Physiotherapists work with patients to help them regain mobility, independence and well-being. They do so by hands-on therapy, such as manipulation and massage, designing and supervising exercise programmes, and by applying electro-therapies, such as ultrasound and laser treatments.
Physiotherapists work with patients of all ages and deal with a range of conditions affecting the soft tissues, joints, bones, nervous system, heart and lungs. They treat joint and spinal problems and help people overcome the effects of falls, sports injuries or other accidents. They also work in health promotion, leading community exercise programmes and back care classes.
Physiotherapists in the HSE work a 37.5-hour week. Self-employed physiotherapists may have more flexibility, though they often need to work at hours that suit patients, including evenings. Physiotherapists work in clinics and health centres, GP practices, hospitals, patients’ homes and other community settings such as sports centres. They wear either a uniform or practical clothes. The work can be physically demanding.
Salaries range from €33,000 to €60,000 or more depending on experience and location.
A physiotherapist needs to be:
- good at listening, explaining and motivating
- able to establish a good rapport with patients
- comfortable with hands-on patient contact
- able to work well alone and within a team.
Entry requirements:
To become a Chartered Physiotherapist you must:
1. Complete a recognised three or four year undergraduate university degree course (or a 2 year accelerated entry to practice MSc) which includes at a minimum 1,000 hours of clinical practice
2. Be accepted as a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists
3. Undertake continuous professional development.
B.Sc. in Physiotherapy Degree Programmes (4-year Level 8) are available to school leavers at:
- Trinity College Dublin
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- University of Limerick
- University College Dublin
- Ulster University
Useful Links:
Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy