Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How to become a physiotherapist
Help give people a new lease of life by becoming a physiotherapist. Using your in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, you’ll provide patients with the information, tools and support they need to overcome physical issues arising from illness, injury, disability, ageing and a range of conditions.
What is a physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist works with patients across a range of ages, issues and settings, providing assessments, diagnoses and treatment programmes to help them overcome physical problems, and restore and maximise mobility and recovery. In addition to administering treatment, they also provide advice on long-term management and injury avoidance.
How do I become a physiotherapist?
If you want to become a chartered physiotherapist, you’ll need to register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) which requires qualifying from an approved undergraduate or postgraduate course.
- Undergraduate degrees - to secure a place on a three-year full-time course (four in Scotland), you’ll usually require a minimum of GCSEs at Grade 5 in English Language, Mathematics, Science and two other subjects (Grade B for those who studied their GCSEs before 2017). Plus two or three A levels – usually including either biology or human biology. However, some courses (like ours) will allow access providing you have at least 40 points from one of the following subjects as an alternative; chemistry, physics, physical education, sports studies, psychology, applied science or physiology.
- Postgraduate degrees - if you already have a degree (2:1 or above) in a related subject such as biological, behavioural or sports science, physiology or psychology, you may gain entry onto an accelerated postgraduate programme which lasts for two years.
All chartered physiotherapists will also need to undergo a criminal record check, and you may be able to access study funding through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
What would I do as a physiotherapist?
As a physiotherapist you work face-to-face with patients - usually in a clinical environment, and often over a period of time - while you help them to overcome and / or manage their injury or condition.
Through a process of assessment you’ll work to reach a diagnosis of their individual problems, and design treatment and management plans to help them achieve a better quality of life through reduced pain, increased movement and a better understanding of their body.
You’ll administer treatments such as physical manipulation therapies and electrotherapy, demonstrate and recommend therapeutic exercise plans and use a range of techniques to assist in their mobility and rehabilitation. In addition to injuries, ageing and degenerative conditions, you may also work with patients who have respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological problems.
Some other common day-to-day duties of a physiotherapist include:
- Liaising with GPs, clinical consultants, social workers and other healthcare providers in order to build a complete picture of the patient’s problems, keep everyone up-to-date and make any further necessary referrals
- Communicating with and involving any relevant third parties such as parents and carers
- Keeping clear records of patient cases and their care plans
- Providing easy-to-understand information to patients in order to help them avoid / improve issues
- Engaging in your own education of new therapies, techniques and treatment technologies
- Conducting yourself in line with confidentiality and care legislation and guidance
- Guiding and supervising support workers and junior physiotherapists
Becoming a physiotherapist could be for you if...
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You’re interested in biology and physiology
There’s a lot to learn when you become a physiotherapist, so you’ll need to have a deep interest in the way the body works, and how it heals and repairs.
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You’re a skilled communicator
You’ll need to build strong relationships, gain patients’ trust, communicate clearly and sensitively, and be able to explain diagnoses and treatments in simple terms.
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You’re a problem-solver
You’ll need to be able to piece together your patients’ history, current position and limitations and a range of other personal and clinical variables in order to create the right solution for their needs.
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You’ve got good co-ordination
Physiotherapy can be a very ‘hands on’ job, involving physical manipulation techniques and the use of equipment.
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You’re a team player
The best patient treatment plans come from collaboration with all parties involved in their care, so you’ll need to enjoy working with other people across a variety of levels.
What are the typical working hours for a physiotherapist?
On average a physiotherapist works around 37.5 hours per week. This can be within standard business hours, but you may find that you have to work some shifts, including nights and weekends – the latter is especially true for sports physiotherapists.
For private physiotherapists, working around the requirements of your patients is common, so you’ll need to be flexible.
A physiotherapist’s salary varies depending on experience and position:
- £24,907 to £30,615 – average starting salary, rising to between £31,365 and £37,890 for senior physiotherapist
- £38,890 and £44,503 – average range for a specialist
- £45,753 to £51,668 – for advanced practice physiotherapists and clinical leads
If you decide to progress to management level or work in a private practice, you could earn upwards of £63,000 per year.
