Physiotherapy Practitioner BSc - Level 6
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a science-based profession. Physiotherapists work with individuals, and their families and carers, from birth to end of life and in a wide range of health and social care settings. They lead and deliver programmes and interventions to help people affected by injury, ageing, illness or disability. Physiotherapists use a range of physical and psychological treatment approaches, including movement, exercise and manual therapy, to optimise an individual’s mobility, function and quality of life. They also provide education about health and wellbeing and provide specific advice that can be applied to everyday activities to manage and reduce the risk of pain or injury. The profession helps to encourage development and facilitate recovery, enabling people to remain independent for as long as possible.
Skills and knowledge
To become a Physiotherapist you will need:
- knowledge of medicine and how the body works
- sensitivity and understanding
- to enjoy working with other people
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of psychology
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Qualifications
A university degree is the most popular way to become a physiotherapist. A full-time degree can take three years and a part-time course will take six years. A two-year accelerated Masters course is also an option if you already have a relevant degree. Once you’ve successfully completed your degree you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before you can start practising. The other option is to apply for a degree apprenticeship.
Routes into this job
You can do a physiotherapist degree apprenticeship.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship
You can do a degree in physiotherapy approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
You may be able to do a 2-year postgraduate course if you've got a degree in a relevant subject like:
- biological science
- psychology
- sports science
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You'll usually need:
- two or three A levels, including a biological science and/or PE.
- five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and at least one science.
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Or the equivalent qualifications:
- a BTEC, HND or HNC, including biological science.
a relevant NVQ.
- a science-based access course.
- equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications.
- a previous degree or a full practicing qualification in a related area
You could work as a physiotherapy assistant and study part-time for a degree to qualify.
You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in health or care work before you apply for a course.
You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for advice about opportunities.
Private physiotherapy clinics, nursing homes or sports clinics may also offer work placements.
Career progression
Once you’ve qualified, you’ll have annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) check-ins, where you will discuss your career aspirations and plan how you can achieve them, so you’re always moving forward. You’ll also be encouraged to join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy where you’ll be able to continually update your skills and training.
As a physiotherapist, you could specialise in a particular area such as sports injuries, critical care, or work with the elderly, children or cancer patients. Teaching, research and management roles are other options.
Outside the NHS, you could work with sports coaches or personal trainers, be based in a clinic or open your own practice.
Advanced Clinical Practitioner - Level 7
Advanced Clinical Practitioners are experienced clinicians who demonstrate expertise in their scope of practice. Advanced Clinical Practitioners manage defined episodes of clinical care independently, from beginning to end, providing care and treatment from the time an individual first presents through to the end of the episode, which may include admission, referral or discharge or care at home. They carry out their full range of duties in relation to individuals’ physical and mental healthcare and in acute, primary, urgent and emergency settings (including hospitals, general practice, individuals’ homes, schools and prisons, and in the public, independent, private and charity sectors). They combine expert clinical skills with research, education and clinical leadership within their scope of practice. Advanced Clinical Practitioners work innovatively on a one to one basis with individuals as well as part of a wider team. They work as part of the wider health and social care team and across traditional professional boundaries in health and social care.