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You’ll help people improve their mobility and regain their independence after an injury or operation, or as a result of ageing or a disability.
You need to study for an approved degree level programme in physiotherapy - either through a full-time or part-time university degree or a degree apprenticeship in physiotherapy. There are also two-year accelerated MSc courses available to people who already have a BSc degree in a relevant subject. To get onto a physiotherapy degree course you usually need two or three A levels (or equivalent qualifications), including a biological science and/or PE, along with five GCSEs (grades 9-4/A-C), including English language, maths and at least one science. You'll need similar level 3 qualifications to get onto a degree apprenticeship. Each university and employer sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check carefully.Physiotherapists in the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. They may work shifts, including evenings, nights and weekends. They start at band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay scale. Elsewhere, a physiotherapist’s hours will depend on where they work. For example, a sports physiotherapist is likely to work at weekends. In private practice, physiotherapists’ hours depend on client needs. They may work evenings and weekends to suit private clients.Physiotherapists need to be happy to be hands-on with patients, good listeners, caring, able to motivate people and normally physically fit as the work can be strenuous. They also need good manual (hand) skills good organisation and communication skills and an ability to explain treatment to patients.You may choose to specialise in a particular area of practice such as sports injuries, critical care, care of the elderly or working with children or cancer patients. Teaching and research are also options. You could also move into management, either within physiotherapy services or general management. As head of a local physiotherapy service you would be responsible both for a team of staff and for managing a budget. Some physiotherapists set up their own clinics, on their own or with other professionals. -
Nurses are an important part of delivering care in general practice. An increasing shift of care from hospitals to general practice provides nurses with a really exciting career choice.
You must be a qualified and registered adult, child, mental health or learning disability nurse to work in general practice. You’ll also either need to undertake further training and education or be willing to after being appointed. Some employers may ask for knowledge or experience in specific areas e.g. health promotion or working with patients with long-term conditions.Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. Practice nurses employed directly by the NHS will usually work standard hours of 37.5 per week. Terms and conditions can vary for employers delivering services on behalf of the NHS, including most GP surgeries.You’ll be responsible for people with a range of needs so being highly organised, flexible and able to prioritise effectively will be vital. A good nurse is also highly observant, able to assess patients and take responsibility for determining the best course of action.With further training and experience, practice nurses can apply for more senior nurse roles, such as senior practice nurse/nurse practitioner and advanced nurse practitioner positions. These roles mean having a lot more autonomy and you will be able to manage your own caseloads.