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Physiotherapist

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Physiotherapists help people recover from injuries, manage long-term conditions, and improve their movement and quality of life. They use a combination of manual therapy, exercise, and education to assess and treat patients of all ages. Physiotherapists work across a range of settings, including hospitals, GP surgeries, sports clubs, and private clinics. They may help patients who have had surgery, sports injuries, strokes, or conditions like arthritis and back pain. The role involves working closely with other healthcare professionals and creating treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.

Physiotherapist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Physiotherapists in the UK earn between £28,407 and £50,056 per year within the NHS, depending on experience and seniority.

Job Opportunities

There are over 60,000 registered physiotherapists in the UK, with strong demand in both NHS hospitals and private clinics.

Typical Working Hours

Physiotherapists usually work 37.5 hours per week, but may need to cover evenings or weekends in some settings.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Paediatric Physiotherapist

Works with babies, children and young people to help them recover from injuries or manage physical conditions, focusing on improving movement and development.

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Sports Physiotherapist

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

Neurological Physiotherapist

Supports people who have neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinsons disease, helping them improve their mobility and independence.

Gain Essential Qualifications

Achieve Required GCSEs and A-Levels

Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 4 9 including English, maths, and science, followed by A levels, ideally including biology or PE.

Most universities require specific GCSE and A-level subjects for physiotherapy courses, such as biology or physical education. Strong grades in science and maths will help you meet university entry requirements. Consider taking work experience in healthcare settings to strengthen your application.

Complete a Physiotherapy Degree

Apply for and complete an approved BSc degree in Physiotherapy, which typically takes three years full-time.

Physiotherapy degrees are offered at many UK universities and combine academic study with practical placements in hospitals and clinics. You will need to apply through UCAS. Entry is competitive, so experience in a care or health setting is highly recommended.

Register and Build Experience

Register with the Health and Care Professions Council

After graduating, register with the HCPC to legally practise as a physiotherapist in the UK.

Registration with the HCPC is mandatory and shows that you meet national standards for training, professional skills, behaviour, and health. Without this registration, you cannot work as a physiotherapist in the NHS or most private settings.

Gain Practical Experience

Apply for entry-level physiotherapist roles in hospitals, clinics, or community health settings.

Most newly qualified physiotherapists start with NHS Band 5 roles, where you will continue to develop your clinical skills under supervision. You may also choose to work in private practices, sports clubs, or with charities. Building a broad range of experience will help you specialise in the future.

Develop Specialisms and Advance Your Career

Pursue Further Training or Specialisation

Undertake further study or training in a specialist area such as paediatrics, sports injuries, or neurological physiotherapy.

As your career progresses, you may choose to specialise in areas like musculoskeletal, respiratory, or neurological physiotherapy. You can access postgraduate courses, on the job training, and professional development programmes to enhance your expertise.

Take on Senior or Leadership Roles

Progress to senior physiotherapist or management positions, or consider teaching or research.

With experience, you can move into more senior clinical roles, manage teams, or teach students. Some physiotherapists branch into research, helping to advance the profession. Continuous professional development is encouraged throughout 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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