Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
As a Physiotherapist, you will help people to improve their health and wellbeing by recommending the best exercise techniques to enhance mobility. You will treat a wide range of patients struggling with illness, injury, age-related challenges or disability:
- Neurological (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s)
- Neuromusculoskeletal (back pain, whiplash, sports injuries, arthritis)
- Cardiovascular (chronic heart disease, rehabilitation after heart attack)
- Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis)
Once you have diagnosed the patient, you will work with them to determine a treatment plan. This will involve promoting good health and explaining how to avoid injury.
RGU is ranked 1st in the UK for Physiotherapy (The Guardian 2024). When you graduate from the Top UK University in this industry you will have the skills to assist with exercise, provide targeted massage, and operate both ultrasound equipment and hydrotherapy pools.
Necessary qualifications and skills
To work as a Physiotherapist in Scotland, you will need an undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy that is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Foundation Health SciencesResponsibilities
- support the rehabilitation of people recovering from physical injury, heart attack, stroke, or surgery
- provide massage to patients with pain in targeted areas
- help older people to improve their mobility
- care for patients with cerebral palsy to help increase muscle strength and activation
- assist with the use of gym equipment
- use therapeutic ultrasound to reduce pain or increase circulation
- use hydrotherapy to strengthen weak muscles
- monitor patients and develop a long-term treatment plan
Personal qualities that will help you become a physiotherapist
- ability to balance teamwork and leadership
- emotionally resilient
- caring and compassionate
- excellent communication skills
- problem-solving and critical thinking skills
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Working hours
Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours and may include a mix of shifts, such as nights, early starts, evenings and weekends.
Salary
The average salary for an NHS Physiotherapist in Scotland is £41,859 per year, which is 14% higher than the national average. The starting salary for Band 5 is £30,229 – £37,664. The average salary for a private sector is £37,500.
Career prospects
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a GP practice, at a patient’s home or at a fitness centre. There are also opportunities for physiotherapists in the armed forces, including the army and the Royal Air Force.