Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice.
What is the role of a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists help people recover with injuries sustained from surgery, illness, ageing or disability. Physiotherapists work to diagnose the causes of injury and put together a treatment plan, sometimes including exercises, manual therapy and electrotherapy (using electrical energy as a medical treatment.
Who needs a physiotherapist?
People usually seek out physiotherapy when they’re recovering from a major injury/surgery, and they go through the treatment sessions to relieve the pain that restricts their mobility and strength.
What subjects do you need to become a physiotherapist?
Subject requirements for Bachelor of Physiotherapy: Maths, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences, all at level 4 with a minimum of 30 points. Only students applying for Physiotherapy as first choice will be considered.
How to Become A Physiotherapist In South Africa
Entry requirements and training (physiotherapist)
This page has information on the entry requirements and training needed to become a physiotherapist.
To practice as a physiotherapist, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To register with the HCPC, you first need to successfully complete an approved degree level qualification in physiotherapy. This may be a full or part-time course or a degree apprenticeship in physiotherapy. Full time degrees take three years. Part time degrees vary from four to six years.
There are also two-year accelerated MSc courses available to people who already have a BSc degree in a relevant subject.
University courses
Courses differ but all involve a lot of practical work with patients.
To get onto a physiotherapy degree course you usually need two or three A levels, including a biological science and/or PE, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and at least one science.
You may also be able to get onto a course with alternative qualifications, including:
BTEC, HND or HNC which includes biological science
relevant NVQ
science-based access course
equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications
a previous degree or a full practising qualification in a related area
Each institution sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check carefully. Wherever you study, you will need to show that you have an understanding of physiotherapy and an aptitude for caring for others. In most cases, the results of an interview and/or other selection processes are taken into account as well as academic qualifications. It is a good idea to spend some time with a registered physiotherapist to see what the work is like.
Financial support while studying at university
You’ll be entitled to receive at least £5,000 a year towards your studies while at university. Your personal circumstances may mean you could receive more. And the good news? You’ll never have to pay it back
Find out more about financial support while at university.
Degree apprenticeships
A degree standard apprenticeship in physiotherapy has been approved for delivery. To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will need to apply for an apprentice position with a health care provider. You can search for vacancies on the NHS Jobs website and Find an Apprenticeship website.
Once you’ve successfully completed a programme approved by the HCPC, you are then eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC. Once registered as a practitioner, you’ll be required to retain your name on the register by keeping your knowledge and skills up to date and paying an annual retention fee.
Minimum Entrance Requirements for BSc Physio at UCT
minimum APS of 360.
English (as HL or FAL) (50%)
Maths (50%)
Physical Sciences OR Life Sciences (50%)
your next 3 best subjects excluding Life Orientation (50%)
personal report reflecting additional skills, experience and attributes.
How long does it take to become a physio in South Africa?
four years
The duration of the Physiotherapy degree programme is normally four years. Students who by the middle of the first year have not met certain performance requirements are required to transfer to an Intervention Programme of one year, after which they return to the standard programme.
Where can I study to become a physiotherapist in South Africa?
Become a Physiotherapist
University of Cape Town.
University of the Free State.
University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Sefako Makgatho Health Science University (SMU)
University of Stellenbosch.
University of the Western Cape.
University of the Witwatersrand.
What are the requirements to study Physiotherapy In South Africa?
Subject requirements for Bachelor of Physiotherapy: Maths, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences, all at level 4 with a minimum of 30 points. Only students applying for Physiotherapy as first choice will be considered.
How many years does it take to study Physiotherapy In South Africa?
Physiotherapy, a four (4) years programme. The course of study was later upgraded to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B. Physiotherapy) degree, 5 years programme, and in 2002, the department graduated the first set of students who were awarded Bachelor of Physiotherapy Degree.
Is studying physiotherapy hard In South Africa?
Fortunately, it’s not terribly hard to scrape a pass, but if you get a 51 it doesn’t feel great,” Clement said. Essentially, you’re looking at around four to six exams a semester, with both practical and theoretical elements, so it’s definitely a demanding degree in that sense.
How long is a Masters in physiotherapy In South Africa?
2-4 YearsMaster of Science in Physiotherapy
| College | College of Health Sciences |
|---|---|
| Study System | Thesis and Courses |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 Cr. Hrs |
| Duration | 2-4 Years |
| Intake | Fall & Spring |
What grades do you need to be a physiotherapist In South Africa?
To get onto a physiotherapy degree course you usually need two or three A levels, including a biological science and/or PE, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and at least one science.