A Physical Therapist (PT) in the US or Physiotherapist in the UK, works with people who have experienced some form of physical disability as a result of illness or accident or old age. It’s a popular career choice and applicants must have a degree and need to study sciences at high school or secondary school level and then apply for a place on a specialist university course.

PTs work with people who have conditions affecting not only muscles, joints and bones, but also the heart and lungs the nervous system. Examples of illnesses which require therapy are cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

The therapist works alongside doctors and other medical staff to ensure that the patient’s rehabilitation occurs as quickly and effectively as possible. This will vary enormously from patient to patient and could last from a few weeks to many years, depending on their condition

The type of treatment a Physio or PT will give varies from the very high tech to the very low tech and includes ultrasound, learning how to use and adapt to a prosthetic limb and exercises to strenghten specific parts of the body.

There are a number of specialist areas in which a physio can work and these include sports medicine, which is very popular, paediatrics or working with the elderly. Most physios in the UK will work in a hospital for 2 years before specializing.

A specialist degree is required to enter this profession and there is a lot of competition. So it’s advisable to focus on getting good exam results in science subjects so that you can get a university place. If you already have a degree, you can take an accelerated course (2 years) to get a masters in physiotherapy (UK). As with most medical professions, you will need to be involved in continuing professional education to keep your skills up to date.

In the US, you need a master’s degree or doctorate from an accredited school and will be expected to continue to update your skills throughout your career.

In the UK, physios work in the National Health Service, as well as the private sector, and in nursing homes, voluntary organisations and schools for children with special needs.

What sort of person makes a good PT or Physio?

You need to :

• be interested in health and improving quality of life
• be able to work with people from all walks of life
• have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• and skilled in developing rapport with patients
• able to motivate patients
• capable of working as part of a teamSalaries in the NHS stars at around £20,000 and go up to about -£60,000 for consultant level. In the US, avergae earnings are in the region of $66,000-£70,000

Prospects – jobs are expected to grow much faster than average in the US. This is partly due to the increase in member of ageing population who will require physical therapy. There is also growth in the UK, as more and more GP surgeries are taking on physios.