Physiotherapist

As a physiotherapist, you’ll focus on maximising the movement of your patients to improve their health and wellbeing. You’ll make people’s lives easier as they use your expertise to learn to deal with:

• neurological conditions (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's)
• neuromusculoskeletal conditions (back pain, whiplash-associated disorders, sports injuries, arthritis)
• cardiovascular conditions (chronic heart disease, rehabilitation after heart attack)
• respiratory conditions (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis)

You’ll meet patients on a daily basis. Depending on each individual’s needs, you might recommend exercises, carry out massages, use high-tech ultrasound equipment, and possibly even hydrotherapy pools.

Once a patient’s mobility problem has been diagnosed, you'll work with them to agree a treatment plan. You'll also promote good health and advise people on how to avoid further injury.

You might work alone or as part of a team, but you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to places to work.

Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours and may include a mix of shifts, such as nights, early starts, evenings, and weekends. 

If you work in the NHS, you’ll be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting on band 5.

You will be able to claim £2,000 a year towards childcare costs through the NHS Learning Support Fund, and there’s funding available for adult dependants and some placement travel costs too. If you have a disability, there are grants to help with essential costs while studying via the Disabled Students’ Allowance.

If working on the NHS you will have access to one of the best pension schemes in the UK, as well as access to exclusive health service discounts and benefits at some of the most popular brands.

Physiotherapists are needed in nearly every hospital department, such as outpatients, women’s health, paediatrics, and occupational health. 

Physiotherapy is also provided in the local community. You could be based in a health centre and might treat patients in their own homes, day centres, nursing homes or schools.

As a physiotherapist, you will need to be a good communicator who can be hands-on and give simple explanations of conditions and treatments to clients. 

It’s vital to have a good chat and get as much information about your clients’ injuries and conditions as possible, so that you can provide the best level of care. That means you need to be both a good communicator and a good listener.

Being able to adapt to new situations is a vital part of becoming a physiotherapist. You will be presented with patients who suffer from a wide range of problems. Being able to switch from one to the other – and provide tailored advice for each individual – is crucial.

You could be asked to treat someone who has been involved in a traumatic car accident and needs help in their recovery. You may also see patients suffering with long-term mental or physical conditions. Your knowledge and ability to adapt will be key in giving all patients the best level of care.

A core part of your role as a physiotherapist will be to work alongside people from a variety of other healthcare professions such as doctors, occupational therapists and nurses. You will need to communicate with a broad spectrum of people quickly and efficiently to ensure that your patients receive the treatment they need. Therefore it is essential that you have the ability to build effective working relationships.

In order to work as a physiotherapist it is essential that you complete an approved programme at a recognised university. 

A full-time degree BSc (Hons) can take three years and a part-time course will take six years. A two-year accelerated master’s course is also an option if you already have a relevant degree. 

Once you’ve successfully completed your degree you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before you can start practising. 

Entry requirements for an undergraduate degree include: 

• two or three A levels, including a biological science and/or PE
• five GCSEs (grades A – C), including English language, maths, and at least one science

Or the equivalent qualifications:

• a BTEC, HND or HNC, including biological science
• a relevant NVQ
• a science-based Access course
• equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications.
• a previous degree or a full practising qualification in a related area

Each university sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check with them directly. 

In most cases, the results of an interview and other selection processes are considered, as well as academic qualifications. It’s also a good idea to spend some time with a registered physiotherapist to get some first-hand experience of what the role’s really like.

Postgraduate training

People with a degree in a related subject can apply to train as a physiotherapist via an MSc or Postgraduate diploma. These programmes are usually shorter, around 2 years. 

A part time degree apprenticeship BSc (Hons) with a healthcare provider is another way to become a physiotherapist. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a living while gaining your qualification. 

You can search for vacancies on the NHS Jobs website and Find an Apprenticeship website.

Your employer and the government will pay the tuition fees, so apprenticeships aren’t eligible for student grants.

Entry requirements 

You'll usually need:

• GCSE Maths and English at grade C and above
• two to three A levels, preferably including biology