Physiotherapist job information | National Careers Service

Work activities

As a physiotherapist your work could include:

• helping patients with spine and joint problems, especially after an operation
• helping patients recovering from accidents, sports injuries and strokes
• working with children who have mental or physical disabilities
• helping older people with physical problems become more mobile

You could work in various areas and departments, such as paediatrics, outpatients, intensive care, women's health and occupational health. You could use a variety of treatments and techniques including:

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

You would keep accurate records of patients' treatment and progress, and you would often work closely with other health professionals, such as nurses, occupational therapists, health visitors and social workers.

Working hours and conditions

You would typically work 37.5 hours a week. You could be based in a hospital or the community, in a health centre, clinic or GP surgery. You may also visit patients in their own homes.

If you work for local authorities, voluntary organisations or the private sector, you may be based in a nursing home, fitness centre or sports clinic.

Income

Salaries for physiotherapists in the NHS are between £21,692 and £28,180 a year. Specialist physiotherapists can earn up to £35,000 a year. This can rise to around £41,000 as an advanced physiotherapist or team manager.

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

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

To become a chartered physiotherapist you need a physiotherapy degree or postgraduate award (see below) approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This will make you eligible for state registration and membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Check the HCPC and CSP websites for a list of course providers.

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Health and Care Professions Council

To do a degree in physiotherapy, you will usually need:

• three A levels including a biological science (PE may be accepted by some universities)
• at least five GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English and a science

Check with universities for exact entry requirements as other qualifications may also be accepted, for example a health- or science-related Access to Higher Education or Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.

When applying for a course, it may be helpful to have some relevant paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting.

You may be able to find paid or volunteering opportunities within the NHS, and with local charities and other organisations in your area. A good way to find these is to check the NHS volunteering pages and the Do-it volunteering website. The CSP also has some useful information about getting work experience.

• NHS Volunteering
• Do-it
• CSP - careers FAQs

When you apply for a course you will have background checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). However, a criminal conviction does not automatically prevent you from working in the NHS. The admissions tutor for your course can give you details.

• Disclosure and Barring Service (Home Office website)

Apprenticeship scheme

You could prepare for entry to a physiotherapy degree by doing an Apprenticeship in healthcare. Schemes vary between NHS Trusts, but will normally include clinical placements and working towards a qualification, such as the Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support. To find out more contact your local NHS Trust and visit the Apprenticeships website.

• NHS Trusts
• Apprenticeships

Physiotherapy assistant

As an assistant you may be able to take a part-time or in-service degree in physiotherapy whilst you are working. You should speak to your employer about these options and also check the CSP and HCPC websites for details of course providers. Please also see the physiotherapy assistant job profile for more information about this role.

Accelerated postgraduate courses

If you have a first class or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject (such as a biological science, psychology or sports science) you could qualify as a physiotherapist by taking a fast-track postgraduate course. Contact the CSP for more details.

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Training and development

Once you are working as a qualified physiotherapist, you will be encouraged to expand your knowledge and skills. You can do this by attending workshops and taking specific training courses as part of your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Check the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists website for details of a wide range of training and CPD courses.

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy - career development

Skills, interests and qualities

To become a physiotherapist, you will need to have:

• an interest in anatomy, physiology and health science
• a genuine concern for the health and wellbeing of patients
• excellent communication skills
• good teamwork skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• good interpersonal skills
• the ability to be firm yet encouraging
• patience, sensitivity and tact
• good organisational and administrative skills

More information

Opportunities

You will find most jobs in the NHS. However, you could also work with local authorities and in the private sector, such as at day centres, schools, hospices, care homes, fitness centres and sports clinics.

With experience you could become self-employed and set up your own private practice. Within the NHS, you could progress to senior physiotherapist or move into health service management.

You could go on to specialise in an area such as orthopaedics, sports therapy, occupational health, or working with older people or children. Other related areas of work include research and teaching.

You may find the following useful for vacancies and further reading:

• NHS Jobs
• NHS Choices - (list of local NHS Authorities and Trusts)
• Physio Jobs