Tell me about it
Physiotherapists treat patients with physical problems caused by accidents, sports injuries, illness and ageing. They are particularly concerned with problems that affect muscles, bones, the heart, circulation and lungs. They also help people with physical and mental disabilities and difficulties.

Physiotherapists use a range of treatments, including manipulation, massage, therapeutic exercise, electrotherapy, acupuncture and hydrotherapy. They need to keep records of patient treatment and progress.

Entry level
To qualify as a physiotherapist, you must study for a physiotherapy degree approved by the Health Professions Council. The minimum entry requirements in England and Wales are normally three A levels at grade C or above, including a biological science, and four AS levels at grade B. You would also need at least five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in one sitting, including maths, English and science subjects. If you have Scottish qualifications, you would need a minimum of five H grades at AABBB, including at least two science subjects. A range of other equivalent qualifications might be accepted. Work experience prior to application is an advantage.

Full-time physiotherapy degrees are offered at over 30 universities and schools of physiotherapy. They last three or four years. There are also some two-year full-time accelerated Masters degree courses for people who already have a good relevant honours degree, eg in biological science, psychology or sports science. Courses combine theory - including anatomy, physiology, physics, pathology and psychology - with practical clinical experience.

Students with a physical impairment can train on mainstream physiotherapy degree programmes with support from the university and relevant national institutions, such as the Royal National Institute of the Blind.

Making the grade
Once you have your degree, you are eligible to register with the Health Professions Council and to become a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. You must be registered with the HPC in order to work in the NHS. All physiotherapists take part in continuous professional development once they are qualified.

With experience, you can specialise in an area such as orthopaedics, community sports medicine, oncology, neurology, obstetrics, occupational health or working with children or elderly people.

Promotion is possible within the NHS to senior physiotherapist, superintendent physiotherapist, head of physiotherapy and consultant physiotherapist. There are also new extended scope practitioner physiotherapists who take on a wider role in the diagnosis and delivery of health care.

Personal qualities
As a physiotherapist, you would have to be physically fit, with excellent communication skills and the ability to build a rapport with patients from all backgrounds. You must be patient and sensitive, tactful and tolerant, and comfortable about having physical contact with patients. You would need to encourage patients to help themselves and to persevere with sometimes difficult or uncomfortable exercises.

Looking ahead
The number of physiotherapists in the UK has grown steadily and there are now over 39,000. Most work in the NHS but physiotherapists also work for local authorities and in private hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, fitness centres and sports clinics. Sports physiotherapists may work for sport associations or clubs. There are also opportunities in large organisations to work in occupational health. Just under 10 per cent of physiotherapists are self-employed.

Alternative suggestions
You might also consider training as a chiropractor, occupational therapist, osteopath, Podiatrist, radiographer or speech and language therapist

Take-home pay
As a newly-qualified physiotherapist in the NHS, you would start on a scale ranging from around £19,500 to £21,000 a year. This could rise to over £51,000 for a consultant.

Physiotherapists working in London and other high-cost areas receive a cost of living supplement. Private sector salaries tend to be similar to those in the NHS, but can be considerably higher.

Effects
Full-time NHS physiotherapists generally work a 36 hour week. They may also have to work on call outside the normal working hours of nine to five, and during weekends. Part-time work is possible. Physiotherapists in the sport and leisure sector often have to work during evenings and at weekends.

In all cases, the work can be physically demanding.

Sources of information
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: www.csp.org.uk
Health Professions Council: www.hpc-uk.org
England: NHS Careers: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
Scotland: NHS Education for Scotland,: www.nes.scot.nhs.uk
Wales: Health Professions Wales: www.hpw.org.uk
Royal National Institute of the Blind: www.rnib.org.uk

CRCI: JG