TREATMENT: Superintendent physiotherapist Judy Munby at work at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

Physiotherapy

Answers supplied by Judy Munby, superintendent physiotherapist in medicine for
the elderly at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, a large acute trust offering a range of specialist services to
the people of Norfolk.

What does the job entail?
Physiotherapy is a science-based healthcare profession which involves identifying and maximising movement potential through health promotion, preventative healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation. This is carried out using core skills including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electrotherapy. You will also be encouraging the patient's own active role in helping themselves to maximise independence and function.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
You need eight GCSEs or equivalent, including at least two sciences and a minimum of three A levels or equivalent, for example a BTEC National Diploma or Health Sciences Access course. Mature students are also welcomed. It is possible to undertake an MSc Physiotherapy degree course following another related degree eg Sports Sciences or Biological Sciences. Training consists of a recognised three or four year university based course leading to a BSc in physiotherapy or a two year MSc course both leading toState Registration. Once qualified a physiotherapist will have a high level of knowledge and expertise.

What type of person will fit in?
You have got to really love working with people. Personal qualities such as good communication skills, patience, tact and empathy, as well as the ability to work as part of a team are also essential. A good sense of humour is also an advantage.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
Although patient's problems are often complex, particularly with children or the elderly, physiotherapy is a very rewarding job. By establishing
a rapport with the patient you can use your skills to encourage and motivate, therefore making them more positive about their rehabilitation and achieving success in reaching treatment goals. Sometimes staff shortages and a lack of funding can have a demoralising effect.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
Physiotherapy offers such a wide range of work and you can choose to work in a setting that best suits your individual skills and interests. Specialist areas of work include many clinical areas such as orthopaedics, women's health, burns and plastics, sports medicine, neurology, elderly and children. You could then progress to health service management or follow a career in research or teaching.

What can I expect to earn?
In the health service new graduates start on £17,000. After two to three years progression to senior physiotherapist grade provides a salary
of £19,000. After 10 years a salary of about £26,000 can be expected and a physiotherapy manager may expect £36,000. Salaries in private health care and education will vary from this.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
Before applying for a university place, work experience would be helpful, either in local physiotherapy departments or health centres etc, but
experience in any aspect of healthcare, such as a nursing or residential home, would be useful. Once qualified lots of vacancies exist all over the country and indeed the world. If you are a chartered physiotherapist please contact: Physiotherapy Manager, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UZ for details of current vacancies.