Patient treatment may involve movement and exercise. Physiotherapists work in hospitals and the community to rehabilitate patients.
The job requires an interest in scientific and medical developments. Physiotherapists must know about physiology and nutrition; they may apply treatments such as ultrasound, acupuncture, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy.
Physiotherapists need to take a minimum of a three-year degree course leading to membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and state registration. Degrees require a minimum of three A-levels; usually one subject must be Biology with a preference for a second science related subject such as Chemistry, Physics or Maths.
Alternative qualifications such as the BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies (Science) or a vocational A-level such as Health and Social Care or Science may be acceptable.
Some NHS health trusts employ physiotherapy assistants and there are opportunities for those assistants to gain full state registration as physiotherapists.
