| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Allied Health |
| Level | Entry level |
| Reports to | Chief Physiotherapist |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | Fresher or up to 4 years in physiotherapy |
Physiotherapist job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Physiotherapist
Department: Allied Health
Reports to: Chief Physiotherapist
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Physiotherapist assesses and treats problems of movement, pain and physical function through exercise and manual therapy. They evaluate patients, set treatment goals, and deliver therapy for orthopaedic, neurological, cardiac and sports conditions. The role reports to the Chief Physiotherapist or rehabilitation in-charge. A good physiotherapist restores movement and reduces pain with treatment tailored to each patient, tracks measurable progress, and teaches home exercises so gains continue after discharge.
Key responsibilities
- Assess patients' movement, strength, pain and function and identify the problem.
- Set treatment goals and design a physiotherapy plan for the condition.
- Deliver exercise therapy, manual therapy and electrotherapy as indicated.
- Treat post operative, orthopaedic, neurological, cardiac and sports patients with tailored plans.
- Progress the treatment plan as the patient improves and reassess regularly.
- Teach patients home exercises and correct posture and movement.
- Use modalities such as ultrasound, TENS and traction safely.
- Coordinate with doctors and other therapists on the rehabilitation plan.
- Advise on mobility aids and safe activity for daily life.
- Keep assessment, treatment and progress records for each patient.
Requirements
- Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT)
- Registration where required
- MPT in a specialty is an advantage
- Fresher or up to 4 years in physiotherapy
KRAs and KPIs for a Physiotherapist
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Functional improvement | Patients meeting movement and function goals against the treatment plan |
| Pain reduction | Patients reporting reduced pain against baseline at the target rate |
| Assessment | New patients assessed and a plan set within the agreed time |
| Session delivery | Planned therapy sessions delivered to schedule each month |
| Home programme | Patients taught a home exercise programme before discharge |
| Records | Assessment and progress records complete for every patient |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: Ultrasound therapy unit, TENS machine, Exercise therapy equipment, Goniometer, Traction unit.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Senior Physiotherapist, Chief Physiotherapist, Sports Physiotherapist
Interview questions for a Physiotherapist
- How do you assess a patient with lower back pain and plan treatment?
- How do you progress rehabilitation after a knee replacement?
- When would you use electrotherapy and when would you avoid it?
- How do you rehabilitate a patient after a stroke?
- How do you make sure a patient follows their home exercise programme?
- Tell me about a patient whose recovery you are proud of.
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What does a physiotherapist do?
A physiotherapist assesses and treats problems of movement, pain and physical function. They evaluate patients, set goals, and deliver exercise therapy, manual therapy and electrotherapy for orthopaedic, neurological, cardiac and sports conditions. They progress treatment as patients improve and teach home exercises so recovery continues after discharge.
What is the difference between a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist?
A physiotherapist focuses on movement, strength and pain, restoring physical function. An occupational therapist focuses on helping patients do daily activities and work, including self care and the use of aids. They often work together in rehabilitation, with the physiotherapist on physical recovery and the occupational therapist on daily independence.
What qualifications do you need to be a physiotherapist?
Most physiotherapists hold a Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT), with registration where the state requires it. A master's in a specialty helps for advanced and senior roles. Employers look for strong assessment skills, competence in exercise, manual and electrotherapy, the ability to set and track goals, and good patient education.