly qualified physiotherapists often start in rotational posts within the NHS, gaining experience in different clinical areas. You may also find opportunities in private clinics, sports teams, or community health settings. Continue developing your skills with support from more experienced colleagues.

Continue Professional Development

Engage in ongoing learning and consider specialising in a particular area of physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists must keep their knowledge and skills up to date. This could involve attending courses, workshops, or working towards further qualifications in areas such as sports physiotherapy, paediatrics, or neurology. Continuous professional development is vital for career progression.

🎯 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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