Physiotherapy is a rewarding and fulfilling career that allows you to help people of all ages, from infants to senior citizens. But how do you become a physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist is someone who helps patients recover from illness, injury or disability through the use of physical therapy. They work with patients in hospitals and clinics as well as in private practice environments.
To become a physiotherapist, you will need to complete a Bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy followed by an accredited postgraduate training program, which can take between 1-3 years depending on your specific training provider. You’ll also need to register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) if you wish to practise professionally once you’ve completed your training requirements; this involves taking an exam that assesses your knowledge of physiotherapy practice.
How To Become Physiotherapist
If you want to become a physiotherapist, learn how to become one by understanding job profiles, academic requirements, required skills, job opportunities and pay ranges. Physiotherapists work primarily with patients living with illnesses or chronic conditions or recovering from injuries or surgery. They have the skills and experience to manage patients’ pain and improve their mobility. In this article, we discuss how to become a physiotherapist as well as their job responsibilities and salary.
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What is a physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist, also called a physical therapist, is a health professional who helps people with injuries or illnesses manage extreme pain, be more mobile and enjoy a better quality of life. Because physiotherapists perform hands-on therapy, they must complete practical training, undergo a comprehensive education program and gain special skills.
What does a physiotherapist do?
Physiotherapists work in the health industry, helping patients with ambulatory and mobility issues live with minimal or no pain. They teach patients how to prevent injuries, manage current conditions and do strengthening exercises. They also perform hands-on physical therapy. Physiotherapists’ responsibilities might include:
- Helping patients improve their functional and physical abilities
- Assessing patients and taking their medical histories to determine and manage agility and mobility issues
- Discharging clients with therapy plans designed to match their goals
- Preventing progressive loss of mobility because of disorders, injuries and diseases
- Designing and changing therapy and treatment strategies using techniques to restore functioning, enhance mobility, reduce extreme pain and prevent disabilities
- Assessing patients’ recovery progress and referring clients to other health professionals when necessary
- Promoting an active and healthy lifestyle by developing wellness and fitness plans
- Making and implementing standards for policies and physical fitness practices
- Monitoring the progress of discharged patients in their homes
Related: How To Become a Physical Therapist
How to become a physiotherapist
Follow these steps to start a rewarding career as a physiotherapist:
1. Get a bachelor’s degree
To be a physical therapist, you need a high level of training to study for your graduate doctoral degree, which the industry requires. Gain a bachelor’s degree that has a firm basis in physiology, chemistry, biology, physics or anatomy to prepare you for advanced studies.
Degree programs related to physical therapy such as health sciences, athletic education, pre-physio therapy and fitness science can also provide you with valuable skills. Consider taking these courses, followed by an internship to gain practical experience.
2. Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
By law, a physiotherapist must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy program to work in this field. Look for a DPT program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), and apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). To complete a DPT program, you must also get an internship under an accredited physical therapist’s supervision to develop your hands-on practical experience.
Within a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, you can learn about the following topics:
- Pharmacotherapy
- Life span development
- Law, ethics, social obligations and client advocacy
- Disease pathology
- Behavioral science
- Exercise physiology
- Medical screening and radiology
- Embryology, anatomy, cellular histology and physiology
- Complex illnesses
3. Acquire a license to operate as a physiotherapist
All states require physiotherapists to hold a license, although each state’s requirements vary. You can obtain your license by passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). You can use the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy’s practical test and tools to prepare for the NPTE, which is a computerized test that occurs three times per year.
Before you can get a license, your state might also require a criminal background assessment to prove you adhere to its ethics and laws. The state board might also require you to renew your license after a certain period and continue physical therapy education credits to keep your license up to date.
4. Complete a residency
After earning your DPT, consider pursuing a clinical fellowship or residency, which is a one-year training program that can help you specialize in a certain area of physiotherapy. These programs expand your experiences, knowledge and skills in one area of focus.
Related: What Is Physical Therapist Training?
5. Become a certified physiotherapist
You might pursue specialist certification to become a board-certified medical specialist. Some employers only hire certified physiotherapists. This credential shows you are a dedicated physical therapist who can deliver trustworthy and high-level patient care. Once you become a certified medical professional, you can apply for a wide range of physiotherapy jobs, including leadership and management positions.
Physical therapy fields you can choose to become certified in include:
- Neurology
- Orthopedic
- Geriatric
- Sports fitness therapy
- Women’s wellness
- Medical electrophysiology
- Pulmonary and cardiovascular
6. Write your resume and a cover letter
Once you have fulfilled your educational and certification requirements, you can apply for a job that matches your career skills. Prepare a cover letter and resume that shows employers you are the best candidate for the job. Include your clinical experience, qualifications and education. Update your resume to add keywords, skills and information that are relevant to each position you apply for. Look for jobs with home health providers, hospitals, nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, rehab centers and athletic training facilities.
Related: Physical Therapist Work Environments
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the physiotherapy career is developing much faster than other occupations. The BLS expects the field to grow 18% between 2019 and 2029. The aging population and increasing risks of obesity and conditions such as diabetes mean the number of people with mobility issues is growing. Demand for physiotherapists might be higher than average in rural locations because most physiotherapists work in large cities and urban areas.
A physiotherapist’s salary depends on their level of qualification and their employer’s type and size. They earn an average base salary of $46,112 per year.
Related careers
Physiotherapists might also find work in these related jobs:
Physician assistant
National average salary: $105,263 per year
Primary Duties: A physical assistant is a licensed professional who helps patients under a general manager’s supervision. They receive similar training as physicians and diagnose and treat physical injuries and medical conditions. The physician assistant’s work involves:
- Evaluating patients’ clinical history and physical status
- Conducting diagnostic examinations
- Dressing wounds
- Correcting broken limbs
- Prescribing medications
Fitness instructor
National average salary: $56,525 per year
Primary Duties: This profession involves helping groups and individuals perform physical exercises. A fitness trainer ensures the patient’s physical fitness level improves through strength training and cardiovascular exercise. They show clients how to use exercise equipment that includes weight machines and treadmills. They also educate their clients about training and diet and create fitness plans that match their needs.
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Skills for a physiotherapist
Physical therapists should have the following skills to succeed in their jobs:
- Communication skills: Listen to your clients before diagnosing or treating them or prescribing medication. Good communication skills can help you ask the right questions to understand their challenges. Clear communication also allows you to relieve their pain, set broken bones and teach physical therapy exercises more efficiently.
- Physical strength: The physical treatments and therapies you perform require agility and physical strength. You should be physically fit to spend hours on your feet lifting and turning patients during treatments.
- Service orientation: Physiotherapists should want to help people and commit to enhancing the lives of patients with physical challenges.
- Organization: Working as a physical therapist requires you to be well-organized so you can create customized plans for patients.
- Teamwork: The physiotherapy industry requires healthcare professionals to work as a team. If you want to be a physiotherapist, make sure you work well with others in this field.
- Patience: Physiotherapists should have the patience to work with patients recovering from extreme pain, wounds and broken bones.
- Sensitivity: In your role as a physical therapist, you work with patients who experience pain and distress. If they cannot tell how they feel, your sensitivity skills can help you understand their conditions and prescribe the correct treatment.