What is physiotherapy?
There are 3 main areas of physiotherapy:
- Musculoskeletal (bones, joints and muscle),
- Neurology (brain, spinal cord and nerves),
- Cardio-respiratory (lungs, heart and circulatory system).
"Physiotherapy is a health care profession concerned with human function and movement and maximising potential:
- it uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well-being, taking account of variations in health status
- it is science-based, committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery
- the exercise of clinical judgement and informed interpretation is at its core.”
The above definition is taken from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Curriculum Framework (January 2002). See the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website for details
Physiotherapists work in a great variety of settings such as orthopaedics, intensive care, paediatrics, mental illness, stroke recovery, occupational health, ergonomics, musculoskeletal treatment in hospitals and private practice, and care of the elderly.
Requirements to Become a Physiotherapist
It is essential to check the individual entry requirements for each university as most will request at least 3 A2 Levels of Grade B or higher. Physiotherapy is one of the most popular degrees to apply for at university and is therefore very competitive, if you want to have a real chance of securing a place at university work experience is a very desirable option.
Personal Qualities Required:
- Communication, helping and caring skills
- Sensitivity and tolerance
- Ability to use initiative
- Potential to undertake an intensive course of study
- Reliability, honesty and trustworthiness
- Enthusiasm, dedication and determination
Physiotherapy opportunities are offered at either Heartlands, Solihull, Good Hope and Queen Elizabeth Hospitals. You must be in year 12 or above to be able to access this.
Physiotherapy dates for Queen Elizabeth Hospital only are:
Tuesday 18 February 2020 - Full
Tuesday 7 April 2020
Tuesday 28 May 2020
Tuesday 21 July 2020
Tuesday 11 August 2020
Tuesday 29 October 2020
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working
Occupational Therapy dates (held at Queen Elizabeth Hospital only)
Wednesday 22 April 2020
Thursday 28 May 2020
Thursday 23 July 2020
Wednesday 19 August 2020
Tuesday 13 October 2020
Further information:
- If you do not hear back within 28 days this will have meant that your application has been unsucessful
- Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to give feedback or confirm if we have receive your application
- Completion of the form does not guarantee or confirm your placement as your application will need to be reviewed to ensure safety and suitability of the placement
Further information: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/physiotherapist
Please return by e-mail to: [email protected] (Please note emails to this email address are not 100% secure).
