Physiotherapy jobs, locum physiotherapy jobs, physiotherapy assistant jobs, and more
Where are most physiotherapy jobs found?
Physiotherapists are needed in almost every hospital department. As well as dedicated physiotherapy departments, physiotherapists can work in outpatients’ departments, elderly care, orthopaedics, paediatrics, mental health, occupational health and stroke rehabilitation services, as well as in intensive care units to make sure unconscious patients keep breathing.
More and more physiotherapists are also working in community settings, such as nursing homes, health centres or patients’ own homes, as well as schools, gyms, sports clubs and the private health sector. Physiotherapists will tend to work closely with other professionals such as occupational therapists, health visitors, general practitioners or district nurses.
What opportunities are there for qualified physiotherapists?
The professional body for physiotherapists is the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, which offers a range of opportunities for continuing professional development. Many physiotherapists will choose to specialise in one particular area of the role, for example elderly care, child care, critical care or sports injuries. Some physiotherapists move into management roles or set up their own clinics, while others will choose to relocate for job opportunities overseas.
What about other physiotherapy roles?
Physiotherapy assistant jobs are support roles under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Physiotherapy assistants help patients prepare for physiotherapy treatment, support them with their exercises and help with administrative tasks such as record keeping or writing reports. Again these roles can be found across hospital and community settings, or in the private or charity sectors. Vacancies similar to this may also be advertised as physiotherapy technician jobs.
There are no formal entry requirements for physiotherapy assistant jobs but employers will expect good levels of literacy and numeracy, as well as some experience in a health or social care setting, whether paid or voluntary. Applicants will also need good communication and organisational skills, and be calm, understanding and able to motivate the patients they work with. Physiotherapy assistants can go on to become team leaders or train to be assistant practitioners or physiotherapists.
Are there other ways of working for physiotherapists?
Physiotherapy careers can offer a great deal of flexibility, as people can choose to work on a part-time basis or as locum physiotherapists. Locum physiotherapy jobs are available for candidates at every level of experience, often with highly competitive pay rates. Locum physiotherapy jobs also offer a higher degree of freedom and the ability to experience new working environments and build a wider skills base. Some physiotherapists will also choose to apply for physiotherapy jobs abroad, whether in Europe or further afield in countries such as Australia or New Zealand.
