Physiotherapist: Job overview, duties, and other information
Physiotherapy is an exciting career choice in the healthcare sector. If you’re compassionate and reliable, this may be the right career for you. As a physiotherapist, you’ll have the satisfaction of helping people recover from injuries and diseases. Looking for a new job? Find medical vacancies on Job Mail and take your career to new heights.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is the treatment of diseases, injuries, or deformities by physical methods that may include massages, heat treatment, and exercise rather than making use of drugs or surgery.
Job overview
A physiotherapist is responsible for assessing, treating, and preventing disorders in human movement that can be caused by injuries and/or diseases. Pain reduction is another aspect of physiotherapy.
Physiotherapists use their knowledge and skills to improve conditions associated with the neurological, neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems of the human body. They can also work with people who have disabilities with the aim of assisting them to gain as much independence as possible.
From babies to elderly people, physiotherapists work with clients from every age group. They often work as part of a medical team, which can include doctors and nurses. They make use of a range of techniques, which include massage, ultrasound, and heat. Maintaining records and consulting with various healthcare professionals is also part of this position. Physiotherapists are also responsible for educating people with the goal of promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing the risk of injuries
Employment opportunities
This career comes with good employment possibilities, high self-employment opportunities, and a moderate income. Physiotherapists can find employment working in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres or in a private practice. Universities, sports clubs, and schools for children with special needs may also require the services of a physiotherapist. They can also visit and treat people in their homes.
There is a wide range of opportunities for specialisation in the field of physiotherapy, such as:
- Manipulative therapy
- Women’s health
- Elderly care
- Chest conditions
- Occupational health and safety
- Sports medicine
- Babies and young children
- Problems of the nervous system and spinal injuries
- Administration or research
- Education
Skills and attributes needed
- Interpersonal and communication capabilities
- Reliability and patience
- Good physical and emotional wellbeing
- Excellent manual dexterity
- Ability to pay attention to detail
- Compassion
Educational requirements
If you want to study to become a physiotherapist, you’ll need to have a matric certificate. While each educational institute has different entry requirements, mathematics and physical science are often compulsory school subjects while life sciences (biology) is a recommended subject.
What to study:
- Degree: BSc (Physiotherapy) – You can study at most universities across South Africa.
- BSc (Honours) Physiotherapy – You can study at selected universities across South Africa.
- MSc (Physiotherapy) – You can study at selected universities across South Africa.
- PhD (Physiotherapy) – You can study at selected universities across South Africa.
Relevant societies and councils:
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
South African Society of Physiotherapy
Related occupations
- Assistant Physiotherapist
- Chiropractor
- Biokineticist
Now that you know more about becoming a physiotherapist, you can kickstart your career in the health sector. Visit Job Mail today, register your CV, and browse through the various medical vacancies available.
