Physiotherapist
Guide people through exercise programmes that make it easier for them to walk or move without pain.
About the job
A day in the life – Physiotherapist
What it's like
You would guide people though exercise programmes that make it easier for them to walk or move without pain. It would be up to you to work out what kind of treatment would be best for them.
You would help:
People with spine and joint problems, especially after an operation
Patients recovering from accidents, sports injuries and strokes
Children who have mental or physical disabilities
Older people with physical problems who want to become more mobile
There are a variety of treatments and techniques you could use, including:
Physical manipulation
Massage
Therapeutic exercise
Electrotherapy
Ultrasound
Acupuncture
Hydrotherapy
You’d show people how to increase their range of movement. You’d need to be patient and encouraging but also firm to ensure your patients follow the treatment that you recommend.
It would be important to keep accurate records of patients' treatment and progress.
There are various areas you could work in, including paediatrics, outpatients, intensive care, women's health and occupational health.
You’d work closely with other health professionals, such as nurses, occupational therapists, health visitors and social workers.
You can see more about this role in the National Health Service on the physiotherapist page on the NHS Scotland Careers website. See the Learning and development section for information about career structure, progression and rates of pay.
Hours
You'll typically work around 37.5 hours per week.
Environment
You could be based in a hospital or the community, in a health centre, clinic or GP surgery.
If you work for local authorities, voluntary organisations or the private sector, you may be based in a nursing home, fitness centre or sports clinic.
Travel
You may visit some patients in their own homes.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- physical therapy
- rehabilitation
- orthopedics
- human musculoskeletal system
- neurology
- pelvic health
- pelvic floor rehabilitation
- sports injuries
- gait analysis
- lymphedema management
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- motivating others
- coaching
- time management
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- empathising
- researching
- verbal communication
- listening
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Care
Chemistry
Human Biology
PE (Physical education)
Physics
Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
Getting into physiotherapy is competitive.
You need a degree in physiotherapy (SCQF level 9/10) accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
To enter a physiotherapy degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers, including English and two sciences, or a relevant HNC/HND/Access course.
To enter a postgraduate MSc physiotherapy (pre-registration) or MSc rehabilitation technologies (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant science subject.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of health and wellbeing such as Skills for Work Health & Social Care (SCQF level 6) or Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5)
Relevant experience
Ability to swim
A visit to a physiotherapy hospital department before applying to a course is helpful.
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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