Finding the right courses and training are essential if you want to qualify as a physiotherapist. Any course or training you look at has to lead to a degree in physiotherapy - this is typically a three or four year degree.
As you would expect with such a hands-on profession, physiotherapy courses and training mix the theoretical study of human movement and anatomy with a range of practical skills. Physiotherapy courses and training covers areas such as:
- Orthopedics (spinal conditions)
- Trauma
- Rheumatology
- Pediatrics
- Burns
- Plastic surgery
In addition to these classroom sessions, you will also be required to complete practical clinical sessions. These placements are crucial, enabling you to gain experience working with clients, and work alongside qualified and experienced practitioners.
If you are a qualified practitioner looking to return to the profession after a break, then return-to-practice or refresher programs will allow you to make a smooth transition back to the work place.
As with all professions, education doesn't end with qualification, however - you will need to accumulate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits on an annual basis by attending workshops, portfolio development, and reflective practice programmes. The CSP (the professional body) has details of over 500 CPD workshops on their website, plus information on degrees in physiotherapy.
