Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists work with patients to help them regain mobility, independence and well-being. They do so by hands-on therapy, such as manipulation and massage, designing and supervising exercise programmes, and by applying electro-therapies, such as ultrasound and laser treatments.

Physiotherapists work with patients of all ages and deal with a range of conditions affecting the soft tissues, joints, bones, nervous system, heart and lungs. They treat joint and spinal problems and help people overcome the effects of falls, sports injuries or other accidents. They also work in health promotion, leading community exercise programmes and back care classes.

Physiotherapists in the NHS work a 37.5-hour week. Self-employed physiotherapists may have more flexibility, though they often need to work at hours that suit patients, including evenings. Physiotherapists work in clinics and health centres, GP practices, hospitals, patients' homes and other community settings such as sports centres. They wear either a uniform or practical clothes. The work can be physically demanding.

Salaries in the NHS range from £20,710 to £45,000 or more.

A physiotherapist needs to be:

• good at listening, explaining and motivating
• able to establish a good rapport with patients
• comfortable with hands-on patient contact
• able to work well alone and within a team.

There are over 40,000 chartered physiotherapists working in the UK. Around 60 per cent of them work in the NHS. They are employed by NHS acute and primary care trusts, GP practices and health centres, private practice, residential homes, special schools, sports centres and clinics.

To practise, physiotherapists need to have completed a degree course recognised by the Health Professions Council (HPC). Most involve full-time study but there are also part-time courses.

It may be possible to gain experience as a physiotherapy assistant and then study part time for a physiotherapy degree. No formal qualifications are required for the assistant role. However, at least two A levels, or equivalent qualifications, plus five GCSEs (A*-C) are likely to be required for entry to a part-time degree programme. The Diploma in society, health and development and the Diploma in science (starting September 2011) may be relevant.

Training involves periods of theory and clinical experience obtained by working with patients in various healthcare settings. Newly qualified physiotherapists usually spend time in the NHS, working on rotation to gain experience in different settings.

One fifth of physiotherapists are self-employed, dividing their time between work in different settings, or in private practice.

Further details