What You Need to Know About How to Become a Physiotherapist in the UK

Physiotherapy is a core service in healthcare, focusing on helping people improve their physical abilities and quality of life. Physiotherapists work in various settings including hospitals, private clinics, sports clubs, and community health centres, dealing with patients of all ages with a range of conditions. If you’re considering a career in physiotherapy in the UK - either as a UK national or as a non-national - then you will find a wealth of opportunities to develop your career here. In this article, we’ll tell you what you need to know about how to become a physiotherapist in the UK - including how working as a locum physiotherapist could be a smart move for you.

Working in the UK as a Physiotherapist

To work as a physiotherapist in the UK, you will need to hold relevant qualifications for the role. This typically means undertaking a 3-year, full-time Bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy. If you have already completed an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as sports science or biology, there are Master's degrees in physiotherapy available. These are usually two-year courses and are also accredited by the HCPC.

Registration and Regulation

After obtaining a recognised qualification, the next step is to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which is mandatory to practise as a physiotherapist in the UK. Registration ensures that you meet the professional standards of training, skills, behaviour, and health. The HCPC also conducts criminal record checks and ensures all registrants maintain their skills through continuous professional development (CPD).

Gaining Experience and Specialisation

Clinical placements are an integral part of physiotherapy training, providing practical experience in various settings. These placements help students understand different aspects of patient care and develop essential skills under the supervision of qualified professionals. After qualifying and registering, you can choose to specialise in areas such as sports injuries, paediatrics, neurology, or elderly care. Specialisations typically require additional qualifications and experience, and sometimes further certification.

Job Opportunities and Earnings for Physiotherapists in the UK

As mentioned earlier, physiotherapy is a core healthcare service in the UK, which means there are plenty of excellent opportunities to develop a career here. This looks to continue, with physiotherapy helping to rehabilitate people after surgeries and support an ageing population. In terms of earnings, physiotherapy is a well-paid profession in healthcare. Locum physiotherapists working full-time for a year (with four weeks unpaid leave) can expect the following earnings: • England (Band 6): Around £39,000–£40,000 per year • Scotland: Around £48,000–£50,000 per year • London: Around £42,000 per year

How to Become a Physiotherapist in the UK as a Non-UK National

For non-UK nationals aspiring to practice physiotherapy in the UK, the pathway involves a few unique steps tailored to ensure that all practitioners meet the high standards required by the British healthcare system. Here’s a breakdown of what international candidates need to know.

Obtaining Recognition of International Qualifications

The first step for physiotherapists trained outside of the UK is to have their qualifications validated by the HCPC. This involves submitting your qualifications and professional experience for assessment to determine if they meet UK standards. The HCPC will evaluate if your training is equivalent to that of a UK-trained physiotherapist. This process can take several months and may require additional documentation or evidence. If your qualifications are not equivalent, you may need to undertake supplementary training or pass specific examinations. Sometimes, the HCPC may require you to complete a period of supervised practice in the UK or pass a professional skills test.

Visa and Immigration Requirements

To work in the UK, non-EU nationals will require a work visa. The most common route is the Health and Care Worker visa, part of the Skilled Worker visa scheme, designed specifically for medical professionals coming to work in the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care. To qualify, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who will act as your sponsor, and the role must meet the salary and skill requirements. For those eligible, the Working Holiday visa offers another potential route. This visa allows individuals from certain countries to live and work in the UK temporarily, providing a unique opportunity to gain experience in the healthcare sector while exploring the UK.

English Language Proficiency

All physiotherapists practising in the UK must be proficient in English. This ensures effective communication with patients and colleagues and safe practice. Non-native English speakers must typically prove their proficiency through standardised language tests such as IELTS or OET, achieving specific scores mandated by the HCPC.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Before practising as a physiotherapist in the UK, you must obtain professional indemnity insurance. One easy way to secure this is by joining the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP), which includes indemnity cover as part of its membership. This not only protects you legally and financially but also provides access to a network of professional support and resources.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Once registered and practising, all physiotherapists in the UK, including non-UK nationals, must engage in continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance their skills. The HCPC periodically checks compliance with CPD requirements to ensure ongoing competency. Working as a Locum Physiotherapist For many physiotherapists, switching to locum work offers many benefits over full-time roles. By choosing to work as a locum physiotherapist, you will unlock greater earning potential, targeted career development, a better work/life balance and the chance to enjoy a working holiday in the UK.

By working with a reputable healthcare recruitment agency such as Globe Locums, you will have access to the best assignments. This gives you the power to control your career in a way that suits you - whether that’s focusing on career development, earning more or working less.

Enjoy a Physiotherapy Career in the UK

Becoming a physiotherapist in the UK requires dedication to extensive education and training but offers a fulfilling career with the opportunity to make a significant impact on individuals' lives. With ongoing professional development and a commitment to patient care, physiotherapy can be a lifelong and rewarding profession.

You can do even more with your career in physiotherapy by switching to locum work - which makes this profession even more appealing. If you would like to learn more about working as a locum physiotherapist in the UK, please contact our team at Globe Locums today.