Physical Therapist: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Physical Therapist
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Practice Now »What is a Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist is a healthcare professional who helps people of all ages with medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. In the educational setting, they often work with students who have physical disabilities, improving their mobility and helping them to access the full range of learning experiences available.
Skills
- Knowledge of special education laws and regulations
- Ability to assess and develop individualized treatment plans for students with disabilities
- Proficiency in conducting physical therapy assessments and interventions
- Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
- Ability to adapt and modify therapy techniques to meet the unique needs of each student
- Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment for students with physical disabilities
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to address challenges in the therapy process
- Ability to maintain accurate documentation and progress reports for students' therapy sessions
- Empathy and patience to work with students who may have behavioral or emotional challenges
- Continuous professional development to stay updated on the latest research and best practices in special education and physical therapy
Qualifications & Education
- A first degree that provides QTS (qualified teacher status) or TQ (teaching qualification) in Scotland
- Other relevant degree followed by further postgraduate training, such as PGCE or PGDE
- Prior experience in mainstream teaching
- Further training for special needs teaching may be mandatory
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes approximately 7 years of college education to become a physical therapist in the UK. This includes 4 years to earn an undergraduate degree and an additional 3 years in a DPT program.
Yes, being a physical therapist is generally considered a good career in the UK. PTs often experience job satisfaction as they have the opportunity to work directly with patients and make a meaningful impact on their health.
Yes, physiotherapy can be a stressful job, as indicated by a survey conducted in the UK where 60% of physiotherapists reported feeling stressed at work.
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