PHYSIOTHERAPY AS AN INTERNATIONAL PROFESSION AND HOW IT WORKS IN THE UK
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Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability and it can involve a number of different treatment and preventive approaches, depending on the specific problems someone is experiencing, including movement and exercises, manual therapy, education and advice, etc.
Physiotherapists are autonomous practitioners who provide expert, holistic interventions to help restore movements or in the case of permanent injury or disease, to lessen the effects of any dysfunction (WHO n.d). They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent diseases. As an autonomous professional, physiotherapy needs to make informed, reasoned decisions about their practice. This includes seeking advice and support from education providers, employers, colleagues, professional bodies, unions and others to ensure that the wellbeing of service users is always safeguarded.
Even though it is reported that physiotherapy techniques have been used since early as 460 BC, Physiotherapy as a profession originated in 1813 when Per Henrik Ling established an institute for manipulation and exercises in Sweden. In 1887, Physiotherapists were given the official registration in Sweden and immediately other countries also followed including Great Britain.
Worldwide recognition is high for physiotherapy as a profession and it has already become a vital role within the healthcare systems in any country. Response to the latest World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) survey reveals direct access is available in 48 countries and there are no restrictions on private practice in 77 countries. In many countries Physiotherapy is listed under the skill migration category and particularly the UK also added Physiotherapy to their list when they introduced the skill migration pathway back very recently after Brexit under occupation code 2221.
All physiotherapists practicing in the UK are required by law to be registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) which is required for all public, private and voluntary work and it allows using the title ‘Physiotherapist’ as it is a protected professional title in the UK. Physiotherapist must meet the standards of proficiency to become registered with HCPC and both UK and overseas qualifications will be validated under application process. It is delighted to announce that B.Sc. Physiotherapy Degree programmes in Sri Lanka have been already validated in few occasions, giving a positive thought.
Few Sri Lankan B.Sc.(Hons) Physiotherapy graduated have already obtained the HCPC registration and CSP(Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) membership and currently working in both NHS (National Health Service) in the UK and private sectors as chartered physiotherapists.
The HCPC regulates the Physiotherapy profession and clinicians must work within the standards in order to maintain their registration to practice. All the health professionals including physiotherapists on the HCPC register must comply with continuing professional development (CPD) can be audited for this evidence at intervals.
The HCPC recognises the role played by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), in providing guidance and advice about good practice that help physiotherapists meet the HCPC standards. CSP is the professional body and trade union for physiotherapists in the UK which was founded in 1894 and has grown to become one of the largest membership organizations. There are more than 30 physiotherapy professional networks that are self- governing bodies responsible for providing clinical leadership for their specialism, as well as managing their own financial and organisational liabilities.
A few specialities of Physiotherapy in the UK are Musculosketal, Neuro, Sports, Women’s Health, Learning Disability, Paediatrics, Geadiatrics, Orthopaedics, Rehab and more. Physiotherapists frequently work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a variety of settings, such as hospitals/in services, the community, clinics, GP surgeries, sports teams, clubs, charities, workplaces, special needs schools, and so on. Some of the main approaches used by physiotherapists in the UK are movement, therapeutic exercises and physical activity advice, Manual Therapy, education and advice, hydrotherapy, and, to a lesser extent, electrotherapy techniques. Physiotherapists approach clients with Specialised Assessments, Treatments and Management strategies to enhance, optimise and maintain the person’s physical presentation function and quality of life.
As in any other country, even in the UK physiotherapists work in the government sector and private sector. Apart from these two sectors, there are two other sectors where physiotherapists mainly work: Charity and Sports. Government sector here refers to the NHS (National Health Service), which is the largest organization in Europe and consists of different NHS Trusts nationwide.
The NHS system has rotational and static physiotherapy posts. The rotational post aims for therapist to gain further experience in the main areas within physiotherapy. The key factor to know when we consider working as a Physiotherapist within NHS is there is a banding system within the NHS that indicates level of experience as well as pay. Physiotherapy Assistant/ Rehab support worker positions spread from Band 2 to Band 4 and qualified Physiotherapist entry level is Band 5 which goes up to Band 8 B level.
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Band 5 – Physiotherapist
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Band 6 –Physiotherapy Specialist/senior Physiotherapist
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Band 7 –Physiotherapy Advanced/Lead Physiotherapist
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Band 8A – Principal Physiotherapist
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Band 8A – 8B – Physiotherapist Consultant
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Someone is able to progress their career as an Extended Scope Physiotherapist (ESP) who is an advanced Physiotherapist with many years of clinical practice and further relevant training to work beyond the recognized scope of Physiotherapy practice. Administer certain types of injections, Perform musculoskeletal ultrasound scanning are some of the area which are practiced by ESPs. In 2013 Physiotherapists in England who extended their scope with relevant training have been granted the right to independently prescribe, giving them the ability to prescribe drugs including some controlled drugs and this has become a benchmark for the Physiotherapy Profession.
As a physiotherapist within the NHS is essential to adhering to HCPC, CSP, NHS standards and NICE guidelines which are evidence-based recommendations for health and Care in the UK, to be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development. And also, it is a must to participate annual staff appraisal scheme, where you set up your personal development plan and always need to be up to date with mandatory training and training essential to the role.
Finally Physiotherapy is a vital part in every aspect of health care system and Physiotherapist is a profession which maintains a high profile globally. Most developed countries including UK, USA, Australia, Canada are demanding the profession which creating more pathways and opportunities to develop the profession further and evaluate the importance of Physiotherapy involvement of someone’s health and wellbeing.
‘Physiotherapy will keep you moving and Physiotherapist has the brain of a scientist, the heart of humanist and the hands of an artist’
Chartered Physiotherapist Thilini Alagalla
National Health Service (NHS), UK
[HCPC/MCSP – UK, BSc (Hons) – Col]
DOCTOR OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IS NOT
JUST A DREAM
Physiotherapy is a world-reputed, service that goes beyond a profession which aims to build a healthy society that is rapidly advancing in today's world.we, WephysioMFC brings you a wealth of experience of our sister who has pursued the highest professional success as a graduate physiotherapist in order to serve patients with the best of her ability.
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Greetings everyone, my name is Wasana Mallika Arachchige and I am a proud undergraduate of Colombo University's Physical Therapy department of 2005 batch and in 2016 I have become the first physiotherapist who completed B.Sc.(hons) physiotherapy degree program to be a licensed physical therapist and in 2020 a Doctor of Physical Therapy in the United States of America.It wasn't an easy way to reach where I am and it had taken a while, but since I am the first in the country to do so, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you my tale of success.
It all started with me making the decision to go to the United Kingdom of England to pursue my masters in Applied Physiotherapy and graduated with excellence in the year 2013. I obtained my HCPC (The Health and Professions Council) license in the UK and started working there as a licensed physical therapist but I had a dream! a dream of becoming a doctor of physical therapy in America. I knew the road to it is not going to be an easy one,, but I had to take it! I always kept saying to myself in my mind, "I would rather shoot and miss than not shoot at all" and then in the year 2015, I immigrated to America and began studying for my physical therapy license exam.
I would be lying if I said that the exam was easy, the exam was very difficult, but nothing is impossible. I studied day and night, gave it my all and from the first attempt finally in 2016, NPTE yielded to me. After that I knew I wasn't done yet, so kept working in New York as a physical therapist and studied part-time for my doctorate. Trust me, the struggle is real! studying and working at thesame time at a doctorate level is not a cakewalk but, in the end, in the year 2020, I finally graduated as a doctor of physical therapy at The University of Montana.
This field has insurmountable opportunities that are waiting to be taken and I would like to take this moment and tell you that choosing my path can be challenging, but will give back tremendously. Choosing physical therapy has been one of the best decisions in my life and making it my passion and ambition has given back to me two folds.Now coming to give future generations my advice on the current state of the country towards international aspirants. I would say that complete your bachelors in physiotherapy with excellent scores and get a good GPA. After that apply for a transitional doctorate of physical therapy schools in America and one of the cheapest and most popular schools are Loma Linda school of Allied Studies. This course is called TDPT that lasts for 9-15 months this duration depends on each student's GPA. After graduating, pass the NPTE and look for agencies that are ready to sponsor you for a green card or H1B visa or green card to begin working after your OPT and viola! your life is set! A fewyears of struggle will give you fruit for the rest of your life. Take your decisions wisely and steel your mind!
Dr. Wasana Mallika Arachchige
B. Sc. (Hons)(Col), MSc(UK), DPT(USA)
PT(SL,UK,USA)
Future pathways after the B.Sc. (Hons) Physiotherapy
There are diverse career pathways after completing a BSc Physiotherapy degree in Sri Lanka. Some of them are the Clinical pathway, Academic/teaching oriented pathways, Public or private health administration field, research field, and at the same time, one can choose a career profile as a Humanitarian worker in NGOs. We have presented a detailed description of these pathways below. But keep in mind ….the opportunities are not limited only to these pathways and there is always room to explore many other prospects after completing this program.
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Clinical Pathway
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After completing the BSc in Physiotherapy (Hons) degree, newly qualified physiotherapists should obtain CMCC registration (Ceylon Medical College Council) first followed by the SLMC registration (Sri Lanka Medical Council) to work as a clinical physiotherapist in Sri Lanka.
If anyone is interested in getting overseas exposure as a physiotherapist there are numerous pathways too.
After getting adequate clinical experience in local healthcare setups, they can apply for registration with overseas professional bodies such as Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK to become a Chartered physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Board of Australia, Canadain Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) and several other physiotherapy licenses issuing authorities in other countries. However, meeting the basic proficiency requirements is highly necessary to be successful in getting registered as a foreign-trained physiotherapist.
With more experience in the field, Physiotherapists can apply to Master in Physical therapy (MPT) or Msc in Physical therapy or MSc in Rehabilitation degree program, to gain post-qualifying qualifications. These Master's degrees are awarded upon successful completion of a two-year curriculum or a one-year equivalent curriculum which includes theoretical /laboratory work and clinical coursework.
At the same time, few specialities in physiotherapy such as Musculoskeletal, Neuro, Cardiovascular, Crdio-Respiratory, Sports, Women’s health, Peadiatrics, Geriatrics, Orthopaedics and Kinesiology can be mastered after graduating from BSc physiotherapy once a post-graduate program is being completed under these speciallities.
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Further, those who hold a Masters in Physical therapy (MPT) or MSc in Rehabilitation degree can apply for the Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) degree program which can be considered as a topmost level qualification in Physiotherapy. Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) is a post-baccalaureate 3-5 year degree that may be granted upon successful completion of a professional doctoral program.
DPT degree program includes both theoretical, lab study and clinical coursework with in-depth academic skills and clinical reasoning skills. After completing a DPT degree program a physiotherapist may continue to train as a resident physiotherapist (in a teaching hospital) and under the fellowship. After graduation, they can practice as specialized physiotherapists.
Academic Pathway
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Generally, students who complete a BSc in Physiotherapy (Hons) degree followed by Master of Science in Physical therapy (MSc) or Master of Philosophy in Physical therapy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy in Physical therapy (Ph.D.) are qualified to work as an academic member of a state or a private university in Sri Lanka and overseas.
In Sri Lanka, a student who completes a BSc in Physiotherapy degree with a First class or a Second class - Upper division preferably from the same university where the vacancy exists, is competent to apply for the post of Demonstrator (assistant lecturer). Working as a demonstrator would be an added qualification to gain teaching experience and academic skills. In order to open up the pathway to start the career as a lecturer and escalate in the academic hierarchy such as senior lecturer, associate professor, professor, and senior professor, the qualifications such as Master of Science in Physical therapy (MSc), Master of Philosophy in Physical therapy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy in Physical therapy (PhD) can form the best foundation with no doubt.
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Becoming a Researcher
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After graduation from BSc in Physiotherapy degree program students who have experience in a research institute can complete research-based degree programs such as Master of Philosophy in Physical therapy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy in Physical therapy (Ph.D.) and work as a researcher. At this moment, the faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo conducts postgraduate degrees including MPhil for a minimum period of 3 1/2 years and a maximum period of 5 years and Ph.D. for a minimum period of 5 years and a maximum period of 7 years.
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Public/ Private Health Administer Pathway
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The field of public health administration outlines health administration, leadership, and management of health care systems such as hospitals, primary care networks, and public/private health systems. Once students have completed the B.Sc. physiotherapy (Hons)degree program they can apply for Public Health Administer Pathway and sit Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) exams to join the administrative sector. After completing the Post-graduate degree/ Post-graduate diploma in public health administration they are qualified to become an organizational head of services or ahead of health in the public sector.
Humanitarian work in NGOs
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After completing BSc in physiotherapy (Hons) degree, Physiotherapists can work as a Rehabilitation officer in an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) which conduct community-based rehabilitation projects in the area of Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS, Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Moreover, physiotherapists can be promoted as Project Managers and Head of Regional Projects in this career pathway at Non-profitable Organizations.
Except for these fields, physiotherapists have career options such as,
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Occupational health care workers
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Veterinary Physiotherapists
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Personal trainer as a health and fitness specialists
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Entrepreneurs in rehabilitation centers and many others.
Physiotherapist Eranja Kodippiliarachchi
B.Sc.(Hons)(Col), M.Sc.(UK)
Licensed Physiotherapist(SLMC,
lNHRA,Bahrain)
