For their patients, the role a physiotherapist plays in recovery can be life-changing. The knowledge of a physiotherapist can significantly improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life of those they care for. At Sunderland, we offer a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course so you can begin your career.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a physiotherapist, but want some more information about what the role entails and what employment opportunities it offers, we’ve put together a helpful guide with everything you need to know.
What is a physiotherapist?
The main job of a physiotherapist is to be concerned with movement, from a human cell to the impact of a person on wider society.
To do this, a physiotherapist must develop understanding of key conditions that occur within the body, as well as the underlying structures and processes that occur in the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, neural and cardiovascular systems. The skills a physiotherapist will learn to apply are based around movement and range from facilitating movement using their hands to providing advice and education on exercise.
A physiotherapist’s role will involve interacting and supporting people, as well as often also offering guidance to their families in supporting them with their presenting complaint. Having good communication skills is vital to a physiotherapist, as it helps them to diagnose and support the wide variety of people who present to physiotherapy services.
Where does a physiotherapist work?
A certified physiotherapist has the opportunity of a career in a wide scope of areas of practice. This includes the National Health Service, charities, private companies, occupational health services, sports at all levels, the ministry of defence and more.
The profession enables you to work with a broad range of age groups from newborns to the elderly, people with long-term conditions as well as those who are more acutely unwell.
If this sounds like a path you may be interested in, find out more information on how our degree provides you with a fantastic foundation to take your career where you want it to go.
"What stood out initially about studying BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy at the University of Sunderland was the way in which the focus of the course was put very much on the practical elements using the new state of the art facilities. I was also impressed by the course tutors and their expertise, alongside the exceptional organisation and communication from the leadership team"
Jayne Nixon, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy student
How do I become a physiotherapist?
To work as a physiotherapist, you must have a relevant qualification, such as our BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy degree, and be registered by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). Our physiotherapy course is approved by the HCPC, as well as accredited by The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
Pre-registration students are also eligible to join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy as student members, and on graduation will be eligible for full membership, allowing you to work as a certified physiotherapist.
As with many health and social care services, there is a demand for physiotherapists, meaning graduate prospects and opportunities are greater than other similar courses.
According to Prospects, the starting salary for qualified Physiotherapists is a band 5 (according to the NHS Agenda for Change pay rates), with the ability to progress upon further learning and experience.
Why study at Sunderland?
Our Physiotherapy course is person-focused, in line with the direction of the profession. We aim to develop well-rounded, safe and effective physiotherapists who can communicate appropriately to service users, carers, peers and other healthcare professionals.
We prepare you for your future career through both placement opportunities with local NHS trusts and placement providers committed to hosting quality student placements and learning experiences. You will also get the opportunity to collaborate in an interprofessional learning capacity alongside other healthcare courses such as paramedic science, occupational therapy, nursing, psychology, pharmacy and social work.
As well as multi-million pound investment supporting a suite of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, sport, exercise and rehabilitation laboratories, we are proud to have a diverse, inclusive and welcoming community for our students.
How do I apply?
You can begin your career as a physiotherapist by visiting our BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course, and applying to join us. You can also hear from our current Physiotherapy students about their experiences by reading their student stories.
We’d love to meet you, so join us at one of our Open Days to discover more about the University of Sunderland.
Published: 4 September 2023