What are the prospects like for 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 locum job, a job in Cornwall, or a job in a private physiotherapy clinic in London, you can kickstart your physiotherapy career by applying for jobs or by registering with a Physiotherapy recruiter just before you arrive or when you arrive.
Is Physiotherapy regulated in the UK? Will your overseas Physio qualifications be recognised?
Physiotherapy in the UK is regulated by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). 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 HCPC.
To register with the HPC as an overseas qualified Physiotherapist you will have to meet strict standards relating to your:
Qualification
Professional experience
Professional registration and membership
English language proficiency
Character, health and disability, vetting, and barring
All registration applications are investigated individually so it is in your best interests to ensure the application is correct and complete before it is sent. Normal processing time is within 60 days from the day of acknowledgement, however, during peak periods, processing can take longer than usual.
There is a one-off, non-refundable ‘scrutiny fee’ of £639.98 before you can proceed with submitting your application. This fee is separate from the registration fee you will be charged should your application be successful. Contact the HCPC to find out the registration fees applicable to each profession. As a guide though, registration renewal costs £232.72 for two years and this amount can be eligible for claiming back tax.
As part of your application, you will have to provide a certificate of English language proficiency, membership(s) of a professional organisation you currently have in your country, and declarations. 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 for international applicants can be found on the HCPC 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 Physios 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 a general guide for UK Physiotherapy jobs:
| Position Title | Pay Band (NHS) | Salary Range (all sectors) |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | 5 | £29,900 — £36,400 per annum |
| Physio Specialist | 6 | £37,300 — £44,900 per annum |
| Physio Specialist (Experienced Rotational) | 6 | £37,300 — £44,900 per annum |
| Physio Advanced | 7 | £46,100 — £52,800 per annum |
| Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist | 7 | £46,100 — £52,800 per annum |
| Community Specialist Physiotherapist | 7 | £46,100 — £52,800 per annum |
| Team Lead Physiotherapist | 7 | £46,100 — £52,800 per annum |
Many roles are also contract but the permanent based on your visa although your salary range will give you an idea of what to expect. Your salary is also dependent on the location in which you live. If you live in a high-cost area, like London, then this will be reflected.
The work hours for a Physios in the UK are around 37.5 hours a week which may include weekend, on-call rotation, or night shifts. Depending on where you live in the UK, having a driver’s license can be beneficial 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 Physiotherapy job?
Whether you are applying for a specific Physiotherapy post or simply looking for anything which matches your skills and experience, your first point of contact will probably be a Allied Health recruiter. Recruitment agencies are heavily involved in the British job market — it is their business to find quality candidates for employers while simultaneously helping candidates to develop and progress their Physio careers.
Register with recruitment agencies before you arrive in the UK. Your recruitment consultant will then start 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.
Table of Contents
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Your Essential Guide to Navigating and Succeeding in the Competitive UK Job Market
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