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How to become a physiotherapist

Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness, disability or ageing to move and function better, using exercise, manual therapy and advice.

You could work in hospitals, community services, GP practices, sports clubs or private practice.

'Physiotherapist' is a title protected by law: you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to use it.

  • Regulated profession
  • Multiple routes
  • Earn while learning possible

3 routes into this career

Each route is a real, published way in. None is guaranteed, and requirements vary by employer. Select up to 3 to compare side by side.

  • Route AUniversity

    Physiotherapy degree, then HCPC registration

    For those who want to study physiotherapy at university, with clinical placements, before starting work.

    Starting requirements

    • Usually 2 or 3 A-levels or equivalent, including biology — universities set their own requirements
    • An approved physiotherapy degree is needed to register with the HCPC

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for an approved physiotherapy degree
    2. Study and complete clinical placements
    3. Apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund if you are eligible
    4. Graduate and register with the HCPC
    5. Apply for physiotherapist jobs
    Estimated duration
    3 years full-time (6 years part-time)
    How we estimate this

    Health Careers says a full-time degree can take three years and a part-time course six years.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £29,826Paid up front by you: £456Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    Usually once you register and start as a physiotherapist.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BApprenticeship

    Physiotherapist degree apprenticeship

    For those who want to train with a healthcare employer and earn a wage, without paying tuition fees — including physiotherapy assistants.

    Starting requirements

    • Usually 2 or 3 A-levels or equivalent, preferably including biology — employers set their own requirements
    • You need a job with an employer that offers the apprenticeship
    • At least 20% of your normal working hours is off-the-job training

    Pathway outline

    1. Find a physiotherapist degree apprenticeship (or start as a physiotherapy assistant)
    2. Work and study; your employer and the government pay for training
    3. Complete the apprenticeship and its assessment
    4. Register with the HCPC
    5. Work as a physiotherapist
    Estimated duration
    About 4 years
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists the Physiotherapist (level 6) apprenticeship at 48 months; the National Careers Service says usually 4 years.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £24,000 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route CUniversity

    Accelerated master's for graduates with a relevant degree

    For those who already have a degree in a related subject, such as biological science, health science or sport and exercise science.

    Starting requirements

    • A first degree in a relevant subject — universities set their own requirements
    • An approved pre-registration course is needed to register with the HCPC

    Pathway outline

    1. Check your first degree meets the course's entry requirements
    2. Apply for a two-year accelerated (pre-registration) master's in physiotherapy
    3. Study and complete clinical placements
    4. Register with the HCPC
    5. Apply for physiotherapist jobs
    Estimated duration
    2 years full-time, after your first degree
    How we estimate this

    Health Careers describes a two-year accelerated master's for people who already have a relevant degree.

    Estimated direct study costs
    At least £456Plus: Postgraduate pre-registration fees are set by each university and were not verifiedPaid up front by you: At least £456Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    Usually once you register and start as a physiotherapist.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

Choose “View full journey” on a route to see every step, cost and source.

Good to know

  • NHS Learning Support Fund (England): on an eligible pre-registration course you could apply for a non-repayable Training Grant of £5,000 per academic year, plus £2,000 a year Parental Support if you have a dependent child, and help with placement travel costs. You must be eligible for student finance support, and you reapply each year.Source: NHS Business Services Authority, NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) (opens in a new tab) · checked 14 Oct 2026

Questions people ask

I already have a degree. Do I have to start again?

Not necessarily. If your degree is in a related subject, such as biological science or sport and exercise science, you could take a two-year accelerated master's. Universities decide which degrees they accept.

Is HCPC registration a legal requirement?

Yes. You must be registered with the HCPC to call yourself a physiotherapist and to practise as one.

Sources

Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026. Every fee and requirement on this page links to one of these.

UK reference: median full-time pay for all employees was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE, provisional).

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