Getting to Know the Physiotherapy Job Profiles in the UK
If you’ve ever seen a job title with “Band 6 Physiotherapist” or are interested in working in the UK, then you need to know about the NHS physiotherapy job profiles.
The physiotherapist is usually graded according to the following criteria which are basically a combination of your work experience, physical and emotional capabilities, and other administrative or managerial responsibilities:
- Communication and relationship skills
- Knowledge, Training and experience
- Analytical and Judgmental skills
- Planning and Organizational skills
- Physical Skills
- Responsibility for Patient/Client care
- Responsibility for Policy/Service development
- Responsibility for financial and physical resources
- Responsibility for Human Resources
- Responsibility for Information Resources
- Responsibility for Research and Development
- Freedom to Act
- Physical Effort
- Mental Effort
- Emotional Effort
- Working Conditions
Based on the above criteria points are assigned to every requirement and aggregated to the following JE Scores:
Band 5 Physiotherapist (343 – 387)
A physiotherapist in the UK usually starts off as a “Band 5 Physiotherapist”.
This physio usually assesses and treats own patients, and keeps records. May supervise students or support workers (physio assistants).
Band 6 Physiotherapist “Physiotherapist Specialist” (417-465)
In addition to the Band 5 physiotherapist’s duties:
supervises, trains and assesses less experienced physiotherapists (Band 5), assistants and students. May also participate in research activities.
Band 6 Physiotherapist “Physiotherapist Specialist – Experienced Rotational” (399-445)
Same as what the Band 6 Physiotherapist does plus :
rotates between specialist areas every 6 Months, also may participate in departmental research.
Band 7 Physiotherapist “Physiotherapist Advanced”(478 – 532)
This physiotherapist:
- Treats and Assesses own patients
- Acts as a Clinical Physiotherapy lead for specialist area of work
- Provides specialist physiotherapy advice within the trust and to other health care professionals
- Leads clinical audits, may undertake research.
Band 7 Physiotherapist “Physiotherapist Specialist – Respiratory Problems” (474)
Takes lead role in assessment and treatment of patients who are acutely ill, particularly respiratory problems.
Also teaches physios and other medical personnel.
Band 8 Physiotherapist: “Physiotherapy Consultant” (563-629)
- Assesses and Treats own patients
- Acts as Clinical Physiotherapy Lead for specialist service like “Neuro Rehabilitation”, MS, Pain Management, Oncology.
- Responsible for Clinical Governance; provides expert physiotherapy advice within and outside the organisation.
- Undertakes research.
