Physiotherapists treat patients with physical problems which may be caused by accidents, illness or ageing. Physiotherapy is particularly useful for people with difficulties affecting their muscles, bones, heart, circulation and lungs.

Physiotherapists use a range of treatments including:

• manipulation
• massage
• therapeutic exercise
• electrotherapy
• ultrasound
• acupuncture 
• hydrotherapy.

The work can involve:

• helping patients with spinal and joint problems, especially after an operation
• assisting the rehabilitation of patients following accidents and sports injuries
• working with children who are mentally or physically disabled
• working with elderly patients with mobility problems.

As well as treating patients, a physiotherapist must keep accurate records of patient treatment and progress. Physiotherapists work in a team with other health care professionals.

Some physiotherapists specialise in sports therapy. For more details check the sports physiotherapist job profile.

Hours and Environment

Physiotherapists in the NHS generally work 37.5 hours a week.

Most physiotherapists working for the NHS are based in hospitals or in the community in health centres, clinics and GP surgeries. They also visit patients in their own homes. Some may work for the local authority and voluntary organisations or in the private sector in hospitals, clinics, hospices, nursing homes, fitness centres and sports clinics.

Some travel may be involved if working at several centres.

Skills and Interests

To be a physiotherapist, you should:

• have an interest and ability in health science
• be concerned for the health and wellbeing of patients
• have excellent communication skills
• work well as part of a team
• have good interpersonal skills
• be patient, sensitive and tactful
• have good organisational and administrative skills.

Entry

To become a chartered physiotherapist you need a physiotherapy degree approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). This will make you eligible for state registration and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Details of approved degree programmes are available from both the HPC and CSP websites; see Further Information for contact details.

Entry requirements for a degree in physiotherapy in England, Wales and Northern Ireland usually include four AS levels at grade B, followed by three A levels at grade C or above, including a biological science. In Scotland, you need five H grades (AABBB) with at least two science subjects.

You also need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including maths, English and a range of science subjects. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Entry requirements for mature applicants may vary, however, it is likely you will need to show evidence of recent science-based academic study.

Before applying for a course you should consider gaining relevant work experience, or shadowing a qualified physiotherapist. This would provide insight into the day-to-day work of a physiotherapist, and help you with your degree application. 

Alternative entry routes:
If you are 16-19 years old you can prepare for a career in physiotherapy by undertaking a two-year Cadet Scheme. On the scheme you will attend a range of clinical placements and work towards a qualification such as an NVQ Level 3 in Health; this may satisfy the academic entry requirements for a physiotherapy degree. Entry criteria for the scheme will vary; ask your local hospital trust or NHS Careers for further details.

Graduates with a first class or upper second class honours degree in a relevant discipline, such as a biological science, psychology or sports science, may be accepted onto an accelerated postgraduate programme. On completion, candidates are eligible for state registration and membership of the CSP. Contact the CSP for more details.

If you are working as a physiotherapy assistant it may be possible to take a part-time degree whilst remaining in employment. Ask your local hospital trust for details. NHS Careers hold information on part-time degree course providers.

Before applying for a course, candidates with a criminal record are advised to discuss the matter with the Admissions Tutor at the university. All students are subject to a police check at the beginning of the course and again prior to registering with the HPC.

Training

Physiotherapy degree courses take either three or four years of full-time study. Courses involve studying a range of subjects affecting human movement such as:

• orthopaedics (spinal conditions)
• trauma
• rheumatology
• paediatrics
• burns 
• plastic surgery.

The course also teaches how to deliver physiotherapy treatments, including:

• techniques such as massage and manipulation
• the use of electrical treatments like ultrasound and infrared radiation
• exercise therapy
• hydrotherapy.

There is a substantial practical element to the course which is based on placements in a clinical setting, working alongside qualified and experienced physiotherapists.

Qualified physiotherapists are encouraged to maintain, develop and enhance their knowledge and skills by undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which can be achieved through workshops, portfolio development courses, and a reflective practice programmes run by the CSP. The CSP hold details of over 500 post-qualifying courses which can be located by using the course database on the CSP website.

Free Refresher or Return to Practice Training is available for those wishing to return to the profession after a career break. Contact the CSP for more details; they can send out a relevant information pack.

Opportunities

Most physiotherapists work in the NHS. Other opportunities include working for local authorities or in the private sector in:

• hospitals
• hospices
• nursing/residential care homes
• fitness centres 
• sports clinics.

There are also opportunities for self-employment and private practice, and within larger organisations some physiotherapists work in an occupational health team.

As an experienced physiotherapist promotion to senior positions is possible. There are opportunities to specialise in one of many areas such as orthopaedics, sports therapy, occupational health, and working with the elderly or children.

Others work in research or teaching, or move into management.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Newly qualified physiotherapists in the NHS can earn between £19,200 and £24,800. 
Specialist physiotherapists can earn around £31,000.
Team managers can earn up to £36,400.
Principal or consultant physiotherapists can earn up to £51,000.

Salaries in the private sector are generally similar to those in the NHS.

Further information

Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk 14 Bedford Row
London
WC1R 4ED
Tel: 020 7306 6666 PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655 Park House
184 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BU
Tel: 020 7582 0866