Physiotherapist
Career outlook for physiotherapist
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£28,000
£28,000
Experienced
£50,000
£50,000
Currently employed in Scotland
5,900
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would guide people though exercise programmes that make it easier for them to walk or move without pain. It would be up to you to work out what kind of treatment would be best for them.
You would help:
- People with spine and joint problems, especially after an operation
- Patients recovering from accidents, sports injuries and strokes
- Children who have mental or physical disabilities
- Older people with physical problems who want to become more mobile
There are a variety of treatments and techniques you could use, including:
- Physical manipulation
- Massage
- Therapeutic exercise
- Electrotherapy
- Ultrasound
- Acupuncture
- Hydrotherapy
You’d show people how to increase their range of movement. You’d need to be patient and encouraging but also firm to ensure your patients follow the treatment that you recommend.
It would be important to keep accurate records of patients' treatment and progress.
There are various areas you could work in, including paediatrics, outpatients, intensive care, women's health and occupational health.
You’d work closely with other health professionals, such as nurses, occupational therapists, health visitors and social workers.
You can see more about this role in the National Health Service on the Physiotherapist page on the NHS Scotland Careers website. See the Learning and development section for information about career structure, progression and rates of pay.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
40%
Part-time
48%
Self employed
12%
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- Cooperating
- Listening
- Verbal communication
- Researching
- Empathising
- Social conscience
- Developing a plan
- Time management
- Coaching
- Motivating others
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Qualifications
Getting into physiotherapy is competitive.
You need a degree in physiotherapy (SCQF level 9/10) accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
To enter a physiotherapy degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers, including English and two sciences, or a relevant HNC/HND/Access course.
To enter a postgraduate MSc physiotherapy (pre-registration) or MSc rehabilitation technologies (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant science subject.
Useful subjects
- English (required by most courses)
- Maths/Chemistry/Physics/Human Biology/Biology (a selection required by most courses)
- Physical education
- Care
You will also need
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
Helpful to have
- Qualifications and experience that show understanding of health and wellbeing such as Skills for Work Health & Social Care (SCQF level 6) or Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5)
- Relevant experience
- Ability to swim
A visit to a physiotherapy hospital department before applying to a course is helpful.