Therapy

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists work with patients to improve their range of movement, and promote health and wellbeing.

Annual Salary

£25,654 to £45,838

Working hours

35 to 40 a week

You could work: 9am to 5pm; on a rota

3.8%
Future employment

There will be 3.8% more Physiotherapist jobs in 2027.
In your local area

What's it all about?

Day-to-day tasks

Examples of day-to-day tasks, you could do:

  • help patients with spine and joint problems
  • help patients recover from accidents, sports injuries and strokes
  • work with children who have mental or physical disabilities
  • help older people with physical problems to become more mobile

Working environment

You could work at a hospice, at a client's home, at a GP practice, at an adult care home, in an NHS or private hospital or at a fitness centre.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
University

You can do a degree in physiotherapy approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

You may be able to do a 2-year postgraduate course if you've got a degree in a relevant subject like:biological science; psychology; sports science

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
For more information
Apprenticeship

You can do a physiotherapist degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship
For more information
Work

You could work as a physiotherapy assistant and study part-time for a degree to qualify.

Volunteering and work experience

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in health or care work before you apply for a course.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for advice about opportunities.

Private physiotherapy clinics, nursing homes or sports clinics may also offer work placements.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

More information

Career tips

When applying for courses and jobs, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for professional development and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about physiotherapy careers from Health Careers and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

With experience you could become self-employed and set up your own practice.

In the NHS, you could progress to senior physiotherapist or move into health service management. You could also specialise in an area like orthopaedics, sports therapy, occupational health, or working with older people or children.

There are opportunities for physiotherapists in the armed forces. You can find out more at:Army; Royal Air Force

You could also move into research or teaching.

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Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • knowledge of medicine and how the body works
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to enjoy working with other people
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of psychology
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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