To get onto a Physiotherapy degree course you usually need two or three A levels, including a biological science and/or PE, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C) including English Language, Maths and at least one Science. You may also be able to get onto a course with alternative qualifications, including:
- BTEC, HND or HNC which includes biological science
- relevant NVQ
- science-based access course
- equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications
- a previous degree or a full practising qualification in a related area.
To become an MSK First Contact Physiotherapist, you will need a BSc or pre-reg MSc in Physiotherapy under a training programme approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. You will also need to be working as an experienced autonomous clinical practitioner in line with the national multi-professional framework for Advanced Clinical Practice in England framework. There are also two-year accelerated MSc courses available to people who already have a BSc degree in a relevant subject.
Band 7 roles: HEE Primary Care FCP Capability training must be completed as the minimum threshold for entry to primary care & must be supported by appropriate governance and indemnity. This can begin 3-5 years post-graduate.
Band 8a roles: HEE Primary Care FCP Capability training must be completed and you must also be working at an advanced level of practice (i.e. at Masters Level 7) across all four pillars of advanced practice.
