Why study physiotherapy? Top 7 reasons
Physiotherapy - a rapidly growing healthcare profession, empowers individuals to live stronger, healthier lives. Whether it’s helping someone walk again after an accident or guiding an athlete back to the sport they love, physiotherapists are there for some of life’s most powerful comeback stories.
If you’re passionate about health, movement, and making a real impact in people’s lives, physiotherapy will be your perfect match. Besides its meaningful impact, a career in physiotherapy offers diverse opportunities and long-term potential for yourself.
In this blog, you will find the top 7 reasons why study physiotherapy. So, if you’ve ever wondered “Is physiotherapy a good career?”, keep reading, you’re in the right place.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession focused on helping people restore, maintain, and improve their physical function, mobility, and overall wellbeing. It uses evidence-based techniques like exercise, manual therapy, education, and movement training to treat a wide range of conditions - from injuries and chronic pain to neurological and respiratory issues.
Physiotherapists work with people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly across a variety of settings, including hospitals, private clinics, sports teams, and community health centres. Clearly, physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping people live their best lives physically.
Studying physiotherapy at the University of Huddersfield, you’ll build the skills and understanding you need to work in this hands-on and rewarding profession.
Top 7 reasons to study a physiotherapy degree
1. High demand and job stability
The first reason to study physiotherapy is because the demand for physiotherapist is growing rapidly globally. As populations age and awareness of physical health increases, more people are seeking rehabilitation, injury prevention, and long-term care services.
In many countries, physiotherapy is considered a shortage occupation. For example, in the UK, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) shared the number of physiotherapy posts in the NHS was not keeping pace with demand from Britain’s ageing and increasingly obese population (Guardian, 2024). The NHS community health service figures show 323,965 people were waiting for musculoskeletal treatment in March 2024, 27% higher than the 254,521 people waiting in January 2023 (Guardian, 2024).
This growing demand means physiotherapists can have strong job prospects and job security. Qualified professionals are highly valued and actively recruited.
2. Meaningful and impactful career
Why is physiotherapy important? Physiotherapy is a chance to make a real, lasting difference in people’s lives. Thanks to physiotherapists, a stroke survivor can regain mobility, a person with chronic pain can manage daily tasks, or an injured athlete can return to competition and pursue their dream. Physiotherapists are often part of their patients’ most life-changing moments.
Also, the work is deeply human and hands-on. Physiotherapists don’t just treat conditions, they empower people to reclaim their independence, confidence, and quality of life. The journey can be emotional, challenging, and incredibly rewarding, as you get to witness firsthand the progress and resilience of those you help.
For many, the biggest motivation to pursue physiotherapy is the chance to be a source of hope, strength, and recovery.
3. Diverse career opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of pursuing physiotherapy is the wide range of career paths it opens. Physiotherapists are not limited to a single type of workplace, they’re in demand across many settings.
As a physiotherapist, you could work in:
- Hospitals, helping patients recover from surgery, injury, or illness
- Private clinics, treating individuals with a variety of conditions in more personalised settings
- Sports teams, supporting athletes with injury prevention, recovery, and performance optimisation
- Rehabilitation centres, guiding long-term recovery for patients with neurological or physical impairments
- Research and academia, advancing the field through teaching or groundbreaking studies.
Physiotherapy also allows you to specialise in areas that match your interests - such as pediatrics, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, women’s health, or cardiorespiratory care. This flexibility means you can shape your career around your passions and evolve your role as you grow.
4. Hands-on and dynamic work environment
If you’re someone who enjoys active, people-focused work, physiotherapy offers a dynamic work environment. Physiotherapists are constantly moving-assessing patients, guiding exercises, using manual therapy techniques, and adapting treatment plans in real time.
Each day brings new challenges and a variety of cases. You might be helping a patient recover from surgery in the morning, working with a child with developmental delays in the afternoon, and supporting an athlete with performance goals in the evening. No two days are the same, and every patient brings a unique story and journey.
This hands-on nature not only keeps the work interesting but also builds strong interpersonal connections. You’re working closely with patients, supporting their progress step by step.
5. Strong earning potential
Physiotherapy brings strong earning potential. A career in physiotherapy offers a competitive salary within the healthcare sector and excellent opportunities for financial growth as you gain experience.
In the UK, physiotherapists can earn up to £64,000 annually, with an average salary of £39,715; entry-level salaries start at approximately £27,055 (UNTIL, 2024), making physiotherapy a financially rewarding career choice from the very start.
With further specialisation in high-demand areas like pain management, sports therapy, neurology, or pediatrics, your earning potential can increase significantly.
6. Opportunities for continuous learning and growth
Physiotherapy is a field that’s always evolving, meaning you’ll have plenty of chances to expand your knowledge and develop new skills throughout your career.
Advancements in physiotherapy techniques and technology will transform how care is delivered, offering exciting opportunities for you to learn new methods and tools. Additionally, professional development through a wide range of certifications and training allows you to deepen your expertise and stay ahead in the field.
Your degree in physiotherapy can also open doors to roles in teaching, public health, or research. In these areas, you might explore new approaches or interventions, contribute to groundbreaking studies, and share your findings with large audiences. The continuous learning will keep your work fresh, challenging, and deeply rewarding.
7. Work-life balance
Another great reason to study physiotherapy is the potential for a healthy work-life balance. Many physiotherapists enjoy flexible work schedules, especially those who work in private practice or as freelancers. This flexibility allows you to tailor your hours to fit your personal life and commitments.
Whether you want to spend more time with family, pursue your hobbies, or continue your education, physiotherapy can offer the balance needed to maintain both a rewarding career and a fulfilling personal life.
I was interested in physiotherapy because I knew that I wanted to go into something in healthcare. What really interested me was how our bones work, how the muscles work. So, I did more research on physiotherapy and knew it was the course for me.
I'm loving my degree so far. It's really interesting, most of my lessons are practical, it's very hands on. I think practical skills are really important because I personally think that it's quite hard learning just by sitting in a classroom with a teacher explaining in a lecture, especially in subjects where it’s hands on. I think the best way is learning by practising it on other people.
Ghufran from Libya
Studied the International Foundation Year
Progressed to BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Study physiotherapy at the University of Huddersfield
Choosing the right university that provides teaching excellence and high employability can make all the difference in your physiotherapy education and career. So, why study physiotherapy at the University of Huddersfield?
The University of Huddersfield is rated gold for overall, student experience and student outcomes (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023). Plus, the University is in the UK top 20 for placement years in industry (HESA Student Record 2021/22).
BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy at the University of Huddersfield is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. By studying this course, you’ll:
- Build the skills you need to work in this hands-on and rewarding profession. You’ll also work in small groups and individually and delve into the science behind physiotherapy practice.
- Gain real-world experience through practical placements with local healthcare providers, including the NHS, private practice, and sports clubs. University of Huddersfield students engage in at least 1,000 hours of clinical placements over three years. These placements span various healthcare environments, providing comprehensive hands-on experience crucial for professional development.
- Benefit from the use of our physiotherapy practical rooms, simulation suites and biomechanics laboratory, where you’ll practise your skills for assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation, as well as movement analysis.
- The University’s new Daphne Steele Building is now open on the site of the National Health Innovation campus. This will allow all physiotherapy students to make the most of specialist clinical teaching facilities and world-leading research facilities.
95% of graduates from this course were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK domiciled). Graduates have gone on to work as physiotherapists in a number of NHS hospitals and in the private sector. They have specialised in musculoskeletal care, rehabilitation and sport, as well as working in private practice or at sports clubs (Source: LinkedIn).
Are you an international student looking for a way to kickstart your degree in physiotherapy? The University of Huddersfield International Study Centre offers an excellent International Foundation Year in Health Science to help you get started.
The pathway programme will equip you with the essential academic knowledge and English skills needed for your physiotherapy undergraduate study. You will be able to progress on to the BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy at the University of Huddersfield upon successfully completing the International Foundation Year with the required grades and passing a selection process including an interview, checks and references. The International Study Centre will support you in this journey.
Discover the entry requirements, fees and visa information for your pathway programme at the University of Huddersfield International Study Centre.
FAQs
Is physiotherapy hard to study?
Physiotherapy requires commitment as it combines theoretical knowledge of anatomy and physiology with practical skills. However, with consistent effort and interest, it is both manageable and highly rewarding.
Is physiotherapy a good career?
Yes, physiotherapy is an excellent career offering opportunities to make a positive impact, varied job roles, and strong earning potential. It also provides flexibility and personal fulfilment.
Is physiotherapy in high demand in UK?
Yes, physiotherapy is in high demand in the UK due to ageing populations, increasing chronic conditions, and a growing emphasis on rehabilitation and preventive care.