Physiotherapy Jobs
- What are the prospects like for UK Physiotherapists?
- Is Physiotherapy regulated in the UK? Will your overseas Physiotherapy qualifications be recognised?
- How much can you expect to earn and what are the working conditions like for Physiotherapy jobs in the UK?
- How should you go about finding the right UK Physiotherapy job for you?
What are the prospects like for UK Physiotherapists?
Physiotherapists are in high demand across the UK and the outlook for qualified and experienced Physiotherapists from overseas is very positive. This section of the website will give you all the information you need to successfully transfer your Physiotherapy career to the UK and gain invaluable personal and professional experience in one of the world's most impressive healthcare systems.
Whether you are looking for a UK Physiotherapy locum job, a Physiotherapy job in Cornwell or a job in a private Physiotherapy clinic in London, you can get your Physiotherapy career moving by applying for Physiotherapy jobs here or by registering with one of WORKgateways Physiotherapy recruiters.
Is Physiotherapy regulated in the UK? Will your overseas Physiotherapy qualifications be recognised?
Physiotherapy in the UK is regulated by the Health Professionals Council (HPC). The titles ‘Physiotherapist’ and ‘Physical Therapist’ are protected, meaning it is illegal to work under either title in the UK unless you are registered with the HPC.
To register with the HPC as an overseas qualified Physiotherapist you will have to meet strict standards relating to your:
- training and qualifications
- professional skills and experience
- personal character
- personal health
All applications for registration are investigated individually so it is in your best interests to ensure the application is correct and complete before it is sent. The processing time for an application is usually 4 — 6 weeks. During peak periods, or if your application is incomplete, processing can take months.
The cost to apply for registration is £400. This is a one-off, non-refundable ‘scrutiny fee’ which is separate to the registration fee you will be charged should your application be successful. Contact the HPC to find out the registration fees applicable to each profession. As a guide though, registration renewal costs £144 for two years and this amount can be claimed as a tax expense.
As part of your application you will have to provide a character reference, a health reference and 2 clinical references. You will also have to contact the university or institution where you achieved your qualification and have them provide a detailed overview of the course you studied. A comprehensive application guide can be found on the HPC website.
If you are interested in joining a professional body for UK Physiotherapists, you can register with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
How much can you expect to earn and what are the working conditions like for Physiotherapy jobs in the UK?
Your salary as a Physiotherapist in the UK will be affected by your experience, qualifications and responsibilities. Salary rates may vary from the public to the private sector, though they are usually fairly similar.
The following hierarchy can be used as general guide for UK Physiotherapy jobs:
| Position Title | Pay Band (NHS) | Salary Range (all sectors) |
| Physiotherapist | 5 | £19.5K — £25.5K per annum |
| Physiotherapist Specialist | 6 | £23.5K — £31.5K per annum |
| Physiotherapist Specialist (Experienced Rotational) | 6 | £23.5K — £31.5K per annum |
| Physiotherapist Advanced | 7 | £28K — £37.5K per annum |
| Specialist Physiotherapist (Respiratory Problems) | 7 | £28K — £37.5K per annum |
| Specialist Physiotherapist (Community) | 7 | £28K — £37.5K per annum |
| Physiotherapy Team Manager | 7 | £28K — £37.5K per annum |
Your salary will also reflect the location in which you live. If you live in a high cost area, such as Inner London, then this will be reflected in your salary.
The work hours for a Physiotherapist in the UK are around 37.5 hours a week (Monday to Friday). Depending on where you live in the UK, having a drivers license may be necessary in order for you to travel between appointments. Most UK Physiotherapist jobs are with the NHS but there are also opportunities to work for private hospices, fitness centres and sports clinics.
How should you go about finding the right UK Physiotherapy job for you?
Whether you are applying for a specific Physiotherapy job in the UK or simply looking for anything which matches your skills and experience, your first point of contact will probably be a UK Allied Health recruiter. Recruitment agencies are heavily involved in the UK job market — it is their business to find quality candidates for employers while simultaneously helping candidates to develop and progress their Physiotherapy careers.
WORKgateways manages a network of the best UK Allied Health recruiters to help you reach your potential.
Register with recruitment agencies up to 2 years before your arrival in the UK. Your recruitment consultant will then begin the process of finding you a suitable position, giving you a great head start to your working life in the UK. If your travel plans or arrival date changes, make sure you inform your recruitment consultant immediately.
Learn how to get the most out of your WORKgateways UK job search in our FAQs.
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