4 September 2023
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.
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.
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 with and supporting people, as well as offering guidance to their families. Having good communication skills is vital for 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 NHS, 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, and people with long-term conditions to those who are more acutely unwell.
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's a demand for physiotherapists, meaning graduate prospects and opportunities are greater than other similar courses.
The starting salary for qualified physiotherapists is band 5 (according to the NHS Agenda for Change pay rates(opens in new tab)), with the ability to progress upon further learning and experience.
Why study physiotherapy 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'll 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're proud to have a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community for our students.
How do I apply?
You can apply for our course on the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course page, or find out more by visiting the Physiotherapy subject area. Or why not join us for an Open Day?