Physiotherapist

You can do a degree in physiotherapy approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

You may be able to do a 2-year postgraduate course if you've got a degree in a relevant subject like:

• biological science
• psychology
• sports science

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You can do a physiotherapist degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could work as a physiotherapy assistant and study part time for a degree to qualify.

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in health or care work before you apply for a course.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for advice about opportunities.

Private physiotherapy clinics, nursing homes or sports clinics may also offer work placements.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for professional development and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about physiotherapy careers from Health Careers and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

You'll need:

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

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

Examples of day-to-day tasks, you could do:

• help patients with spine and joint problems
• help patients recover from accidents, sports injuries and strokes
• work with children who have mental or physical disabilities
• help older people with physical problems become more mobile

You could work at a hospice, at a client's home, at a GP practice, at an adult care home, in an NHS or private hospital or at a fitness centre.