Physiotherapist Career Guide

Physiotherapy (physical therapy in the US) is a professional healthcare discipline that helps people improve their general physical ability after surgery, illness, injury or disability, or due to ageing.

Physiotherapists typically work in teams, particularly in acute care settings, with other multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, like nurses, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists.

In this Career Guide, we’ll look at two roles in physiotherapy: physiotherapist (physical therapist) and physiotherapy assistant.

Potential Roles in Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy practitioners can work in a chosen speciality area, including musculoskeletal (MSK), respiratory, women’s health, sports rehabilitation, geriatrics, neurology, and paediatrics.

Physiotherapists assess patients, diagnose issues (or address problems already diagnosed by another medical professional), create care plans, and deliver physiotherapy treatment to patients. In addition to patient contact and hands-on therapy, a physiotherapist’s job involves ongoing training and development to maintain registration with a professional body, keeping written records, and meeting regulatory and compliance requirements.

Physiotherapy assistants work in a supportive role, helping patients carry out their prescribed exercises, monitoring patients’ progress, and helping to run clinics. They also ensure that clinic facilities are well-stocked, organised, and ready for patients. A physiotherapy assistant job can be gratifying, allowing you to build relationships with patients and support them closely through challenging life experiences.

Salary and Career Progression

People working in physiotherapy generally have good prospects for career development and can earn mid-level to high salaries if qualified and registered.

Physiotherapists in the UK can expect to start at around £27,000, with the scope to reach salaries of £48,000 and more for senior roles in the NHS. Physiotherapists in private practice can earn considerably more, particularly in some specialities and localities.

In the US, physical therapists typically earn between $80,000 and $105,000 a year, depending on seniority and experience.

Physiotherapy assistants working in the NHS in the UK earn a Band 2 salary, which is currently just over £22,000. There is no scope to increase this wage unless you study to become a qualified physiotherapist, although additional pay for shift work can boost income. In the private sector, physiotherapy assistant salaries remain in line with NHS pay, for the most part.

In the US, physical therapy assistants can expect to earn an average of $62,000. US-based practitioners also have the option to develop their skills with further training called a PTA Advanced Proficiency Pathways program.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

Physiotherapists are trained professionals and must achieve the following to practice:

UK

• 4-5 GCSEs at grades 4-9
• 2-3 A Levels in relevant biological science-based subjects
• A dedicated Bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy, approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (3 years)

US

• A High School Diploma
• In most cases, it is necessary to obtain a Bachelor’s degree (3 years) before accessing Doctor of Physical Therapy training
• Doctor of Physical Therapy degree recognised by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (2.5 to 3 years)
• Physical therapists in the US must also pass a state licensure examination
• Physical therapists may also choose to register as a clinical specialist with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

In both countries, practitioners must maintain registration with a relevant professional body to practice legally.

Physiotherapy assistants can benefit from the following qualifications, education and experience:

UK

• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Experience working in health or social care
• Relevant educational qualifications, such as science GCSEs or a Health and Social Care Diploma

US

In the US, physical therapy assistants must:

• Complete a 2-year dedicated course accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
• Pass a national exam to become licensed or certified (varies by state)

Skills

Physiotherapists need a broad range of skills, including the following:

• Excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills
• Good knowledge of human biology
• Friendly and approachable nature
• Patience and compassion
• Ability to work in a team
• Flexibility
• Ability to stay calm under pressure
• IT skills

Physiotherapy assistants must have the following skills:

• A friendly and approachable nature
• Patience and compassion
• Non-judgemental and supportive attitude
• Excellent communication skills
• A calm manner
• Ability to motivate and encourage patients
• Awareness of policies and protocols and when to ask for help

Working Hours

In most cases, physiotherapists work in clinics that open for standard office hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with weekends and national holidays off.

In some specialities, especially when treating acutely unwell patients, you may need to work shifts to cover 24-hour care.

Other specialities may also require out-of-hours work; for example, physiotherapists working with high-level sportspeople may need to be present for competitions, matches, and events or whenever their clients need them.

Notable Locations

It is often easier to find work in densely populated areas, like cities, where there are simply more people who may need physiotherapy. Anywhere you can find large, busy hospitals will also provide career opportunities for physiotherapists.

• London, UK
• Glasgow, UK
• Manchester, UK
• Boston, MA
• New York, NY
• Baltimore, MD

Notable Companies

• National Health Service: UK’s biggest employer and healthcare provider, offering careers in health-related physiotherapy specialities
• Bupa: A private healthcare provider in the UK offering pay-as-you-go or insurance-funded physiotherapy to patients
• Nuffield Health: Employs full-time and part-time physiotherapists to see private patients across the UK
• Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital: Renowned US facility in Boston, MA
• The John Hopkins Hospital: Known for its neurology and brain injury facilities in Baltimore, MD

Next Steps

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