Physiotherapist
Guide people through exercise programmes that make it easier for them to walk or move without pain.
About the job
A day in the life – Physiotherapist
What it's like
Physiotherapy is a very rewarding career! You'll guide people through exercise programmes that make it easier for them to walk or move without pain.
It's your responsibility to work out what kind of treatment is best for someone. You'll use a variety of methods and techniques like physical manipulation, massage, therapeutic exercise, acupuncture or hydrotherapy.
You'll 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
As a physiotherapist, you'll show people how to increase their range of movement. You’ll need to be patient and encouraging with your patients, but also assertive when it comes to making sure they follow the treatment plan.
You could work in many areas of healthcare. For example, physiotherapists are found in paediatrics, outpatients, intensive care and occupational health. You’ll work closely with other health professionals such as nurses, occupational therapists and social workers.
Your tasks might include:
carrying out detailed physical and functional assessments
reviewing someone's medical history, symptoms, posture, gait, muscle strength and joint mobility
developing rehabilitation plans – setting people goals for recovery and physical function
teaching and supervising tailored exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination
performing hands-on techniques like massage, joint mobilisation and manipulation
showing people how to correct their posture and educating them on body mechanics and safe movement techniques
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
NHS Scotland – find out how to become a physiotherapist
Disclosure Scotland – learn more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – check out this regulatory body for health and care professionals
NHS Scotland Careers – see behind the scenes with a physiotherapist
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- motivating others
- coaching
- time management
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- empathising
- researching
- verbal communication
- listening
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Care
Chemistry
Human Biology
PE (Physical education)
Physics
Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
Getting into physiotherapy is competitive.
Most physiotherapists have a degree. Although, there are a few ways you can work towards becoming qualified.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in Physiotherapy.
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include Sports Therapy or Applied Sport Science.
If you're an adult looking to get back into education, consider the Scottish Widening Access Programme (SWAP). It offers routes to university by learning at college first.
If you don't have a degree and have been out of education for at least 3 years, you could be eligible. You can read more about eligibility on the SWAP website.
See what's available using our course search.
Work
You could start as a physiotherapy assistant and study for a degree alongside your work. This'll allow you to gain hands-on experience of the industry while becoming a qualified physiotherapist on the side.
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a physiotherapist. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Visiting a physiotherapy hospital department before applying to a course is helpful.
Depending on the type of work you do, being able to swim may be an advantage.
You'll need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
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