personal statement for physiotherapist

Doctor of Physiotherapy

For the physiotherapist by the physiotherapist

How to Write a Personal Statement for Physiotherapy?

When it comes to pursuing a career in physiotherapy, crafting a compelling personal statement is a crucial step in the application process. Writing a personal statement for physiotherapy allows you to showcase your passion, qualifications, and suitability for this rewarding profession. In this article, we’ll explore how to write a personal statement for physiotherapy that effectively communicates your dedication and readiness to excel in this field.

To write a personal statement for physiotherapy, start by highlighting your genuine interest in the field and your motivation to pursue a career as a physiotherapist. Share relevant experiences, such as volunteer work or internships, that have influenced your decision and provided insight into the impact of physiotherapy on individuals’ lives. 

Additionally, emphasize your academic background, relevant skills, and personal qualities that align with the values and requirements of the profession. Lastly, convey your understanding of the role of a physiotherapist and your commitment to contributing to the health and well-being of patients through compassionate care and evidence-based practice.

Table of Contents

Personal Statement of Purpose for Physiotherapy

Crafting a statement of purpose for physiotherapy is a crucial step for individuals to express their passion and readiness for this rewarding career. It offers a platform to showcase qualifications and convey dedication to patient care, highlighting their suitability for the field.

Expressing Passion and Dedication

Crafting a statement of purpose for physiotherapy allows individuals to express their genuine passion for the field and their dedication to making a positive impact on patients’ lives. It provides an opportunity to communicate their enthusiasm and commitment to pursuing a career in physiotherapy.

Showcasing Qualifications and Readiness

Writing a statement of purpose for physiotherapy enables individuals to showcase their qualifications , relevant experiences, and personal qualities that make them well-suited for the profession. It serves as a platform to highlight their readiness and enthusiasm for embarking on a career in physiotherapy.

Conveying Understanding of the Profession

A statement of purpose for physiotherapy allows individuals to convey their understanding of the role of a physiotherapist and their commitment to upholding the values and responsibilities of the profession. It provides a means to articulate their understanding of patient care and evidence-based practice in the field of physiotherapy.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a personal statement for physiotherapy:

Express Your Passion

Start by expressing your genuine passion for physiotherapy. Share what sparked your interest in the field and any experiences that influenced your decision, such as volunteer work or internships.

Highlight Your Skills and Qualities

Highlight the skills and personal qualities that make you a great fit for physiotherapy. This could include strong communication skills, empathy, and a solid understanding of healthcare practices.

Demonstrate Your Commitment

Demonstrate your understanding of the role of a physiotherapist and express your commitment to providing compassionate care and making a positive impact on a patient’s health and well-being. Show that you’re ready to contribute to the field with enthusiasm and dedication.

By following these steps, you can craft a personal statement that truly reflects your dedication and readiness to pursue a career in physiotherapy.

How to Write a Personal Statement for a Physiotherapy Job?

Here’s a simple guide to help you write a personal statement for a physiotherapy job:

Show Your Enthusiasm

Express your genuine passion for physiotherapy and why you’re excited about the job. Share experiences that motivated you, like internships or volunteer work.

Highlight Your Skills

Talk about the skills and qualities that make you a great fit for the job. This could include strong communication skills, empathy, and a solid understanding of physiotherapy practices.

Demonstrate Your Dedication

Show that you understand the responsibilities of a physiotherapist and how you plan to contribute to patient care. Express your commitment to making a positive impact on people’s health through your work.

By following these steps, you can create a personal statement that showcases your passion and suitability for a physiotherapy job. 

Final Words

In conclusion, writing a personal statement for physiotherapy is an opportunity to convey your genuine passion for the field, showcase your qualifications, and express your commitment to patient care. It serves as a powerful tool to demonstrate your readiness and enthusiasm for pursuing a career in physiotherapy, ultimately highlighting your suitability for the profession. By crafting a well-thought-out personal statement, you can effectively communicate your dedication and aspirations, setting the stage for a successful journey into the field of physiotherapy.

MAHMUDUL HASAN

"Hasan", I am a physiotherapy Doctor. I have completed my B.S.c course (4 years) under Rajshahi University, Faculty of Medicine, Rajshahi. Currently I am working as a clinical physiotherapist at a renowned physiotherapy center and I am continuing my MPT (Master's of physiotherapy) degree at CRP, Savar.

You might also like

Hydrotherapy: A Natural Approach to Wellness

What to do After Physiotherapy Degree?

Where Can You Study Physiotherapy?

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Student Good Guide

The best UK online resource for students

• Physiotherapy Personal Statement Examples

Your personal statement is an essential part of the UCAS application process , as it allows you to showcase your passion for physiotherapy and demonstrate why you are the ideal applicant for the course. To help you write a winning university application , we are showing you free physiotherapy personal statement examples that you can use for inspiration.

Physiotherapy Personal Statement Example

As someone who has always had a passion for physical activity and fitness, I believe that studying for a degree in physiotherapy is the ideal next step for me. Having already achieved a first degree in physical education, I am now eager to build on my knowledge and experience and to develop the skills that will enable me to help people recover from injuries, prevent future injuries, and live healthy, active lives.

One of the reasons why I am so passionate about physiotherapy is that I believe in the importance of physical fitness and well-being for the health of the whole person, both physically and mentally. Through my work as an instructor, I have seen first-hand the positive impact that regular exercise can have on people’s lives, and I am eager to help others experience those same benefits.

In addition to my work as an instructor, I have also gained valuable experience through my involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Over the past four years, I have completed my Bronze and Silver awards, and more recently, I achieved my Gold Award. As part of this award, I spent a week at a camp for disabled teenagers, where I was a buddy to an 18-year-old girl with profound Cerebral Palsy. This experience gave me a real insight into the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and the important role that physiotherapy can play in helping them to lead active and fulfilling lives.

More recently, I have had the opportunity to gain further experience through my work at Nottingham Nuffield Hospital. Here, I observed clinical assessments in the outpatient department and saw firsthand the crucial role that physiotherapists play in helping patients to recover from a wide range of injuries and conditions. I also had the opportunity to work alongside physiotherapists on the ward, where I was able to see how they use their skills to help patients who are recovering from surgery or illness to regain their strength and mobility.

I am convinced that studying for a degree in physiotherapy is the ideal next step for me. With my passion for physical activity and fitness, combined with my existing knowledge and experience, I believe that I have the qualities and skills needed to make a real difference in the field of physiotherapy. I am excited about the prospect of learning more about the science of human movement, rehabilitation, and injury prevention, and I am eager to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field. Ultimately, my goal is to become a skilled and compassionate physiotherapist, helping people of all ages and abilities to lead healthy, active lives.

Physiotherapy Personal Statement Example For UCAS

I have been drawn to the field of physiotherapy. From the early stages of my academic journey, I have been interested in the human body and how it functions, particularly with movement and sports. Pursuing this passion, I have taken on various experiences that have allowed me to gain an understanding of the essential role that physiotherapy plays in helping people achieve their physical goals.

My work experience placements at Watford General Hospital and Mount Vernon Hospital have been instrumental in shaping my decision to pursue a career in physiotherapy. During my time there, I was able to observe and learn from skilled professionals, as well as get an insight into the various techniques and treatments used in the field. I was particularly fascinated by the paediatric centre in mid-Wales where I had the privilege of accompanying a physiotherapist on house visits. Witnessing the impact that physiotherapy had on children’s lives was truly inspiring, and I felt a sense of fulfilment in being able to contribute to their wellbeing.

In addition to my work experience, my recreational and competitive background in sports has helped me to develop an understanding of how physiotherapy can help to prevent and treat injuries. As a Senior Sport Organiser, I have gained experience in working with young athletes and have learned how to create a safe and healthy environment for them to thrive. My part-time job as a pool lifeguard has also allowed me to hone my communication and interpersonal skills, which I believe will be vital in my future career as a physiotherapist.

Throughout my experiences, I have come to appreciate the wide range of skills and knowledge required of a physiotherapist. It is not only about diagnosing and treating physical conditions, but also about building relationships with patients and their families, educating them on how to take care of their bodies, and helping them to set achievable goals. I am excited by the prospect of developing these skills further and making a difference in people’s lives.

I am eager to pursue a career in physiotherapy and believe that my academic achievements, work experience, and personal qualities make me an ideal candidate for the program. I am committed to continuous learning and growth, and I am confident that I will excel in the program and make valuable contributions to the field of physiotherapy.

Personal Statement Examples

• Animal Science Personal Statement Examples
• Anthropology personal statement examples
• Statistics Personal Statements
• PPE Oxford Personal Statement Example
• Classics Personal Statement Examples
• Theology Personal Statement Examples
• Physics Personal Statement Examples
• Chemical Engineering personal statement examples
• Oncology Personal Statement Examples
• Psychiatry Personal Statement Examples
• Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example
• History Personal Statement Examples
• Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University
• Civil Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• User Experience Design Personal Statement Example
• Finance Personal Statement Examples
• Neuroscience Personal Statement Examples
• Graphic Design Personal Statement Examples
• Film Production Personal Statement Examples
• Events Management Personal Statement Examples
• Counselling Personal Statement Examples
• Forensic Science Personal Statement Examples
• Children’s Nursing Personal Statement Examples
• Chemistry Personal Statement Examples
• Sports Science Personal Statement Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Quantity Surveying Personal Statement Examples
• Social Work Personal Statement Examples
• Journalism Personal Statement Examples
• English Literature Personal Statement Examples
• Marketing Personal Statement Examples
• Computer Science Personal Statement Examples
• Fashion Marketing Personal Statement Examples
• Dietetic Personal Statement Examples
• Product Design Personal Statement Examples
• Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Geography Personal Statement Examples
• Business Management Personal Statement Examples
• Politics Personal Statement Examples
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples
• Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples
• Zoology Personal Statement Example
• Sociology Personal Statement Example
• Fashion Personal Statement Example
• Mathematics Personal Statement Examples
• Software Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Philosophy Personal Statement
• International Relations Personal Statement Example
• Biochemistry Personal Statement Example
• Dentistry Personal Statement Examples
• Midwifery Personal Statement
• Law Personal Statement Example
• Medicine Personal Statement for Cambridge
• ICT Personal Statement
• Primary Teacher PGCE Personal Statement
• PGCE Personal Statement Example
• Games Design Personal Statement
• Paramedic Science Personal Statement Examples

Where to start

• Ultimate Guides
• Virtual Work Experiences
• Chat to students
• UCAS events
• Apprenticeships

Subject guides

• Subject tasters

Industry guides

Where to go.

• Universities and colleges

City guides

• Types of employment
• Write a cover letter
• Starting work
• Career quiz

Before you apply

• Campus open days
• What and where to study
• Distance learning
• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
• Studying at a college
• Pros and cons of university

Applying to university

• Dates and deadlines

Personal statement

• UCAS Tariff points
• Individual needs

After applying

• Track your application
• Decisions and offers

Results day

Clearing and results day, conservatoires.

• Fees and finance
• How to apply

Replying to offers

• Tracking your application

Postgraduate

• Choosing a course
• Fees, loans, and funding
• Teacher training
• International students
• Student finance
• Scholarships, grants, and bursaries

Additional funding

• Managing money
• Student discounts

Student life

• Starting uni or college
• Mental health and wellbeing

Accommodation

• Accommodation for apprentices
• Accommodation for disabled students
• Apply for student accommodation
• Find the right accommodation
• The ultimate packing list
• Visas and immigration
• English Language Tests (ELTs)
• Choosing the right course
• Entry requirements
• International clearing guide

Financial information

• Available finance options
• Saving money
• UK bank accounts
• Support for refugees and asylum seekers

Extra support

• Adjusting to the UK
• Application tips
• Available support
• Checklist for moving to the UK
• International FAQs
• Support organisations

Student recruitment and marketing

• Drive applications through Clearing
• Drive applications through Extra
• Exhibiting as a university or college
• Improve conversions
• Improve your competitive strategy
• Increase brand awareness
• International
• Provider pages

Data products and solutions

• Application and decision tracker
• Competitor insight dashboard
• Course feasibility
• Leaky Hosepipe solution
• Outreach Elevator
• Student decision report
• Untapped Geographies

Managing applications

• Availability of UCAS data
• Fraud and similarity
• HESA return
• Link services
• Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA)
• Results Processing Service (ABL)
• Systems and services guides

Qualification Information Services

• Qualification Information Profiles (QIPs)
• Qualification guides and resources
• UCAS Tariff

Products as part of your membership

• Recruitment, marketing and admissions services

Provider news and updates

• UCAS correspondents bulletin

Provider developments

• Upcoming developments
• Previous updates
• UCAS maintenance schedule
• Service status

Test and training environments

• HEP1 and HEP2

Link product development

• Availability of new features
• UCAS Link API strategy
• Groups and forums

Admissions guides and resources

• Conservatoire admissions guide and resources
• Provider contact types
• Undergraduate admissions guide and resources

Good practice

• Admissions policies
• Admissions processes
• Applicant experience
• Collection tool help
• Contextualised admissions
• Equality and diversity
• Supporting disadvantages and under-represented groups
• Unconditional offers
• Widening access and participation

Online learning

Provider engagement.

• Annual provider update

Adviser news

• Adviser portal
• Key dates timeline
• Newsletters
• Adviser lives
• Qualification reform

Discovery events

• Getting ready for UCAS Discovery
• Events training

Create your future events

Conferences.

• Teacher and adviser conference 2024
• International Teachers and Advisers Conference

Events calendar 2024

Cycle toolkits.

• Adviser 2025 toolkit
• Conservatoire application toolkit
• Supporting students with individual needs

Lesson activities

• Classroom resources
• Lesson plans

Develop your adviser skills

• Practical ways to guide students
• Help finding work experience
• Events and summer school
• Positive career discussions
• Advice about GCSE choices

Online training

• Personal development platform
• Adviser tips

Tools and resources

• UCAS hub guide
• Digital training
• Progression pathways

Pre application support

• Bursaries, scholarships, and financial support
• Help writing personal statements
• Student budget planner
• Alternatives to A Levels
• Higher education options

Application overview

• Application deadlines
• Application process
• Exam results process
• Monitor student progression
• Predicted grades
• Undergraduate references 2024
• Reference processes and terminology
• Conservatoire references

UCAS registered centres

• Becoming a UCAS registered centre
• Getting started
• Teachers and advisers

International advisers

• Clearing guide for international students
• Qualifications advice
• Supporting international students

Confirmation and Clearing

• ACSL guidance
• Clearing essentials
• Conservatoires confirmation
• International students guide
• Reach talent and acquisition

Apprentices with UCAS

Career finder, employer profiles, multichannel campaigns, apprentices, international guides, make the most of clearing, smart financial decisions.

• Filling in your application

Making changes to your application

How to get a reference, results process, application cancellation request form.

• Requests for personal data
• Notifications
• Preferences
• Provider Homepage
• Provider Dashboard
• Student Hub
• Adviser Homepage
• Adviser Portal
• Personal statement advice: physiotherapy
• Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
• Amendments to the Tariff consultation
• Offer rate calculator
• How to use the offer rate calculator
• Understanding historical entry grades data
• Admissions tests
• Deferred entry
• Staying safe online
• How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
• The new personal statement for 2026 entry
• How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
• How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber
• How to end your personal statement
• Introducing the personal statement tool
• Personal statement dos and don'ts
• Personal statement week
• What to include in a personal statement
• Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement
• Using your personal statement beyond a university application
• Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
• Personal statement advice: animal science
• Personal statement advice: biology
• Personal statement advice: business and management
• Personal statement advice: chemistry
• Personal statement advice and example: computer science
• Personal statement advice: dance
• Personal statement advice: dentistry
• Personal statement advice: drama
• Personal statement advice: economics
• Personal statement advice: engineering
• Personal statement advice: english
• Personal statement advice: geography
• Personal statement advice: history
• Personal statement advice: law
• Personal statement advice: maths
• Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism
• Personal statement advice: medicine
• Personal statement advice: midwifery
• Personal statement advice: modern languages
• Personal statement advice: music
• Personal statement advice: nursing
• Personal statement advice: pharmacy
• Personal statement advice: politics
• Personal statement advice: psychology
• Personal statement advice: social work
• Personal statement advice: sociology
• Personal statement advice: sports science
• Personal statement advice: statistics
• Personal statement advice: teacher training and education
• Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
• Personal statement: finance and accounting
• Personal statement advice: architecture, building and planning
• Personal statement advice: art and design
• Personal statement advice: environmental science
• Personal statement advice: marketing
• Personal statement advice: philosophy
• Personal statement advice: photography
• Personal statement advice: physics
• References for mature students

You'll impress them by reflecting on your experiences and understanding of the profession, talking about how you've demonstrated relevant skills, and by showing your awareness of the breadth of what physiotherapists actually do.

That's what admissions tutors told us when we asked them what they're looking for – here are some more of their dos and don'ts.

For more personal statement advice, see our article on how to sell yourself in your statement .

Show you know what physiotherapy involves

This is a competitive field. To have a good chance of being selected you will need to demonstrate a realistic understanding of the role, and show that you’re 100% committed to it. It’s important to show that you’ve researched the career – the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is a good starting point. You should also back this knowledge up with your experience – but what experience?

Firstly, experience of observing or at least talking to physiotherapists is highly desirable. It’s even better if you can do this in more than one setting, whether it’s in hospitals, private practice, GP surgeries, schools, residential homes, sport centres, or clubs or out in the community. Although it’s increasingly difficult to obtain formal work experience, try to plan ahead and use your initiative to secure this in time.

The next best thing is general experience or voluntary work in any health or care setting. Take the opportunity to observe how staff communicate and interact with people, especially vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, or people in distress.

What to include in your statement

There is no one-size-fits-all way to structure your personal statement, but here are some pointers:

Check what specific universities want

Some universities provide information about their selection criteria on their website, and some actually score your statement against those criteria. It may give you a handy framework to base your statement around.

Explain your motivation

Why do you want to be a physiotherapist specifically? How did you arrive at the decision that it’s the right fit for you? Convey your enthusiasm and determination. Don’t just say you want to be in a caring profession – be specific!

Show you understand the scope of physiotherapy

There’s a tendency for some applicants to be drawn to the profession through their passion for sport, with a view to becoming a sports physiotherapist. But the reality is that you will probably work with a range of patients with a wide variety of conditions, not necessarily sports-related.

This partly explains why one admission tutor's top personal statement tip was 'don’t mention sport!' It’s important to realise that sport isn’t representative of the profession as a whole. For instance, sports physiotherapy is predominantly concerned with musculoskeletal conditions in patients who are likely to otherwise be healthy and motivated.

So do show what you’ve learned about the diverse range and backgrounds of patients you will be treating or the kinds of situations these patients may also be dealing with. Reflect on the challenges this creates for the physiotherapist, such as how to motivate patients to manage their own long-term recovery when they are also having to cope with other conditions, illnesses, or struggles (such as depression, dementia, or family circumstances).

Reflect on the skills and qualities required

Don’t simply list what you saw in any experience or placements – they want to know how what you observed changed your perceptions or understanding.

Similarly, it’s not how much experience you’ve had that matters, it’s the quality of your insights and how you reflect on them.

Referring to your own experience as a patient may also be helpful, but only if you’ve gained a real insight through it.

Demonstrate that you have these qualities

The final piece in the jigsaw is to provide evidence of how you’ve personally demonstrated some of the important qualities you’ve observed.

Pick out your key observations and be explicit in explaining the links with your own skill set. For example, ‘on placement I noticed that physiotherapists needed skill X... I demonstrated skill X myself when I...’

Physiotherapists have to talk to, collaborate with, and counsel people, so do include how you’ve demonstrated these ‘softer’ caring, helping, or listening skills (this can be in or outside of school).

Other relevant qualities to talk about might include problem-solving, coping with pressure, being non-judgemental, leadership, and working in a team.

Values based selection

We spoke to a member of the admissions team at one of the universities who score your personal statement against their selection criteria. One of her key messages was that they assess your suitability for the career as a whole, not just the course.

In fact, some of the heaviest weightings in their scoring criteria are linked to the six core values of the NHS Constitution. So make sure you’re familiar with the NHS Constitution, and that you’re able to demonstrate behaviours of your own that align with these core values.

Mention any ambitions

This isn’t essential but, if you have a clear view of the direction you want your career to take, blend this into your statement too. This could be in the opening, the middle, or as a concise concluding sentence.

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

Five reasons to sign up to the ucas newsletter, do you need to take an english test to study at university in the uk, take a personalised tour of our campus.

Writing Your Personal Statement

INtroduction

A personal statement is an incredibly unique piece of writing which makes it difficult to provide specific advice for. That said, universities will have certain expectations when you are applying for physiotherapy.

We will help guide you through the steps to ensure that you have provided the information that universities will be looking for.

Get Individual Personal Statement Advice Now!

It's easy to worry about not having the right "structure" but to begin it is important to make sure that you have all of the right detail required.

To produce an impactful personal statement, you must answer the following four questions:

1. Why do you want to be a physiotherapist?

2. What do you know about physiotherapy?

3. What skills does a physiotherapist require?

4. Why do you think you will be a good physiotherapist?

Before beginning your writing process, answer each of these questions in as much detail as possible. Most of the information you write here will be useful throughout your personal statement.

Alongside these answers, make a list of any additional information about yourself that you would like to include: your hobbies and interests, your previous jobs or additional non-physiotherapy related experiences.

The Structure

The structure of a physiotherapy personal statement is not significantly different from any other course. General advice on the structure of a personal statement splits it up into three main parts; beginning, middle and end.

Check out all of the sections individually below!

The Beginning

The beginning is the part where you really need to sell you passion for physiotherapy and explain why you so want to be a physiotherapist!

If you have already answered the questions in the detail section (above) then you already have the answer! You just need to make that language a bit more fancy, enthusiastic and exciting with a sprinkle of some “buzzwords” (see buzzwords section) and you have a quality opening paragraph.

Ensure that right from the beginning you show that you have a wide knowledge of physiotherapy - avoid answers that only suggest your passion for physiotherapy is sport. Many applicants are inspired to become a physiotherapist with the goal of becoming a sports physiotherapist, however, universities are looking for applicants who want to join the profession to provide empathetic and compassionate care for all patients.

This part is going to be the biggest and probably the most important.

This is where you have to demonstrate that you know what a physiotherapist does. The answers from questions two and three from The Detail section will come in useful here!

During this part you need to show off all of your knowledge and show how have gone above and beyond to find out as much as you can about physiotherapy. Meanwhile, you can begin to show them exactly why you will be a good physiotherapist (question 4!). As much of this as possible should be reflections on your own personal experiences and activities. Everyone is able to say that physiotherapists should be “this, this and this,” but for a good quality personal statement, you need to show them that you already have the personal qualities required to be a physiotherapist.

They will be looking for evidence that you have meaningful insight into physiotherapy and what the career entails - this can be shown through your work experiences and wider reading.

They want to see demonstration of interpersonal skills such as care and empathy alongside teamworking and good communication skills. Try demonstrate these through evidence.

Finally, they may also be looking for signs of self-reflection - the ability to reflect upon what you have seen or done and the way that it changed your attitude or practice.

This is perhaps the most individual and interesting part of your personal statement.

You need to show how you are unique – what makes you different from the rest, why do you stand out from all of the other candidates. Try to show off your extra-curricular activities, exciting courses you have completed and anything else that you think makes you look individual.

This will be the last thing they read so try to make it impactful. If possible, link it back to the beginning and your reasons for wanting to be a physiotherapist.

If possible, it is nice to finish with something topical at the time of writing. For example, has the COVID pandemic increased your desire to improve the quality of peoples lives?

Getting the right balance

To reiterate, everyone’s personal statements will be different and individual to each person. However, it is important that there is a good balance of information in each relevant area. As a very basic guideline, it is suggested that you beginning and end should make up about 25-40% of your total writing.

The middle makes up the rest – this gives you plenty of opportunity to talk about your experiences, show what you have learnt about physiotherapy/physiotherapists and explain why you would be a good physiotherapist.

THE Physio Specifics

Often teachers/lecturers/friends/family (and the rest) will be very helpful in making sure your personal statement reads well and has a good amount of information, however, it is likely that they will not have any specific knowledge on the things that physiotherapy courses look for.

The following suggestions are things that universities are commonly looking for in your personal statement. Try to demonstrate these in the best possible way.

Physiotherapy Knowledge

You must show the reader that you have a broad knowledge of physiotherapy and know that they don’t just massage people!

Demonstrate a good basic knowledge of the main three physiotherapy disciplines and that in addition to these physiotherapists also have many other roles in healthcare.

Don’t mention what exact specific career in physiotherapy you want even if you know you are only interested in sport or MSK, the university will look upon this badly.

Work Experience

Work experience is incredibly useful and almost always essential for universities (they have been more lenient on this during COVID times).

You must tell them what you learnt about physiotherapy but also what skills physiotherapists demonstrate and how you have those skills.

If you haven't been able to gain specific work experience, think about what experiences you have had that would be valuable as a physiotherapist; carers, sports coach, healthcare assistants, etc.

It is not so much about the quantity but the quality of what you learned and how you explain why this gives you a greater understanding of what it takes to be a physiotherapist or how it has developed your skills that will make you a better physiotherapist.

Wider Reading

Universities will love it if you have already begun reading physiotherapy literature!

Pick a random specific topic in physiotherapy that interests you and read some journal abstracts – you can find these on Google Scholar or Microsoft Academic.

You will look even better if you are able to critically analyse what you have read and learnt!

For example, learn as much as you can about one treatment technique and how effective evidence suggests it is.

If not already familiar, make sure you are well aware of the NHS values and the 6 C's.

You should try to incorporate these into your personal statement as skills/traits you have learnt from seeing physiotherapists or examples of where you have demonstrated them.

Ultimately, these values are requirement to become a physiotherapist, therefore, the universities want to see that you understand and demonstrate the personal traits needed.

Hopefully this guide has given you a better idea of what universities are looking for in physiotherapy personal statements. I hope that you have found the advice useful.

Your personal statement is unique to you, therefore, any more prescriptive advice would be a bigger hinderance than a help.

If you are unsure about your personal statement, or would like more in-depth personal advice, remember that we offer a personal statement checking service - HERE

• Personal Statements
• Physiotherapy Personal Statement

Physiotherapy Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

My interest in physiotherapy comes from my own personal experience of the science and how it changed my life. For as long as I can remember I have been good at sports, and as I reached high school, this crystallised into a love of football. I was well on the way to a career as a professional footballer, with a place in the Arsenal Youth Team, when I was struck down by a serious injury at just 14 years of age. From having a promising future on the pitch, I was suddenly unable to even walk and my dreams were shattered. Were it not for the patience and skill of my physiotherapist, I may still be in the wheelchair that was mine for a full three months.

My physio worked tirelessly with me, day in and day out, getting me back on my feet when many others, myself included, had thought this was never going to happen. She used a range of existing techniques, and adapted others, to overcome my problems, and as a result, I am now able to walk. I will never play football again, but I still consider myself very lucky.

It is this experience that has led me to want to study physiotherapy for myself, so that I can help other people in the same way that I was helped. I understand that there is a shortage of trained physiotherapists, and I would hate for someone in my position to miss out because they could not access the same incredible levels of care that I had.

I believe that my experiences at the highest levels of youth football will give me an excellent background for this role. Having been in their shoes, I can appreciate the demands on young players and their eagerness to get fit and back playing as soon as possible.

My own experience would also make me well placed to help people whose lives and dreams have been shattered by an accident or injury. My teammates, family and friends never let me down, even though I may not always have noticed this, and I would be able to show others that this support system was in place for them too.

I have always been a good all-rounder at school, and I have focused my sixth form studies towards the sciences in order to pursue my new goal of a career in physiotherapy. I have also spent time with my own physiotherapist, watching her treating other patients and asking many questions along the way to give me a realistic view of the job on a day to day level.

Success on the sports field has given me confidence from an early age, and overcoming my injury has cemented my self-belief and personal resilience even more. I believe that I would be able to draw on these strengths to inspire others with injuries to fight back as I did.

This course would provide me with the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful physiotherapist, and I believe that combined with my personal experience, and the continued mentorship of my own physiotherapist, I could be very successful in this career. What’s more, my contacts at Arsenal FC have said that they would be happy for me to spend time at the club during my studies for work experience, and may even have a job for me after I graduate.

University Guides

• Accommodation
• + much more!

Sign up for news & advice about applying to uni

• Universities
• Fees & Finance
• For Parents
• International Students
• Terms and Conditions

• Work For Us

Physiotherapy Personal Statement Guide

Personal statement guidelines.

When writing your personal statement  please consider the following areas:

• Justification for wanting to enter the profession – what attracts you to this profession?
• Is it the values, characteristics, behaviours &/or variety of roles and responsibilities?
• Why does this profession stand out for you compared to other health and social care professions?
• Investigation of Physiotherapy as a career – to be able to make an informed career choice you must investigate some of the diversity of the profession ideally through direct observation of physiotherapists in diverse areas of practice
• Evidence of additional skills, knowledge, experience – Transferable skills – how do your personal attributes, values, characteristics, behaviours and experiences relate to or prepare you for this challenging academic programme and a future career as a physiotherapist.

Structured Personal Statement

Tell us the reason you have chosen to study physiotherapy..

Within this answer you can tell us what motivated you to become a physiotherapist, and what you find interesting or inspiring about the profession. We would like you to show that you understand the role of the physiotherapist in different areas of clinical practice and the skills, values and qualities that are needed. Additionally, describe why this health care profession suits you personally. We expect you to give examples that show you have a caring attitude.

Describe the roles and responsibilities of physiotherapists.

In this section you should tell us about your investigation into the physiotherapy profession, particularly discussing experiences you have had of physiotherapy. Although receiving physiotherapy yourself might have been your introduction to the profession we expect applicants to explore further than this. This must include work experience or placements within a physiotherapy setting, the opportunity to talk to physiotherapists about their role and evidence of reading around the subject or accessing information on the internet. Rather than simply providing a list, please expand on what the experience taught you about the profession. Physiotherapy is very varied profession, working with different populations in different settings; you should demonstrate an awareness of this.

Tell us about skills, knowledge and experience you have and explain why this is relevant to a future career in Physiotherapy.

Please use experiences from previous learning, work, volunteering, hobbies, sport, music and any other activities you think relevant. Again, rather than a list of achievements please explain the specific skills or values demonstrated and how this has helped prepare you for study and a future career as a Physiotherapist. It may be useful to look at the NHS Constitution Values as this discusses the values and behaviours important for working in health care in the UK.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england/the-nhs-constitution-for-england 

Northumbria Open Days

Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Information about all of our tuition fees, funding and scholarships.

Virtual Tour

Get an insight into life at Northumbria at the click of a button! Come and explore our videos and 360 panoramas to immerse yourself in our campuses and get a feel for what it is like studying here using our interactive virtual tour.

Latest News and Features

Showcase event will celebrate the work of postgraduate students

Collections of work created by students from Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative…

Professional basketball players reach new heights with Northumbria

Elite basketball players from across Europe, including Paris Olympians, are preparing for life…

Nursing academics co-produce new play with Alphabetti Theatre

Two nursing academics from Northumbria University have joined forces with the award-winning…

Northumbria Hosts National Event Exploring the Power of Experiential Learning

Northumbria University, Newcastle has welcomed higher education institutions from across the…

The Times and The Sunday Times name Northumbria ‘Modern University of the Year’

Police use of AI more responsible with an independent data ethics advisory committee

Groundbreaking research led by Northumbria University has revealed how the use of an independent…

Research project to explore the experiences of young people from military families

The Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research at Northumbria University has…

Young people praise Northumbria University for delivery of HAF Plus pilot

Northumbria University has been praised by young people and local councils for its work to…

Upcoming events

Postgraduate: Still Time to Apply

NU Advice: Your Home

Undergraduate & Postgraduate Open Day

Northumbria University

NU Advice: Your Wellbeing

Back to top

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

Effective Guide: Physiotherapy Personal Statement Example

Table of Contents

Physiotherapy is a dynamic and growing field that helps people of all ages recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve their quality of life.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in physiotherapy, then it is essential to submit an excellent personal statement with your application. This article provides a physiotherapy personal statement example to better understand what type of information to include in your statement and write it effectively.

What Is a Physiotherapy Personal Statement?

A physiotherapy personal statement is often required by universities when applying for physiotherapy courses. This statement is a document that outlines an individual’s reasons for wanting to pursue a career in physiotherapy. It also highlights the person’s academic and professional achievements , as well as their future aspirations.

The statement helps potential employers or educators get to know the applicant better and assess their suitability for a physiotherapy program.

What Makes a Good Physiotherapy Personal Statement?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that helps people to maintain, restore and improve their physical function. When writing personal statements for physiotherapy courses, potential students must show they have the motivation and dedication required for the field.

To assess this, admissions tutors will look at your academic record and statement. So what makes a good physiotherapy personal statement?

Firstly, you should make sure that you focus on why you want to study physiotherapy specifically. This should be more than just saying that you’re interested in health or helping others. Explain how your experiences or interests have led you towards wanting to become a Physiotherapist. The admission committee will also be looking for evidence of qualities such as commitment, resilience, and empathy.

Therefore, give specific examples from past experiences that demonstrate these traits. Finally, ensure that your writing style is engaging and easy to read. After all, if readers lose interest within the first few sentences, then it’s likely they won’t get far enough into your statement anyway!

Tips to Write a Personal Statement for Physiotherapy

When writing a personal statement for physiotherapy, it is important to remember the following:

• Start with a strong opening sentence that captures the reader’s attention and showcases your suitability for physiotherapy study.
• Briefly outline your education, work experience, and other relevant qualifications that make you a good fit for the profession.
• Discuss why you want to pursue a career in physiotherapy, citing specific reasons. It could be your interest in helping people regain mobility or addressing health concerns.
• Highlight any personal qualities or attributes that would make you an excellent physiotherapist, such as compassion, determination, and empathy.
• Conclude with another paragraph highlighting how excited you are about studying physiotherapy and what you hope to achieve from it.

Physiotherapy Personal Statement Example

Let’s look at a Physiotherapy personal statement example to learn how to create a good one.

Personal Statement Example:

I always enjoyed being active as a child and participating in sports.As a result, I sustained quite a few injuries that necessitated physiotherapy treatment. That’s when I got interested in the field of physiotherapy and started learning more about it.

I have completed an undergraduate degree in kinesiology which has given me a strong foundation in the basics of human anatomy and physiology. My coursework also emphasized injury prevention and rehabilitation methods, which will benefit me as a future physiotherapist. Additionally, during my clinical placements, I worked with different populations, including geriatrics, pediatrics, and athletes from various disciplines. This hands-on experience has reinforced my passion for this career path and motivated me to continue specializing in physiotherapy. I want to help people recover from injuries and improve their quality of life.

The Physiotherapy program at University X is one of the best programs in Canada and aligns perfectly with my career goals. The curriculum provides students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to become successful practitioners upon graduation. Hence, I would like to request admission into your esteemed program. This would allow me to gain the essential training needed to pursue a successful career as a physiotherapist.

As an aspiring physiotherapist, crafting a strong personal statement is critical to demonstrate your interest in the field and highlight your qualifications . When drafting your statement, be sure to focus on specific examples that showcase your skills and experience related to physiotherapy.

Additionally, make sure you are genuine in highlighting why you want to pursue this career and what led you to become interested in it. In sum, take the time necessary to draft a thoughtful, personal statement that will best represent yourself as a future physiotherapist.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write Personal Statement Articles

How to draft meaningful length of law school personal statement.

Are you confused on how to write a law school personal statement? One of the essential elements of your application…

• Write Personal Statement

Effective History and International Relations Personal Statement to Try

Are you considering studying history and international relations? Or you may be curious about what a degree in this field…

Guide to Quality Global Management Personal Statement

Are you applying for a global management program and want to stand out from the crowd? A well-written personal statement…

How to Draft Better Examples of Personal Statements for Residency

Achieving a residency can be a massive accomplishment for any aspiring medical professional. To secure your spot in one of…

Tips for Drafting a Free Example of Personal History Statement

A personal history statement can be crucial to many applications, from university admissions to job search processes. This blog will…

Writing Compelling Dietetic Internship Personal Statement

Applying for a dietetic internship is a rigorous process and requires submitting a personal statement, which is an essential part…

8 steps for the perfect physiotherapy supportive information / personal statement / cover letter

• March 03, 2019
• Tags: #NailMyPhysioInterview , band 5 , cv and application , Interview Preparation , tips

Updated 3rd Jan 2021

Are you confident your personal statement will get you shortlisted for the job you want? Take a look at these 8 steps to write the perfect application and make sure you get through to the interview.

NB: Although this is applicable to most job adverts out there, bear in mind that this article focuses on the process of applying for a job through the NHS Jobs website . 

All articles from the Physio  Interview Preparation  blog series  ››

1. Mirror the job description and person specification  

Read the job description and person spec, and read them again. These are what your application will be marked against. You’ll have to make sure you provide enough evidence for each of the criteria. To make it as easy as possible for the reader, the easiest thing to do is to mirror the language used in the job description and person spec.  Obviously mirror doesn't equal copy-paste, but if the job description says you need to be able to work in a range of community, inpatient and outpatient locations across a certain borough, then tell them you're able to do that. If the person spec says you need to manage a caseload and prioritise under pressure, then write about how you can do that too. Your employer needs to know that you’re meeting all the criteria, and the clearer it is for them, the better .

A good thing to do is to start writing your application using the same subheadings as the person specs (eg: qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge) and then remove them if you like (nothing prevents you from leaving them in for added clarity). For now - don’t worry about the word count if there’s one, just make sure you’ve got everything in.  

2. Give examples from your own experience

You should now have the "skeleton" of your supporting statement. It is crucial to add specific examples from your own experience to substantiate what you’ve been writing about. This will basically show the employer that you’re not just talking hot air. For each of the points you've talked about, think of an example taken from work/academic experience, placements, but also voluntary work, previous jobs, hobbies etc. (think transferable skills) and describe what happened and how you’ve demonstrated your ability to perform that specific skill. Try describing what you did, but also why you did it and what the outcome was. You’ll find that some of the examples or situations you’ll describe will often cover more than one criteria from the person spec. For instance, you can talk about how you've managed your own caseload during a placement on an elderly care ward, delegating to TAs when appropriate. If you expand correctly on this, you’ll cover several criteria such as experience with inpatients, delegation, prioritisation, caseload management, working under pressure. This will help you keep your application short and sweet (and staying within the word count if there’s one).

3. Give the employer extra reasons to employ you  

Now that you’ve covered all the required skills and criteria,   think about extra reasons why the recruiter should choose you over someone else . Really sell yourself. Any other skills you have that could give the employer more reasons to employ you?

If you are graduating in 2021 and feel you may be missing some “core” practical skills, try and think about transferable skills that you may be able to draw from less traditional ways. Thinking especially about those of you who have done less traditional placements in areas like project leading, QI, etc.

Think about the values of the hospital or clinic you're applying for . Do your homework on the employer and show how you’ll be the best new addition to their team.  You will definitely get your interviewer's attention if you are able to write about specific research projects or specific developments the Trust is focusing on now or in their laid out 5 year plan (think services affected by COVID19, or meeting new service users' needs such as long term covid etc).

As a general rule, it’s best to show how well you will fit in the team/how great you'll be at the job you're applying for, as opposed to focusing on the feedback you've had previously. One of the reasons for this is that employers cannot necessarily rely on what people have said in the past to make their decision, but need to   quickly identify whether you will be the right fit for their team . If you help them do that, you'll have more chances to be selected.

4. Watch out for extra questions 

More often than not, the employer will ask for extra stuff such as answering a couple of questions as well as completing your application. Make sure you read the job advert a few times as well as the person spec and job description (and any other documents provided) so you don’t miss these. Make it clear in your supportive statement if you're answering additional questions (use subheadings).

Example of extra questions include: “Describe how you would ensure your personal safety when working alone in the community?”, “Describe how you would utilise your physiotherapy skills in the management of dementia?” You usually have a word limit for these.

5. Proofread, proofread, proofread.   

Spelling and Grammar! Make sure you proofread, and show your application to other people so they do the same too. First impressions really count , and if your letter contains typos and mistakes, it’ll just look unprofessional. Use strong words - ban words like hope, if, think. Ensure your letter demonstrate your ability to meet each criteria but keep it as short as possible. Avoid long sentences and make sure your paragraphs are easy to follow. It has to be easy to read - if the recruiter gets an headache reading you, you won’t last long.

Don't forget you can send us your CV & application for review!

6. Don't get done on the easy stuff   

Now the easy part. Make sure you fill everything in, tick all the boxes you need to tick, provide your full contact details and proofs of professional registration (HCPC, CSP). Referees may be contacted prior to interview: ask your referees if they are happy with that before putting their names down. Then make sure you provide up-to-date contact details for them to avoid any delays (email addresses especially, it's easier for everyone).  If you're not sure about something, don't hesitate to contact the employer. Their details will usually be on the advert. This will also give you a chance to clarify a few things about the interview and know who's likely to be on the panel. Lastly, watch out for the deadline given: applications often close before the said date due to the maximum number of applicants allowed being reached.

7. Get ready for the interview 

Make sure your CPD portfolio is up-to-date and easy to flick through. Also, be comfortable talking about what you've written in your application: you're likely to be asked about it! If you know who the interview panel is going to be, do your homework and know their specialities: this often influences their questioning. Lastly: revise!

8. Ask for feedback

If you're unsuccessful, contact the employer  and ask if they can provide any feedback about your application. Use this to tweak your application and make sure you'll get shortlisted next time.

Related products

Related Posts

[2022] Band 5 / Junior MSK Physiotherapy interview question & its answer explained

How to champion virtual interviews: professional, proactive... and post-its.

Challenges (& opportunities) of transitioning from student to newly-qualified physiotherapist during and after COVID

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google
• Share on Pinterest

• Ask a question Ask
• go advanced Search
• Please enter a title
• Please enter a message
• Your discussion will live here... (Start typing, we will pick a forum for you) Please select a forum Change forum View more forums... View less forums... GCSEs A-levels Applications, Clearing and UCAS University Life Student Finance England Part-time and temporary employment Chat Everyday issues Friends, family and work Relationships Health News Student Surveys and Research
• post anonymously
• All study help
• Uni applications
• University and HE colleges
• University help and courses
• University student life

Postgraduate

• Careers and jobs
• Teacher training
• Finance and accountancy
• Relationships
• Sexual health
• Give feedback or report a problem
• University and university courses
• Universities and HE colleges
• Life and style
• Entertainment
• Debate and current affairs
• Careers and Jobs
• Scottish qualifications
• Foreign languages
• GCSE articles
• A-level articles
• Exam and revision articles
• What to do after GCSEs
• What to do after A-levels
• When is A-level results day 2025?
• When is GCSE results day 2025?
• Studying, revision and exam support
• Grow your Grades
• All universities
• Applying through Ucas
• Student finance
• Personal statement
• Postgraduate study
• Uni accommodation
• University life
• All uni courses
• Apprenticeships
• Arts and humanities courses
• Stem courses
• Social science courses

Universities by region

• North of England
• South of England
• Greater London
• Distance learning
• International study

University guides and articles

• All university articles
• Applying to uni articles
• Personal statements
• Personal statement examples
• University open days
• Studying law at university
• Student life at university
• Careers and jobs discussion
• Apprenticeships discussion
• Part-time and temp jobs
• Career forums by sector
• Armed forces careers
• Consultancy careers
• Finance careers
• Legal careers
• Marketing careers
• Medicine and healthcare careers
• Public sector careers
• Stem careers
• Teaching careers
• General chat
• Relationships chat
• Friends, family and colleagues
• Advice on everyday issues
• General health
• Mental health
• UK and world politics
• Educational debate

Undergraduate

• Postgraduate Master’s Loan
• Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
• Disabled Students’ Allowances
• Taking a break or withdrawing from your course

Further information

• Parents and partners
• Advanced Learner Loan
• Healthcare personal statements

Personal Statement:Physiotherapy

I have always loved playing sport and learning about the human body in Biology. GCSE PE gave me the opportunity to learn about the musculoskeletal system and motivated me to study Biology and PE to A level. I have enjoyed learning how the systems of the body work together and I am keen to learn more. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of a science based career that will allow me to put my knowledge into practice. Being able to promote, restore and maintain an individual’s physical, psychological and social well-being through use of massaging, manipulation and other types of therapy has stimulated me to pursue physiotherapy as a career. Over the past year I have enjoyed working alongside physiotherapists in three different centres. At The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, a large district hospital, I saw the full range of facilities; including the limb clinic, where I was impressed by how much difference physiotherapy could make to the quality of life for those who are missing a limb. At a specialised paediatric centre in mid Wales I was privileged to accompany a physiotherapist on house visits where I saw patients ranging from a toddler with Merosin Negative Muscular Dystrophy to a baby with Plagiocephaly. It was fascinating to see children’s behaviour in their own homes. We visited a 5 year old girl who suffers from hydrocephalus. To improve her muscle tone and co-ordination she was being treated through play such as popping bubbles whilst in her upi-stand frame. I was warned before we entered the home that the girl does not usually engage with strangers, however she took to me straight away and did not stop smiling. I found this to be extremely rewarding and this experience further motivated me to become a physiotherapist. I also spent a fascinating afternoon in the gait clinic. My third placement was at a local community hospital. I observed many different conditions and saw acupuncture, hydrotherapy and ultrasound. I was impressed by the role of the physiotherapist and by the wide range of treatments available in a small community hospital. Both recreationally and competitively, sport has had a substantial impact on my childhood. I am a Junior Sport Organiser and hold Bronze level with the Junior Sport Trust. At school, netball and football were my main sports and I was captain for my school, club and county teams. As captain, I learned that organisational skills and the ability to motivate and enthuse my fellow team members were equally important. Football is now my main sport; I enjoy the fast pace, concise movements and responding to the situations that arise with focus and determination. I hold a Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and spent 12 months volunteering at my local leisure centre where I assisted with swimming lessons. I was pleased that I was able to develop my communication skills to adapt to each child’s needs. I am a qualified life-guard and have found that the training has helped me to work effectively under pressure. I have learned how to find a good solution to everyday problems and have the ability to stay calm in a crisis. This will be invaluable when I start work placements as a student physiotherapist. For the past 4 years I have been an active member of the Young Farmers Club and this year I have taken on the role of secretary. I enjoy working with the other committee members and acting as a role model to younger YFC members. It is very important that they see the committee members as enthusiastic and motivated individuals and I have been grateful for this opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills. I was disappointed with my AS results and the thought that I may not achieve the grades necessary to gain a place on a Physiotherapy course. This has made me even more motivated and has given me increased determination to succeed in my A levels. I am caring and enthusiastic with the ability to motivate others. I am confident that I have the qualities needed to succeed as a physiotherapist.

• Share this story :
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google+
• Share on Pinterest
• Latest Latest
• Trending Trending
• create my feed
• Edit my feed
• 0 new posts
• Started by: Anonymous
• Forum: International Study
• Replies: 1409
• Last post: 6 minutes ago
• Started by: Jakinda Otieno
• Forum: Geography and earth sciences study help
• Last post: 16 minutes ago
• Started by: Kelsey1125
• Forum: Graduate Schemes
• Replies: 18
• Last post: 17 minutes ago
• Started by: GANFYD
• Forum: Medicine
• Replies: 9129
• Last post: 20 minutes ago
• Started by: DiegoAntonio
• Forum: Law study help
• Last post: 34 minutes ago
• Started by: Nadia Shoaib
• Forum: Postgraduate Applications
• Started by: Vanshika94
• Forum: Media, Film and Journalism
• Replies: 10
• Last post: 36 minutes ago
• Started by: burrakah
• Last post: 1 hour ago
• Started by: xammb2
• Forum: Ask Student Finance England
• Started by: KA_P
• Started by: Deeia
• Last post: 2 hours ago
• Started by: mlinyy
• Forum: Grow your Grades
• Started by: patrickavanagh1
• Forum: Scottish Qualifications
• Started by: love_lavlavender
• Forum: A-levels
• Started by: beneficial-dorme
• Forum: Mathematics
• Forum: University of Cambridge
• Started by: John Eva smith
• Forum: Optometry
• Started by: Saracen's Fez
• Forum: Cambridge Undergraduate
• Replies: 198
• Started by: Nrrksssgucfb
• Forum: Advice on everyday issues
• Replies: 261
• Last post: 4 hours ago
• Started by: Lazlay
• Forum: Civil service, public sector and public services
• Replies: 1182
• Last post: 5 hours ago
• Started by: toothysmile
• Forum: Dentistry
• Replies: 157
• Last post: 6 hours ago
• Forum: UK and World Politics
• Replies: 1983
• Started by: Elizabeth200
• Forum: Veterinary Medicine
• Replies: 340
• Started by: always-anxious
• Replies: 315
• Last post: 7 hours ago
• Replies: 115
• Started by: 04MR17
• Forum: Oxford Undergraduate
• Replies: 310
• Last post: 8 hours ago
• Forum: University College London
• Replies: 428
• Started by: academic.warrior
• Forum: Apprenticeships and alternatives to university
• Replies: 341
• Last post: 10 hours ago
• Started by: Scotland Yard
• Replies: 718
• Last post: 12 hours ago
• Started by: aishaslm
• Forum: Legal careers and training
• Replies: 207
• Last post: 13 hours ago
• Started by: MOZSH
• Forum: Medical Schools
• Replies: 533
• Last post: 18 hours ago
• Started by: Dellie27
• Replies: 1374
• Last post: 1 day ago
• Replies: 1120
• Replies: 56
• Forum: University of Manchester
• Replies: 862
• Replies: 47
• Last post: 5 days ago
• Started by: Coffee_toffee
• Forum: GCSEs
• Replies: 124
• Last post: 6 days ago
• I'm feeling nervous
• I'm feeling excited!
• Indifferent
• I'm feeling overwhelmed
• Curious to see what's in store
• Something else (tell us in the thread!)

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group.

• Main topics
• GCSE and A-level
• Life and relationships

Get Started

• Today's posts
• Unanswered posts
• Community guidelines
• TSR help centre
• Cookies & online safety
• Terms & conditions
• Privacy notice

Connect with TSR

© Copyright The Student Room 2023 all rights reserved

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd.

Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB

How to write a winning physiotherapy CV

What skills should physios shout about on their CV? Learn essential tips to showcase your skills, optimise for screenings, and stand out to recruiters.

Crafting the perfect physiotherapy CV can feel like a full-time job. Between staying up-to-date with the latest certifications and trying to squeeze years of clinical experience onto a single page, it’s no wonder so many physios find themselves stuck at the starting line.

In this guide, we’ll take the guesswork out of building a winning physiotherapy CV. We’ll show you exactly what to include (and what to skip) so you can:

• Highlight the skills and qualifications that matter most : Tailor your physio CV to highlight those must-have skills and certifications that’ll make hiring managers stop and take notice.
• Turn clinical experience into measurable achievements : Learn how to frame your success stories with clear, impactful metrics that showcase your ability to drive positive outcomes.
• Make your CV stand out in a crowded field : Use insider tips on CV formatting, keywords, and structure to ensure your application sails past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and grabs the attention of hiring managers.

So, let’s dive in, and get your physio CV working as hard for you as you do for your patients.

What We'll Cover

What should be included on a physiotherapy cv, what skills to add to a physio cv, how to structure a physio cv, optimising your physiotherapy cv for applicant tracking systems (ats), key takeaways.

• Highlight relevant hard and soft skills, such as emotional awareness and patient assessments
• Use the Context-Action-Result method to clearly highlight your clients results
• Use correct formatting to pass through any automated screenings of your CV
• Tailor to each job post to ensure you're including specific and relevant skills for the role

Think of your physio CV as a well-polished business card for your career—a snapshot of your skills and experience, designed to grab attention and start a conversation. It's not about being modest. This is where you showcase what you can bring to the table, and why an employer would be wrong to overlook you.

The essentials

• Contact details : Simple but crucial. Keep it concise - a phone number and a professional email address are all you need. Save space by putting them in a header or footer.
• Professional summary : Kick things off with a powerful introduction. Who are you, how much experience do you have, and where have you worked? Most importantly, what are you aiming for in your next role? Keep it brief, punchy, and aligned with the job you're applying for.
• Experience : List your jobs in reverse chronological order, highlighting your most recent experience first. Be sure to use the Context-Action-Result (CAR) method to show off the difference you made: What was happening, what you did, and what came out of it—back your outcomes up with numbers whenever you can to make your impact measurable and clear. For example, instead of saying: "Provided rehabilitation for a post-ACL surgery patient," You could say something like… Worked with a post-ACL surgery patient to develop a custom rehab plan combining resistance training and manual therapy. Achieved 90% range of motion and strength recovery within 10 weeks, allowing early return to sports.
• Education : Your qualifications are key, but they belong towards the end. Mention the most important certifications in your profile, then give details in your education section. ‍

Soft skills for physios

These days being a physio is about more than just knowing your anatomy. It’s a people-centric role, so your soft skills matter just as much to recruiters as your technical expertise. Here are a few non-negotiables to include:

• Emotional awareness : Understanding the physical and emotional challenges your patients face is a key part of supporting their recovery, and a skill you’ll want to highlight.
• Adaptability : No two injuries are exactly the same. The ability to tailor your approach to individual cases is an essential skill to demonstrate.
• Interpersonal skills : Building strong relationships with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals ensures a collaborative and supportive treatment environment. Try to show off instances that demonstrate this strength.
• Time management : Managing a busy caseload while giving each patient the attention they need requires effective scheduling and prioritisation skills.

Hard skills for physios

When it comes to your technical abilities, you need to make sure the right boxes are checked. These are some of the key hard skills that employers will be looking for on your physiotherapy CV:

• Exercise prescription : It’s not just about assigning a series of exercises to strengthen muscles or alleviate pain. Recruiters are looking for demonstrable skills in customising these exercise plans to the individual, accounting for their unique conditions, limitations, and goals.
• Equipment knowledge : Familiarity with physiotherapy tools and technology, such as ultrasound machines, cryotherapy or heat therapy equipment is a major plus.
• Patient assessment and evaluation : Before you can fix a problem, you need to know exactly what’s causing it. Showcasing your diagnostic and assessment skills is an essential marker hiring managers are looking for.
• Orthotics assessment and fitting : Reference your experience in conducting biomechanical assessments and fitting custom orthotics for patients.
• Biomechanical knowledge : Understanding how the body moves and applying that knowledge to treatment is of course a key trait to highlight.
• Wearable technology: Highlight any experience with wearable devices like sensors and VR systems. Many recruiters are seeking the ability to deliver cutting-edge, tech-enhanced patient care.
• Medical record keeping : Precise and thorough documentation of patient treatments and progress is essential.
• Traction therapy : Include any experience or learning with tailoring traction therapy to individual patient needs to relieve joint pressure and pain.

When it comes to structuring your physiotherapy CV, the golden rule is simplicity. Keep it clean, keep it concise, and make it easy for recruiters to find the information they need at a glance. You can use our physiotherapy CV template for pointers.

• Length : Ideally, keep it to one page. This is the sweet spot where you can demonstrate your qualifications without overwhelming the recruiter. If it spills onto two pages, make sure the second page isn’t filled with fluff.
• Formatting : Remember, recruiters typically spend just a few seconds reviewing each CV. Use clear headings for each section, and bullet points to highlight key details. Your CV should be easy to scan.

Many employers today use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline their recruitment process. This means your physiotherapy CV isn’t just being judged by humans—it’s being scanned and scored by software before a recruiter ever lays eyes on it.

Over 75% of candidates are eliminated simply because their CV didn’t pass ATS screening. Here are some tips to ensure your physio CV makes the cut.

• Use relevant keywords An ATS looks for keywords that match the job description. To keep your CV from being passed over by hiring bots you need to analyse the job posting carefully for phrases related to physiotherapy, such as "patient assessment," "manual therapy," or "rehabilitation techniques." Make sure these keywords naturally appear throughout your physio CV, especially in your skills and experience sections
• Choose simple, standard formatting ATS can struggle to process complex formatting. Stick with a clean, simple structure—use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri, avoid images, graphics, or tables, and keep your sections clearly defined with common headings like “Work Experience” and “Education.”
• Tailor your physiotherapy CV for each role Every job posting is different, and so should be your physio CV. Customise your summary, skills, and experience to reflect the specific role you’re applying for. Not only does this help the ATS pick up relevant keywords, but it also shows recruiters that you’ve made an effort to tailor your application.
• Avoid unnecessary fluff ATS won’t be impressed by vague phrases like “team player” or “quick learner.” Focus on specific, quantifiable skills and achievements. For example, mention how you helped improve patient outcomes by 20% through a particular therapy method.

By tweaking your physiotherapy CV to play nice with the ATS, you’re boosting your chances of making sure your skills actually get seen , so you can score that interview.

Take the next steps in your physio career with UNTIL

At UNTIL, we know that a career in physiotherapy isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you know. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced physio, networking can unlock doors to new opportunities. Our community is designed to help you make connections with like-minded professionals, share knowledge, and stay on top of the latest industry trends.

So, what’s next? You’ve got your physiotherapy CV sorted, but the journey doesn’t stop there. Join UNTIL today to access the support, resources , and connections you need to elevate your career to the next level, and take that first step toward your future.

Recommended Posts

Alternative Career Options For Physiotherapists

Physiotherapist insurance: what cover do physios need, 5 books every physiotherapist should read [2024], other posts.

How to Retain Your Personal Training Clients

Personal training career paths: What are your options?

Dentist Salary Guide: How Much Can You Earn in Dentistry?

• Pre-Health Paths
• Pre-Medicine

Personal Statement

The personal statement accomplishes a variety of goals:

• It explains why you are choosing a career in medicine.
• It puts a "face" to your application.
• It helps medical schools understand your experiences, interests and values.

What Medical Schools Look For

• Evidence that you understand the realities of medicine.
• Your view on why you have chosen a career in medicine.
• Your life story - How did you get to this point?
• Your values/experiences - Why is medicine a good fit for you?

Common Pitfalls

• Writing only about medicine and not about yourself.
• Not giving yourself enough time to revise multiple drafts.
• Cutting and pasting the statement from a Word document into the application, which introduces formatting errors. Make sure to write statement in a text-only program like Notepad or directly into the essay.
• Not proofing the final draft carefully.
• Not being aware of the tone of essay; coming across as arrogant or entitled to a career in medicine.
• Relying only on your ideas of medicine and not showing how you tested your decision with experiences.
• Writing a personal statement that could apply to any applicant.
• Repeating information that can be found elsewhere in the application.
• Start early. If you procrastinate on a personal statement, you delay the whole application process.
• Overwrite at the beginning of the process. Any extra material can often be used in secondary applications and preparing for interviews.
• Edit the final draft to 5,300 characters (including spaces) for AMCAS statements (usually a page and a half single spaced).
• Personal statement workshops   are held in winter and spring quarters. They are designed to help you begin the writing process.   See our events page   for upcoming workshops.
• Individual advising appointments   are available for preparation and feedback.   Book an appointment to meet with an advisor .
• You can review examples of successful personal statements at the HPA office. They are available for viewing at the reception desk.
• Check out   Essay Workshop 101 on the Student Doctor Network   website for tips and considerations.
• If you need style help,   The Writing Place   can help with grammar and expression (but not with content).

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Clearing Guide

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Physiotherapy personal statement example 2.

Pursuing a career in the physiotherapy industry has been my major aspiration since a young age. This degree maintains a combination of sport and science, which makes it suitable for me, as I have a huge passion for both learning areas. Furthermore, being an energetic individual the practical approach to science has been hugely appealing to me.

Another significant reason for me choosing a physiotherapy degree is because I generally like to encourage good health and fitness. In addition to this, my flexibility enables me to adapt to different situations. I believe this is critically important as during the day of a physiotherapist they will need to adapt to the different patients needs. Excellent communication skills is what is required in a degree such as this and I believe I posses this in huge quantities.

Furthermore, I also believe that this flexibility offers me the chance to fully adapt to the frantic university environment. Moreover, my deep love for science has always acted as a foundation for my constant pursue of a physiotherapy degree.

During this year I attended the 2008 British athlete league (BAL), which was held at Windsor. Furthermore this was a hugely prestigious event, which only allowed the elite athletes to participate at the event. The physiotherapists who worked at the event came from different regions of the country in order to assist the athletes.

One of the main pieces of knowledge that I had obtained from this experience was that the elite physiotherapist had to purchase their own equipment in order for them to provide an excellent and efficient service. In addition to this, my experience on this day also taught me how to perform strokes such as; effulge stroke, longitudinal needing, transverse needing and I became familiar with key words used in the physiotherapist industry such as tappomoe, hacking, trigger pointing, muscle energy techniques, PNF, neural tensioning and ACL.

In order to further my experience, I studied through a book called Clinical sports medicine. The book contained a variety of information useful for physiotherapists such as, acute injuries and overuse injuries which where topics that were highlighted mainly in the book.

Additionally, I had further work experience in the radiography departments in both hospitals and clinics. I believe the experience I gained gave me a glimpse of the radiography side in the physiotherapy industry. This benefits me as it opens my options in the physiotherapy industry. During this year I was selected to be on the sports bursary scheme, which then enabled me to have further my work experience.

My high quantity of motivation levels, has allowed me to achieve a variety of qualifications and awards. This year I was awarded the 'Community Sports Leadership Award (CSLA)'. The course required completing a set of hours of voluntary work.

I have successfully completed fifty-one hours of voluntary work, which has awarded me a bronze certificate in volunteering work. The hours included organising and leading community sports events for different local schools. One of the events I organised was at a special needs school. This now enabled me to further develop my communication skills.

In my spare time, I like to be energetic and spontaneous by playing outdoor activities such as football and hockey. In both these sport I have represented them at district level. Furthermore, I am currently playing semi-pro football for Manford Way Football Club.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Genaral for application in 2009.

Genaral's Comments

Tell me your opinions on my P.S

Related Personal Statements

"One of the main Knowledge"

Mon, 27/09/2010 - 09:32

That doesn't make a lot of sense. Knowledge doesn't need a capital either. Try: I obtained a lot of knowledge, including ...

Recommendations

Tue, 04/01/2011 - 20:20

'My high quantity of motivation levels' sounds very wordy, you could instead say 'My high level of motivation' or 'being highly motivated...' There seems to be a lot of summary of events in your statement rather than things about yourself, and you should keep in mind that those you're applying to know a great deal more than the things you've included to impress them with. You could replace some of your 'futhermores' with 'in addition to this' or 'moreover'and in some instances you can cut it out completely. Hope that helps!

Wed, 24/07/2013 - 04:44

I am so grateful for your post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.

Add new comment