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Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists assess and treat mobility problems in patients caused by illness, injury, ageing or disability.

Annual Salary

£28,000 to £50,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

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.

Day to day tasks

As a physiotherapist, you would:

  • assess patients' joint and movement problems
  • plan treatments, using exercises, massage and ultrasound
  • advise patients on how to minimise the risk of injuries
  • keep accurate records of treatment and progress
  • work closely with other health professionals

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home, at an adult care home, at a GP practice 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 physiotherapy degree course approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

You can also do a postgraduate master's course if you already have a first degree in a related subject, like:biological science; health science; sports and exercise science

Once you are qualified and have clinical experience you could specialise in an area like sports injuries and rehabilitation.

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
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Physiotherapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

It usually takes 4 years to complete and includes a mix of learning on the job while studying at university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
  • search for apprenticeships on NHS Jobs|https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate
Work

You may be able to start as a physiotherapy assistant and study part time for a degree or degree apprenticeship to qualify as a physiotherapist.

Volunteering and work experience

You'll find it helpful to get some volunteering experience in a healthcare setting before you apply for a course.

You can also get advice on work experience from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

More information

Career tips

You'll be expected to show an understanding of the NHS values when applying for jobs and apprenticeships.

If you're interested in sports physiotherapy, it will help if you can get some experience with an amateur sports team or club. This will show your commitment when it comes to applying for training and jobs.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for professional development and to build up your contacts in the industry.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in physiotherapy from:Health Careers; Chartered Society of Physiotherapy; Physios in Sport

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With experience you could:become a senior physiotherapist or service manager in the NHS; specialise in a specific area, like sports physiotherapy, stroke care or working with children; move into research or training; work for a professional sports club; become self employed and set-up your own practice

There are also opportunities for physiotherapists in the armed forces, including the army and the Royal Air Force.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to enjoy working with other people
  • customer service skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of psychology
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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