Ten things you might not know about physiotherapy

In terms of education:
  1. Physiotherapy is a science-based degree that, as well as training you as a health professional, develops communication skills, team working, research and problem solving.
  2. There are full time, part time and accelerated physiotherapy courses on offer all over the UK.
  3. A lot of the syllabus is self-directed, giving students a sense of control over their studies.
  4. Every physiotherapy student completes 1,000 hours of clinical education, usually made up of five or six different placements.
  5. Around 15 universities that offer physio courses will be going into clearing in 2008.
In terms of a career:
  1. Physiotherapists help to treat and prevent illness and injury through specialist advice, and by promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
  2. Physiotherapy is a diverse and exciting job, with new challenges and experiences to face every day, working with a huge variety of patients to help improve their health and well being.
  3. The National Health Service is evolving and there’s going to be increasing demand for physios to help improve the quality of people's lives.
  4. In addition to the NHS, physiotherapists can choose to work in areas like private practice, occupational rehabilitation or professional sports clubs.
  5. There are also opportunities in policy development and research, helping to develop the groundbreaking services that make physiotherapy such a vital part of modern healthcare.

This text on this page was last updated on 1 Sep 2008.