Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists assess and treat mobility problems in patients caused by illness, injury, ageing or disability.
Typical Salary
£30,000 – £53,000
per year
Working Hours
35–40
hours per week
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
Skills needed
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- 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
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
Career progression
With experience you could:
- become a senior physiotherapist or service manager in the NHS
- specialise in a specific area, like sports physiotherapy, stroke care 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.