The Student Room Group

Is Physio well paid?

My mate wants to become a physiotherapist, and everyone keeps saying how much money she'll earn. But I don't understand how it can be that much, so could someone fill me in on the earnings, in the public and private sector. Apparently the NHS will pay some of your university stuff as well, if you go back to work for them when you graduate? Offers for unis seem quite low compared to Law (which i'm thinking of doing), and now law is so competitive, and getting a training contract is as well, I think a career as a physio sounds safe. I don't know exactly what they do though....do they just twist round peoples joints or massage or diagnose or what :confused:
Reply 1
the money you earn will depend on where exactly you work......in the NHS the starting wage for a junior physio is around 18k rising to around 30k but you can earn more if you get management and clinical specialist roles.........if you work in sport you can earn loads.........I heard of a top football physio being on 110k a year............but I must stress that those kind of job opportunities are RARE and shouldn't really be taken into account..............physio's who work in the private sector, i.e. have their own or work in clinics can earn prob up to 60k......maybe more......seeing as most charge 30 quid for a half hour session!

If you go to the Charted Society of Physio website www.csp.org.uk there is a link on the home page to the newly published pay scales for NHS physios.

At the mo the NHS only pay for things while you're at uni (tuition fees, some rent costs, uniform, bursary etc) but there is talk of them introducing a system whereby you work for the NHS for 5/10 years (exact time not yet specified) and you get your student loan wiped............but this is still in the talking phase.

I wouldn't say offers of BBB at a-level are low......some uni's are beginning to offer ABB or in one case I heard of AAB because the competition for places is so tough.

I would just like to say that a career as a physio is not necessarily "safe"............it is tough work whilst at uni and tough work once your qualified.......the physical demands of the job are immense (currently physio's have the right to retire, on full pension, at 55 just like nurses) its not all about just giving someone a massage and hey presto...............physio's are highly skilled clinicians who are able to use upto date scientific and manual knowledge to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate and manage numerous medical/physical conditions...........its a puzzle solving career, using you knowledge and intuition to get clues as to what is going on with someone, as two people with the same injury may present completely different.......

the changing nature of the scientific world and the public and private sectors make this a demanding yet highly satisfying and inspiring career. It takes alot of commitment to be a physiotherapist and it is highly recommended that you ahve experienced life on the frontline i.e. NHS as this is where 99% of physios are employed.........if you are considering a career in physio get yourself out there into your local department, meet the people that have gone before you and figure out if this is really the career for you.............you should be totally dedicated before you apply. The uni's will be able to sniff you out a mile off if you're not
Reply 2
Well said Jackie, most people don't go into if for the money (although it can be pretty good!), I certainly am not!

It's a tough profession and very physically demanding, not to mention the emotional and psychological effects it can have on you.

Though I would say it's 10 times more rewarding than law- my family is awash with lawyers, judges, magistrates etc and they all find it really hard work - incredibly long hours, no social life and repetitive. The money is the only plus point!