Physiotherapist

OFO No: 226401

Other names for Physiotherapist:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Career of a Physiotherapist

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Physiotherapist? 

A Physiotherapist is a qualified healthcare professional.

Most Physiotherapists treat humans but some specialise in animal physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists treat diseases and injuries which cause physical defects or problems in the human body.

These ailments could be:

• Orthopaedic
• Neurological
• Respiratory
• Thoracic
• Cardio-vascular
• Geriatric
• Intensive care
• General rehabilitation

They use a variety of remedies like massage, ultra-sound, acupuncture etc to assist them.  They do not use drugs.

They can work in:

• Hospitals
• Private practice
• Nursing homes
• Sports centres
• Training institutions
• Homes for the physically disabled etc

What does a Physiotherapist do?

• they assess and treat movement disorders
• they use a variety of techniques like massage, heat, light, electricity etc 
• restore or minimise normal function
• reduce pain
• help patients achieve  the highest level of physical independence
• promote health care
• keep patients’ records
• consult and liaise with other healthcare professionals

Are you . . . ?

• good with people?
• interested in a medical degree?
• patient
• responsible and dedicated?
• thorough and methodical?
• a hard worker?

How do I become a Physiotherapist?

Most universities in South Africa offer a Bachelors degree in Physiotherapy.

• University of Cape Town
• University of KZN
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State
• University of Western Cape
• University of the Witwatersrand

• Once qualified, you are required to do 12 months community service
• Designation: Awarded by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Only the can you use the title Professional Physiotherapist.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

• SASP: South African Society of Physiotherapy

http://www.physiosa.org.za/

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za/

Only the following groups of Physiotherapists can be registered with the HPCSA:

http://www.hpcsa.co.za/board_physio_pod.php

• Physiotherapists
  
• Student Physiotherapists
  
• Physiotherapy Assistants
  
• Student Physiotherapy Assistants
  

• APGSA: Animal Physiotherapy Group of South Africa

http://www.animalphysiogroup.co.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Speech Therapist or Kinesiologist

Is becoming a Physiotherapist the right career choice for me?