How to Switch Careers and Become a Physiotherapist

Are you considering a career change that allows you to make a real difference in people's lives? Becoming a physiotherapist could be the ideal path for you.

Physiotherapy is a rewarding and in-demand profession that helps individuals recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, and improve mobility and overall well-being.

Whether you’re transitioning from a completely different field or already working in healthcare, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to becoming a physiotherapist.

Why Physiotherapy is a Good Career Choice

Physiotherapy is a dynamic and fulfilling profession that offers job security, career growth, and the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives. The demand for physiotherapists in Ireland is steadily increasing due to several factors:

• Growing Aging Population: With an aging population, the need for rehabilitation and mobility-related healthcare services is on the rise.

• High Demand for Physiotherapists: According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), there are ongoing shortages of physiotherapists across Ireland, particularly in public healthcare settings.

• Expanding Roles in Healthcare: Physiotherapists play a crucial role in post-surgery recovery, sports rehabilitation, and neurological therapy, leading to diverse career opportunities.

• Job Satisfaction & Competitive Salaries: Many physiotherapists report high levels of job satisfaction due to the direct impact they have on patients’ quality of life.

Steps to Becoming a Physiotherapist

1. Research the Role and Requirements

Before committing to a career switch, it's important to understand the role of a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists assess and treat individuals with physical difficulties caused by illness, injury, or disability. They work in hospitals, private clinics, sports organisations, and community healthcare settings.

2. Obtain the Necessary Qualifications

To become a physiotherapist in Ireland, you will need to complete a recognised degree in physiotherapy. Career changers have two main options:

• Undergraduate Route: Enrol in a BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy or Physiotherapy if you do not already have a relevant degree.

• Postgraduate Route: If you have a degree in a related field (such as sports science or health sciences), you may qualify for an MSc in Physiotherapy, which is typically a two-year programme.

• Postgraduate Career Change: If you hold a different undergraduate degree, you can use the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science to access a relevant MSc.

Portobello Institute offers flexible learning options, allowing career changers to balance studies with existing commitments.

3. Gain Practical Experience

Physiotherapy programmes include clinical placements where students gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. This is crucial for developing practical skills and understanding patient care. Read more about our student success stories, including how placement opportunities shaped their career here.

4. Get Licensed and Registered

After completing your degree, you must register with CORU, the regulatory body for health and social care professionals in Ireland, to practice as a licensed physiotherapist.

5. Consider Specialising

Once qualified, you can choose to specialise in areas such as:

• Sports Rehabilitation

• Neurological Physiotherapy

• Paediatric Physiotherapy

• Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Therapy

6. Continue Professional Development

Physiotherapy is a constantly evolving field. Engaging in continued professional development (CPD) through workshops, certifications, and additional courses will help you stay up to date with industry advancements.

How to Switch Careers and Become a Physiotherapist

At Portobello Institute, we provide comprehensive programmes designed to help professionals like you make a seamless transition into healthcare.

Whether you’re interested in chiropractic, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, or another health science discipline, we have the resources to support your journey.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, speak to an expert by booking a call below, explore our Health Science programmes and start your transition into the dynamic world of health science today.