ROLE
Physiotherapists are patient focused professionals who help and treat individuals of all ages with physical problems caused by illness, accident or ageing. By identifying the cause of any movement issues, the physiotherapist can help optimise that movement potential through health promotion, preventive health care, treatment and rehabilitation. The core skills used by physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electro-physical modalities, plus for maximum effectiveness, it is important that physiotherapists also have an appreciation of psychological, cultural and social factors which influence their clients.
EMPLOYABILITY
Physiotherapists work hands on with patients and therefore need many of the skill-sets required by doctors, nurses and other front line healthcare staff. In particular, to really succeed as a physiotherapist, you need to have a very team oriented approach, particularly since many clients will be referred from their general practitioner and you will be communicating back and forth with other health professionals. You should have a warm and friendly personality because you will need to put patients at ease and build up a good rapport with each one. You also need a good patience level because it can take time for patients to make progress. Your patients will sometimes feel frustrated and they will need reassurance and gentle encouragement along with your compassion.
CAREER ENTRY
Like many roles in healthcare, physiotherapy is now a graduate only profession and the career entry point is a BSc in Physiotherapy. You will need five GCSEs (or equivalent), and usually 3 good grade A levels including at least one science, preferably biology. Alternatives to A levels are also considered, such as an approved access course, VCE and Scottish qualifications. It is essential to check entry requirements of the university/universities to which you wish to apply
EMPLOYERS AND SALARIES
A significant percentage of physiotherapists work within both NHS and private hospitals where they are needed in virtually every department, from general out-patients to intensive care. However, nowadays more and more physiotherapists work outside the hospital setting, in the community and in private practice. 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.
- Industry and commerce
- Special needs schools
- Private practice, many now in sports centres such as David Lloyd
| Graduate physiotherapist NHS starting salary | £21,176+ | Band 5 |
| Specialist physiotherapists | £25,472+ | Band 6 |
| Physiotherapist team managers | £30,460+ | Band 7 |
| Principal physiotherapists / consultants | £38,851+ | Band 8 |
Salaries in the private sector are generally similar to those in the NHS and it is thought that the average physiotherapist earns around £29,000. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) advises two years of experience and further training before moving into the private sector (either self-employed or based in a clinic).
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