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> NHS Careers in Detail > Allied health professionals > Types of careers > Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist


This page introduces the role of physiotherapist, including information on entry requirements and training.

Working as a physiotherapist

Physiotherapists help and treat people of all ages with physical problems caused by illness, accident or ageing.

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession which sees human movement as central to the health and well-being of individuals. Physiotherapists identify and maximise movement potential through health promotion, preventive healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation.

The core skills used by physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electro-physical modalities. Physiotherapists also have an appreciation of psychological, cultural and social factors which influence their clients.

The following are just a few of the areas physiotherapists work:
Many physiotherapists work within hospitals. Here they are needed in virtually every department, from general out-patients to intensive care, where round-the-clock chest physiotherapy can be vital to keep unconscious patients breathing.

Hospitals often have physiotherapy gyms, hydrotherapy and high-tech equipment so that specialist therapy can be carried out.

Today's physiotherapist is just as likely to work in the local community as within a hospital. There is also a need for physiotherapists in many other places.

These places are:
In fact wherever people are at risk of injury from their occupation or activity.

Nowadays, more and more physiotherapists work outside the hospital setting, in the community where a growing number are employed by GP fundholders. Treatment and advice for patients and carers take place in their own homes, in nursing homes or day centres, in schools and in health centres.

Being a physiotherapist in any setting is all about teamwork. As well as being able to build up a rapport with your patients, it is equally important to maintain communication with their relatives or carers as well as occupational therapists, GPs, health visitors, district nurses and social workers.

Physiotherapy is a ''hands on'', physical career in every sense. The personal qualities needed for this rewarding role are tolerance, patience and compassion, you will also need to be level-headed, practical and have good communication skills.

Entry requirements:

You will need five GCSEs (or equivalent), and usually three A’ levels including at least one science. You will normally need good to high grades. Alternatives to A levels are also considered, such as an approved access course, VCE and Scottish qualifications. It is essential to check the entry requirements of the university/universities to which you wish to apply. For further information about entry requirements, please click here

Training programmes:

Training consists of a recognised three or four year university-based course leading to a BSc in physiotherapy. You would then be eligible for registration, which is essential to working as a physiotherapist in the NHS.

Applying for a degree in physiotherapy

Applications for degree programmes are administered by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Career prospects:

Once you had some clinical experience you could specialise in any one of a range of areas, such as orthopaedics, obstetrics or working with older people. Or you could go into research or teaching, or gain promotion to a more senior physiotherapy post. You could also move into health service management.

Funding support for students on physiotherapy courses

For information about financial support whilst taking a course in physiotherapy, please click here.

Physiotherapy assistants/ physiotherapy support workers

There are opportunities to work in assistant roles within physiotherapy. Please click here for further information.

Staff working in a support role at a more advanced level, may be known as an assistant practitioner.

How to apply for job vacancies

Once you have completed a pre-registration programme in physiotherapy and have registered with the Health Professions Council, you will normally be in a position to apply for jobs.

Job vacancies for physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants/clinical support workers are advertised in a range of places. Most NHS trusts will advertise their vacancies on the NHS Jobs website (www.jobs.nhs.uk). Some will also advertise in trade journals and on trust websites.

For a list of trusts, please visit the NHS Choices website.

For further information:


Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
 14 Bedford Row
London
WC1R 4ED

Tel: 0207 306 6666
Fax: 0207 306 6611
E-mail: enquiries@csp.org.uk
Website: www.csp.org.uk

Making the move to the UK

If you want to work in the NHS you must register with the Health Professions Council who will need to be convinced that your training and skill match the expectations of the NHS. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists have drawn up some guidance for those professionals making the move.

For more information contact: Liz Carrington (International Development Adviser)
Tel: 0207 306 6694 (voicemail only)
Email: carringtone@csphysio.org.uk

Click the entries in the menu on the left for additional information.

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