Skip to main content
National Careers Service

Beta How could we improve this service? Your feedback will help.

  1. Home
  2. Explore careers
  3. Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist

Alternative titles for this job include Sports physiotherapist

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

Average salary (a year)

£32,000 Starter

to

£48,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40

You could work

9am to 5pm on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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

More Information

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

More Information

Work

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

Volunteering

Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for training or jobs.

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

More Information

Registration

Career tips

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 to the profession when it comes to applying for training and jobs.

You would also be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would impact your work, if applying for jobs in the NHS.

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:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of medicine and how the body works
  • 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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • become a senior physiotherapist or service manager in the NHS
  • specialise in a specific area, like stroke care, sports physiotherapy 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a physiotherapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to HE Diploma (Healthcare Professions) L3

  • Provider: MID-KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Gillingham

Healthcare Professions - Access to Higher Education Diploma

  • Provider: MILTON KEYNES COLLEGE
  • Start date: 14 September 2026
  • Location: Milton Keynes
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.