Starting out as a graduate Physiotherapist can feel daunting, to say the least. After years of hard work and study, you’re finally ready to take those first tentative steps into a professional career. But where to start?
To give you a helping hand, we’ve asked two of Your World’s specialist Physiotherapy Recruitment Consultants, Ed Whitton and Lee Potter, to provide some valuable tips on what you’ll need to successfully land your first official physiotherapy jobs.
Article Breakdown
What you’ll need before applying for jobs
How to find the best jobs for you
What types of jobs you can apply for
What is work-life balancel ike?
Who to contact if you’re looking for graduate physiotherapy jobs
What you’ll need before applying for jobs
Ed says:
Before considering applying for employed work, you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The HCPC is the official regulator for UK health and care professionals, so it’s legally required to be registered with them if you want to work as a physio in the United Kingdom.
Find out more about getting on the HCPC register
Lee says:
You might also consider applying for membership with The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. This trade union body provides advice and support to physiotherapists around the country.
You don’t have to wait for your professional career to start before joining - they accept physiotherapy students as members too.
How to find the best jobs for you
Lee says:
It’s easy to get caught up in ‘doom scroll’ mode, where you can scroll through pages and pages of job adverts and come out hours later feeling overwhelmed and flustered.
Jobs will vary from employer to employer. They will all have different ways of working, have different entry requirements, and require different hours. Finding the right one for you, especially as a graduate, might feel pressured. Signing up with a recruitment agency can eliminate that stress and confusion.
Ed says:
Exactly. A recruitment agency takes the hard work out of job hunting and can kickstart your career.
However, you want to ensure you use a reputable, responsible agency with high-quality jobs and a supportive team. That’s where Your World shines. Our team will get to know you and your career needs before matching you with a suitable role for your experience level, skill set, and personal requirements.
We’re here for you if you have any questions about joining Your World as a graduate Physiotherapist.
What types of jobs you can apply for
Ed says:
Physio jobs are varied, so finding the right type for you depends on your goals and needs.
Firstly, they differ in hours. Full-time Physiotherapists typically work 37.5 hours per week. Part-time hours are closer to 14 hours per week.
Next, consider what specialty you want to work in and whether you’d prefer to work in an NHS or private setting. You may work as a specialist sports physio, for example, treating patients with sports injuries. Sports Physiotherapists tend to work in private practice hospitals and clinics. If you choose to work in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, an NHS hospital role might be best for you.
If you like moving from place to place, community physiotherapy could be a great option. This is an NHS role, which could have you visiting prisons, nursing homes, and patients’ homes.
Whichever area or setting you choose, one thing’s for certain - you’ll always be working to improve your patients’ quality of life.
Lee says:
You may already know what type of physiotherapy setting you prefer from the work experience you completed during your higher education course. If so, that’s a great place to start when speaking with your recruitment agency.
What is work-life balancel ike?
Lee says:
These days, finding a good balance between work and personal life is more important than ever. Most healthcare students and graduates believe finding a balance will be impossible for their chosen career paths, but that’s not the case.
For the best work-life balance, I highly recommend locum work. Instead of working a permanent contract for one employer, you take on pro-rata jobs for multiple employers.
As a locum, you have complete control over your career. It’s up to you to decide which jobs to accept and how many hours you take on. Plus, you can explore different areas of your field before focusing on one long-term.
You’ll also gain experience with different physiotherapy teams and hone your skills.
Ed says:
Because it’s so versatile, you’ll never get bored as a locum. Each day is different, which is excellent if you thrive on challenges and trying new things.
Locums may also work with a wide variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds, allowing you to develop your interpersonal skills. Of course, if you prefer a more vigorous routine, you’ll still have that option, as you can choose where you work and when.
Pay is another appealing aspect of locum work because it’s typically higher than permanent roles. Locum rates are based on experience and skill set.
Despite higher pay, locums don’t receive the same benefits as permanent employees, such as maternity, annual, or sick pay. These are essential lifestyle allowances to consider before choosing a locum career.
Who to contact if you’re looking for graduate physiotherapy jobs
Hopefully, this guide has boosted your confidence for finding your first physio job in the UK. At Your World, we get how hard you’ve worked for your qualifications, and we’d love to help you take your first steps into the professional world.
Join our community of healthcare heroes today and speak to one of our physio recruitment specialists about your professional goals. We’re here to support, advise, and guide you into a long and happy physiotherapy career.
You got this!
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