A Physiotherapist assesses, diagnoses, and treats movement and pain problems through exercise prescription, manual therapy, and patient education. A typical clinic week involves seeing 20–30 patients across initial assessments and follow-ups, writing clinical notes, liaising with GPs or consultants about complex cases, and designing home exercise programmes. Physiotherapists work in NHS hospitals, private clinics, sports clubs, community rehab services, and occupational health settings. You are registered with the HCPC and report to a Superintendent Physiotherapist or Clinical Director.
Hannah Morris
Chartered Physiotherapist
📍 Bath, UK✉️ hannah.morris@email.com
Summary
HCPC-registered Chartered Physiotherapist with 6 years of experience in musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation. CSP member with expertise in manual therapy, exercise prescription, and return-to-sport protocols.
Work Experience
Senior Physiotherapist at Royal United Hospitals BathSep 2022 — Present
Physiotherapist CVs must show clinical competence, patient outcomes, and professional development. Recruiters want to see your HCPC registration, specialist areas, caseload size, and evidence of clinical effectiveness.
Not specifying your specialist area. MSK, neurology, respiratory, and paediatrics are very different fields. Be clear about your clinical expertise and the patient outcomes you achieve.
Formatting Tips
One to two pages. Lead with HCPC registration and specialist qualifications. Include a Clinical Skills section and any CPD courses or post-graduate certificates.
Average Salary — Physiotherapist
United States
$70,000 – $95,000
United Kingdom
$35,000 – $52,000
Germany
$42,000 – $62,000
UAE / Dubai
$48,000 – $72,000
Canada
$62,000 – $85,000
Australia
$65,000 – $90,000
Figures in USD. Ranges reflect mid-level experience (3–7 years). Senior roles and major metro areas typically sit at the top of these bands.
Top 5 Interview Questions — Physiotherapist
1Walk me through your clinical reasoning for a patient presenting with persistent lower back pain.
Show systematic assessment: subjective history, red flags screening, objective assessment, working hypothesis, and treatment rationale. Show you can differentiate mechanical from non-mechanical causes and know when to refer.
2How do you manage a patient who is not progressing as expected?
Talk about reassessment, reviewing your working diagnosis, exploring psychosocial factors, adjusting the treatment approach, and involving the wider MDT if needed. Show you don't just keep doing the same thing.
3What experience do you have with post-surgical rehabilitation?
Be specific about the surgeries and protocols you've managed — ACL reconstruction, hip or knee replacement, rotator cuff repair. Mention your familiarity with consultant-specific protocols and how you progress patients safely.
4How do you handle a patient who is resistant to the exercise elements of their treatment?
Show motivational interviewing skills, shared goal-setting, and education about the evidence base. Acknowledge that adherence is often the hardest part of rehab and show how you make exercise achievable.
5Describe a complex case where you had to collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals.
Show your MDT working skills. Explain who you contacted, what you communicated, and how the collaboration improved the patient outcome. Employers in NHS and private settings both value this.
How to Tailor Your CV
NHS trusts hire the majority of physiotherapists and want Band 5 or 6 experience, HCPC registration, and evidence of reflective practice and CPD. Private clinic groups like Nuffield Health or Pure Sports Medicine want strong clinical skills and the ability to build a caseload independently. For sports roles at Premier League clubs or national governing bodies, specialist MSK or sports rehab experience and a MMACP or sports physiotherapy post-grad qualification will set you apart.