Physiotherapy is an incredibly highly sought after medical job where even getting onto the degree course can prove tough. However, if you do succeed then you could find yourself working with some of the best sporting teams in the world.
But it’s not all about the ‘magic sponge’, if you’re got a caring personality then how about helping people struggling to come to terms with injury?
So, what will I actually be doing?
As a physiotherapist you’ll be helping people with physical problems caused by illness, injury or aging. You could be working anywhere from a hospital ward to the pitch of a major Premiership football team, but whatever your specialisation, you’ll be key to rehabilitating ill and injured patients.
The nitty gritty
Physiotherapy can be seen as a glamorous career by those that crave the sporting spotlight; however, it is actually a very intensive caring role in the medical profession.
You may end up…
- Developing treatment programmes
- Helping patients who have suffered injury or illness
- Rehabilitating very ill patients
- Writing case notes and reports
Although this is far from covering everything!
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Money, money, money
You will have to work hard to become a physiotherapist but once you’ve qualified your salary can be pretty good. You can expect to be on £21,000 - £28,000 per year as a starting salary in the NHS and this quickly increases if you work for a private company. Chances for progression are also excellent. Cha ching!
See what people are earning in this job
The good points...
Helping a patient to overcome a serious injury or illness as they slowly learn to walk again can be incredibly rewarding.
...and the bad
The road to recovery is often a hard one and you can expect patients to take out their frustrations on you. Expect to be yelled out and to deal with tantrums and tears. Patience is a must!
Is there study involved?
Yup, lots. Lots and lots. You need top GCSEs and A Levels just to get onto an accredited physiotherapy degree course. Alternatively, if you already have a 2:1 or above in a biology or sports science degree then you can undertake an accredited postgraduate qualification.
Need additional qualifications? Find a course at our Learning Zone
OK, I'm interested... But is it really the job for me?
Practical, numerical and caring with great communication skills… Physiotherapists need to have very well-rounded personalities, and these aren’t easy to find! This is a job that can be very intense and you have to be incredibly patient with people as they struggle to come to terms with their rehabilitation process.
