Author: careeroftheweek

Personal trainer, Week 18, March

Personal trainers help others to achieve their fitness goals. It’s an ideal career for anyone who is passionate about staying healthy.

As a personal trainer, you’ll create one-on-one fitness programmes for your clients, motivating and guiding them to achieve their goals.

Clients may wish to lose weight or gain muscle and you’ll teach and help them to exercise properly using appropriate workouts and plans. You’ll instruct and advise clients, using a range of fitness equipment including fitness machines and weights.

Similar roles include fitness instructor and gym instructor, but a personal trainer holds more fitness qualifications, meaning they’re able to provide clients with tailored health and exercise advice. It’s not uncommon for those new to the industry to train as a fitness or gym instructor first before qualifying as a personal trainer.

You’ll work in a gym or a similar setting but can take sessions outdoors or to other venues.

Responsibilities

In the role of personal trainer, you’ll need to:

  • conduct fitness assessments to establish client fitness and skill level
  • hold one-on-one small-group personal training sessions with clients
  • identify goals and create tailored exercise plans
  • monitor your clients’ progress
  • guide clients on health and lifestyle changes and pass on government-backed nutrition advice
  • educate and advise clients to maintain or reach their fitness and health goals
  • keep up to date with the latest personal training techniques and best practise
  • help clients with their workouts
  • create and maintain positive, professional and trusting relationships with clients
  • provide innovative and challenging exercises to keep clients engaged and motivated
  • proactively seek and provide feedback in a manner which suits each individual client
  • assist with membership retention strategies for existing clients
  • accurately record your clients’ training sessions and track relevant paperwork
  • communicate with clients in a professional and courteous manner
  • act as a positive role model for all clients
  • make the best of the environment in which clients are exercising
  • analyse information relating to individual clients
  • market your business to increase your client base
  • maintain an online presence through your personal website, blog and social media.

Salary

A large proportion of personal trainers work freelance (self-employed) and are therefore paid by the hour for each session they undertake.

  • Freelance personal trainers can expect to earn between £20 and £40 an hour. Some locations and high-profile clients make it possible to earn up to around £50 to £75 per hour.
  • A full-time personal trainer with a good client base may be able to achieve an annual income of circa £30,000 to 40,000 depending on experience and location.

Working hours

Working hours vary considerably and will depend on whether you’re employed by a gym or self-employed.

You’ll need to be flexible to meet the needs of your clients, so you’ll probably work in the evenings, early mornings and weekends.

While you’re building up your client base, it’s not uncommon to work 12-hour days, which will include working with existing clients while also trying to recruit new ones.

What to expect

  • Personal training is not a 9 to 5 office job. Where you work can be incredibly varied. This could include client’s homes, a local gym, a park or even on a cruise ship or holiday resort.
  • Personal trainers are often viewed as positive role models by their clients. It’s essential that you look after your own health and well-being, to promote a healthy lifestyle to others.
  • You’ll need to offer a varied service to your clients that is tailored to their individual needs. Keeping up to date with developments in the fitness industry will help you do this, and you should continually develop your own skills, knowledge and qualifications.
  • As a freelance or self-employed personal trainer, you’ll be expected to have public and professional liability insurance. This can be obtained by a sector-relevant company such as UK Coaching.

Qualifications

To work as a personal trainer, you’ll need both a Level 2 gym instructing and a Level 3 personal training qualification (many providers offer both as a one-course package). This should be awarded by a recognised awarding body such as Active IQ.

To be properly recognised, these qualifications should be endorsed by  CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity). In addition to this, such a qualification should be studied through a CIMSPA Education Partner who is listed on the CIMSPA directory.

A personal training qualification can be obtained by a taught vocational course (classroom or online) from an approved provider such as a college or private training provider. Another option is to complete a Level 3 Personal Trainer apprenticeship in a work-based programme that typically lasts 15 months.

It’s also possible to qualify as a personal trainer via completion of an accredited fitness-related degree programme, but only if the course has the CIMSPA professional standards for personal training embedded into it.

It’s not necessary to have a foundation degree, HND or degree to be a personal trainer. However, if you wish to undertake a higher education qualification, the most relevant subjects include:

  • fitness and personal training
  • health and fitness management
  • health, nutrition and exercise science
  • personal training
  • sport science and personal training.

Skills

You will need to have:

  • the ability to inspire clients
  • a friendly and outgoing personality
  • excellent people skills to enable you to work with a range of individuals with different backgrounds and motivations
  • a good understanding of the human body and nutrition
  • a love of health and fitness
  • excellent timekeeping and organisational skills
  • the ability to deliver a high level of customer care
  • excellent oral communication skills
  • awareness and understanding of safeguarding practice and policy
  • high levels of enthusiasm and drive
  • problem-solving and stress-management skills
  • the ability to use information technology for a range of purposes including record keeping, scheduling, session reminders, sales and invoicing, client management and analysing your clients’ progress.

Work experience

The fitness industry is a popular area of employment so it’s advisable to get as much relevant work or volunteer experience as possible.

As well as giving you a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, work experience also provides great networking opportunities with other fitness professionals and potential clients.

It’s possible to start a training course or apprenticeship to become a personal trainer with no prior relevant experience, but many employers and prospective clients will view you more favourably if you have acquired some first.

Employers

Personal trainers may operate in a self-employed capacity, on a freelance basis, or they may be employed in a gym-based role or a combination of both.

A variety of employers recruit personal trainers, including:

  • leisure centres
  • gyms and personal training studios
  • health clubs
  • hotels, resorts or spas
  • cruise lines
  • health care charities
  • the armed forces
  • large organisations providing employees with workplace fitness facilities.

Look for vacancies at:

Professional development

The main route for progression in personal training is through either diversification or specialisation. As well as exercise referrals, there are a range of additional skills and options you can qualify in to offer to your clients. These include yoga, Pilates, nutrition, kettlebells, group-based training, pre-and post-natal exercise and circuit training.

Undertaking a qualification or CPD course that is recognised by CIMSPA is always recommended for your professional development. You can find out about industry-recognised training and continuous professional development opportunities via contacting CIMSPA who will provide advice and guidance for their existing and aspiring members.

More careers advice and details about training courses is available from organisations such as:

Career prospects

It’s possible to start your own personal training business as soon as you’ve qualified, but many trainers choose to work for an employer first and then branch out once they’ve gained a good client base.

The fitness sector is well supported by governing organisations such as UK Active, which have the aim of improving physical activity provision across the UK. For this reason, the sector is ever-expanding and breaking new ground making it an exciting place to be.

The 2023 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report states that while there are slightly fewer gyms in 2023 than there were in 2022, there are more gym members and a higher average gym membership fee. Reassuring signs of growth in the sector for anyone considering a career as a personal trainer.

Written by AGCAS editors

November 2023

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd · Disclaimer

Alternative careers

Dental therapist, Week 17, March

Dental therapists are key members of a dental healthcare team, treating patients and promoting good oral health.

As a dental therapist you’ll give advice to patients on oral health and will carry out some routine dental work, such as scaling and polishing, taking x-rays, extracting teeth and carrying out straightforward restorative procedures like fitting crowns.

You may go on to offer additional services to patients such as teeth whitening.

You’ll work as part of the dental healthcare team and while you won’t run your own practice you will have independence with your work.

Dental therapists treat both adults and children and can work in a variety of settings, including the NHS, independent general practice, specialist periodontal or orthodontic practice, education, research and the community.

Some dental therapists are also trained in dental hygiene, which tends to focus more on preventative dental health and treatment, such as keeping your gums healthy. Find out more about being a dental hygienist.

Responsibilities

As a dental therapist, you’ll need to:

  • communicate effectively with patients to obtain and evaluate their dental history and diagnose the condition
  • carry out clinical examinations
  • perform routine treatments such as carrying out simple fillings and replacing temporary fillings or crowns, undertaking root service debridement, treating periodontal disease and placing pre-formed crowns on deciduous teeth (also referred to as primary or milk teeth)
  • scale and polish teeth
  • treat and restore deciduous teeth known as pulp therapy
  • extract deciduous teeth
  • provide care of implants and treatment of peri-implant tissues
  • take dental impressions and dental x-rays
  • recognise, identify and interpret abnormalities and common pathology
  • remove plaque and other coatings
  • work with a range of patients including adults and children with special needs or those who are extremely anxious about treatment
  • motivate and educate individuals or groups of people to care for their oral hygiene and eat a healthy diet
  • refer patients where necessary to other healthcare professionals
  • record accurately patients’ dental history and dental treatment plan.

Salary

  • Starting salaries for dental therapists working in the NHS typically range from £28,407 to £42,618 (Band 5 or 6 on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales).
  • Experienced dental therapists working as clinicians can expect to earn between £43,742 and £50,056 (Band 7).
  • Salaries outside of the NHS vary. Hourly rates in private practice can range from around £20.00 to in excess of £50.00.

Salaries can vary widely depending on a range of factors, including your location, experience and skills, type of employer (i.e. private or NHS) and whether you’re employed or self-employed.

Income figures are intended as a guide only

Working hours

You’ll usually work around 37.5 hours per week if you’re employed on a full-time basis, although part-time work is also possible. You may sometimes have to work evenings or weekends, depending on your employer.

If you’re working in a hospital, you may have to be on call during weekends, or work on shifts.

Flexibility is required within community dental work as you’ll need to travel between patients and health centres.

What to expect

  • You’ll work as part of the dental healthcare team, including dentists, dental nurses, dental technicians and dental hygienists.
  • Jobs are available throughout the UK. With experience, you could choose to set up your own practice.
  • You’re required to wear protective clothing such as safety glasses, a face mask and gloves to protect yourself and patients from infectious diseases.
  • Eye strain, neck and back fatigue can be an issue due to the repetitive nature of some of the work. However the nature of the role with helping patients improve their dental health is rewarding.
  • If you’re based within a dental practice, you won’t normally have to travel during the day. However, if you’re working for a community dental service, you’ll usually travel between patients and health centres. There are some opportunities for experienced dental therapists to work overseas.

Qualifications

To work as a dental therapist, you must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). In order to do this, you need to successfully complete a GDC-approved diploma or degree training course. You’ll also be required to hold professional indemnity insurance.

Degree courses are typically three years full-time and relevant titles include oral health science, dental therapy, or dental hygiene and therapy.

You’ll typically need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 to 7 (A to C) and two or three A-levels. Alternatively, some institutions may accept a recognised qualification in dental nursing.

Degree courses are more widely available but some institutions do offer a diploma in dental hygiene/dental hygiene and dental therapy which lasts either 24 or 27 months depending on the institution.

Entry criteria vary between courses so check with individual course providers for exact requirements, as well as for information on fees and funding opportunities. You can find a list of institutions that offer the dental therapy qualifications at the British Association of Dental Therapists.

You’ll need to complete a successful Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before admission to a training programme in England and Wales (or equivalent check for Scotland). You may also have to undergo a health screening.

If you’re on an eligible dental therapy course in England (level 5 and 6) you may be able to receive at least £5,000 towards the cost of your studies, which doesn’t need to be paid back. For full details, see the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Details of financial support for students studying in Scotland and Wales are available from:

Skills

As a dental therapist you’ll need to have:

  • excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients in a calm and reassuring manner and to advise them on how to look after their teeth and gums
  • effective listening and good motivational skills to educate patients to maintain healthy oral hygiene and a healthy diet
  • excellent manual dexterity and confidence in handling dental tools and equipment
  • the ability to work well in a team as well as independently
  • an interest in helping and advising people to look after their teeth and gums
  • good eyesight and steady hands for carrying out precision work
  • the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
  • attention to detail
  • basic knowledge of IT, and the ability to write accurately and keep safe records of patients
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • sensitivity, compassion and a patient-centred approach to care
  • a friendly, confident and professional manner when interacting with patients and colleagues.

Work experience

To get a place on a training course, you’re expected to have some awareness of the profession and be able to demonstrate an interest in helping people. You can achieve this by work shadowing a dental therapist in your local dental practice or by getting involved in voluntary healthcare work in, for example, care homes or hospices.

Experience as a dental nurse may also be useful prior to applying to courses.

Courses include a mix of academic study and clinical work, so you’ll build up practical work experience in both hospital and community practice for when you graduate and start looking for a job.

For free mentoring resources and experiences designed to support aspiring healthcare and legal professionals – including virtual work experience that is accepted by medical schools, see Medic Mentor.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Dental therapists are employed by:

  • general dental practices – the number of full and part-time dental therapists employed in general dental practices providing NHS or private treatment to patients is growing as the need to provide oral healthcare and treatment to younger and older patients has increased
  • dental hospitals – you can start your first job as a dental therapist in the NHS or in a private hospital, helping orthodontists during complex treatments and surgery
  • community dental practices, including schools and care homes – working in a clinical or educational role to ensure that everyone has access to dental care
  • specialist periodontal or orthodontic practices
  • education/research establishments – conducting research and delivering teaching at a dental hospital
  • HM Prison Service
  • defence dental services – at locations in the UK or overseas with the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.

After gaining some experience you could set up and manage your own private independent practice.

There are also some opportunities for experienced dental therapists to work overseas.

Look for job vacancies at:

Specialist recruitment agencies such as DentalElite and Zest Dental Recruitment also advertise full and part-time vacancies.

Professional development

Once you have successfully completed your diploma or degree, you can apply for the Dental Therapists Foundation Training (DTFT) scheme. This programme is aimed at newly qualified dental therapists making the transition into the workplace and provides an opportunity to receive tailored clinical and educational support to further develop your skills, confidence and competence.

In order to maintain your registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) you must undertake continuing professional development (CPD) throughout your career to keep your knowledge and skills up to date. As a dental therapist you’ll need to complete a minimum of 75 hours of CPD across a five-year period, with at least 10 hours done every two years. Find out more about maintaining your GDC registration through professional development at GDC – CPD for dental professionals.

Typical CPD activities can include:

  • involvement in lectures and courses
  • attending hands-on clinical training or workshops
  • attending or presenting at conferences
  • participation in clinical audit or peer review.

The BADT and BSDHT provide a range of CPD events and an annual conference. If you gain membership with either professional body it will provide access to networking opportunities, resources and advice.

It’s possible to pursue further study at Diploma, Masters and doctorate level if you’re interested in developing your expertise in a specialist field of dental healthcare, such as orthodontic therapy.

Search for postgraduate dental courses. 

Career prospects

There are opportunities within dental therapy for you to develop your interests and career further. For example, with several years’ experience as a dental therapist, you could progress into a dental practice manager role.

There are also opportunities to develop specialist skills that will allow you to carry out additional responsibilities such as:

  • carrying out tooth whitening to the prescription of a dentist
  • administering inhalation sedation
  • removing sutures from a wound after it’s been checked by a dentist.

If your interests lie in teaching and research, it’s possible to take further training to move into a dental hospital/school to work as a lecturer, researcher or tutor.

There are also opportunities for experienced dental therapists to set up their own/independent dental practice.

It may also be possible for you to qualify as a dentist by undertaking an additional degree in dentistry. Some universities offer a four-year accelerated dental course for graduates with at least a 2.1 from a course that had a large element of biology or chemistry. Check entry criteria with individual course providers.   

Other related areas you could move into with additional training include orthodontic therapy, public health or work as a health improvement practitioner.

Written by AGCAS editors

September 2023

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd · Disclaimer

Alternative careers

Graphic designer, Week 16, February

A strong portfolio will be key to you finding a job as a graphic designer.

As a graphic designer, you’ll create eye-catching visuals for a variety of products and activities, such as:

  • websites
  • advertising
  • books and magazines
  • posters
  • computer games
  • product packaging
  • exhibitions and displays
  • corporate communications
  • corporate identity, i.e. giving organisations a visual brand.

After agreeing a brief with the client, creative director or account manager you’ll develop appropriate creative ideas and concepts that meet the client’s objectives.

The work demands creative flair, up-to-date knowledge of industry software and a professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.

Responsibilities

As a graphic designer you’ll need to:

  • meet clients or account managers to discuss the business objectives and requirements of the job
  • estimate the time required to complete a job and provide quotes for clients
  • develop design briefs that suit the client’s purpose
  • think creatively to produce new ideas and concepts and develop interactive design
  • find innovative ways to redefine a design brief within time and cost constraints
  • present finalised ideas and concepts to clients or account managers
  • work with a range of media, including computer-aided design (CAD), and keep up to date with emerging technologies
  • proofread to produce accurate and high-quality work
  • demonstrate illustrative skills with rough sketches and work on layouts ready for print
  • commission illustrators and photographers
  • work as part of a team with printers, copywriters, photographers, stylists, illustrators, other designers, account executives, web developers and marketing specialists.

Salary

  • Starting salaries for junior graphic designers are in the region of £18,000 to £23,000. Once you’ve gained some experience, salaries can rise to £27,000.
  • At a middle level, you can expect to earn £25,000 to £38,000.
  • Salaries for senior graphic designers or creative leads range from £35,000 to £55,000. A creative director can make £60,000+.
  • As a freelancer, you can earn between £200 and £400 a day with experience. You’ll be able to charge more once you have an impressive track record and recommendations.

Salaries vary depending on the sector of employment, location and your experience and reputation. The best paid jobs are usually in London and other large cities. In-house design teams tend to offer higher salaries than design agencies.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours are typically 37 to 40 hours a week, sometimes with some flexibility around start and finish times. It’s likely that you’ll have to work extra hours when deadlines are approaching.

Part-time work opportunities exist, but may be hard to find. You’ll need several years’ experience and established professional contacts to become self-employed.

Related case studies

What to expect

  • It’s likely you’ll be based in a shared studio or office as some jobs involve working in teams, although you may also work alone on occasions. If you’re a freelancer you could share offices, rent studio space or work from home.
  • Design work often involves sitting and working at a computer for long periods of time.
  • Job satisfaction comes from creating high-quality artwork, seeing your designs in use and building a reputation.
  • Jobs are available in major cities and towns, with advertising agencies predominantly based in London, the South East, Manchester and Leeds. There’s also a demand for British graphic designers internationally with opportunities in Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA, but it’s advisable to work in the UK for a year before seeking work abroad.
  • Although work is mostly studio-based, travel within the working day to meet clients may be required. Working away is rare.

Qualifications

Relevant subjects for graphic design work include those that involve visual arts. In particular, a degree or HND in the following subjects may increase your chances:

  • 3D design
  • communication design
  • film and television
  • fine art
  • graphic design
  • illustration
  • photography
  • visual art.

Any design-based course will give you a good grounding and knowledge of design, art history and printing techniques.

It is important that you build up a strong portfolio of your work to show to potential employers. This will be highly valued alongside your qualifications and will showcase your talent and passion for the career. You should also try to familiarise yourself with relevant software programmes such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop, especially if these weren’t covered within your degree.

Some roles don’t require a degree or HND, as job offers may be based on the standard of portfolio work. However, progress without formal training is extremely difficult, and the vast majority of graphic designers have higher qualifications.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification isn’t needed, but pre-entry experience is essential.

Skills

Apart from technical and drawing skills, you’ll need to show:

  • passion and enthusiasm for design, with a creative flair
  • a flexible approach when working in a team
  • excellent communication skills to interpret and negotiate briefs with clients
  • good presentation skills and the confidence to explain and sell ideas to clients and colleagues
  • time management skills and the ability to cope with several projects at once
  • accuracy and attention to detail when finalising designs
  • being open to feedback and willing to make changes to your designs
  • effective networking skills to build contacts.

Work experience

Internship or placement experience is extremely useful, especially if you have a reference who can recommend you and provide evidence of what you’ve done. The most valuable work experience comes from involvement in a live project, along with building a portfolio of your work.

Having your portfolio assessed while at university can be helpful as it will give you the chance to talk confidently about your work, which you’ll need to do at job interviews. A student assessment scheme is offered by the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD). Any experience that allows you to practice your presentation skills will also be invaluable.

You can become a member of the ISTD and also the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) while studying. This gives you access to other designers for networking purposes, which may lead to you hearing about job opportunities. Membership also offers events and resources that will help you to keep up to date with developments in the industry.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

The majority of vacancies are found in agencies specialising in advertising design, including identity and event branding or corporate communication.

You can also find roles within in-house design teams of various businesses and organisations, including:

  • computer games companies
  • design groups
  • educational establishments
  • local government
  • magazines
  • multimedia companies
  • packaging industry
  • publishers
  • television.

Look for job vacancies at:

As well as looking on agency websites, it can be beneficial to register with a specialist design recruitment agency, such as Gabriele.

It’s common to make speculative applications, either for internship positions or junior designer roles. Recruitment agency Represent has compiled The Ideal Candidate, a project where some of the leading studios share what they’re looking for and what you can do to make sure you stand out.

Other tips for making speculative approaches include:

  • matching your portfolio to the design agency – research the agency and select relevant, appropriate pieces
  • create an effective website and business card
  • make sure any images you send are clear, not pixelated and that the PDF is no bigger than 8 to 10MB
  • address your email to a named person.

Professional development

Most learning is on the job, except for formal training in industry-specific software. As a graphic designer, you’ll need to be skilled in using a variety of packages such as:

  • Acrobat
  • Dreamweaver
  • Illustrator
  • InDesign
  • QuarkXPress.

Some employers fund training courses for you, but if you’re freelance or self-employed you’ll need to organise and pay for training yourself. It’s likely you’ll learn new skills to meet the demands of a particular project. Relevant courses are available from creative organisations such as D&AD. You’ll learn throughout your career as you keep up to date with advances in graphic technology.

Membership of professional bodies can enhance your knowledge by providing access to useful resources, advice and training. Relevant organisations include the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) and International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD).

You may choose to work towards chartership with the CSD. To achieve chartered designer status you need to prove you’re operating professionally and that you meet required competences. The process involves a professional portfolio and review. Find out more at CSD – Chartership.

Career prospects

Progression from junior graphic designer is possible within two to three years, with your first few jobs acting as stepping stones. At this stage, developing a reputation, networking and making contacts are important.

You may be in a position to apply for a senior designer post after three to five years. In large design partnerships, it may be possible to achieve promotion from designer to management positions, such as studio manager or creative director.

In general, career development depends on frequent job movement to widen your experience and develop your portfolio. You’ll have to think strategically about career moves and consider the development opportunities within each role.

It’s possible to become self-employed within five to ten years of your first job, if you’ve built up a good reputation. Gaining chartered status with the CSD can help with career progression as it shows you’re working at a specific professional level.

Written by AGCAS editors

March 2022

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd · Disclaimer

Alternative careers

Animal physiotherapist, Wk 15 February

Animal physiotherapists help animals that have undergone medical and surgical treatment to recover through a process of rehabilitation.

The purpose of physiotherapy is to restore and maintain mobility, function, independence and performance. It’s applied in several treatments, from the management of joint or spinal problems to rehabilitation after fractures or injury.

As an animal physiotherapist you’ll cover the treatment of domestic pets, farm animals and exotic pets, though horses, dogs and cats are the most common. Typical procedures include:

  • assessment
  • massage
  • ultrasound
  • electrotherapy
  • exercise
  • owner education and advice.

Animal physiotherapy can also be referred to as veterinary physiotherapy.

Types of animal physiotherapy

You may specialise in one area of animal physiotherapy, such as:

  • hydrotherapy
  • small animal physiotherapy
  • large animal physiotherapy
  • horse and rider.

Most animal physiotherapists are self-employed and decide for themselves whether they want to work across the full spectrum or specialise. Your professional qualification will prepare you equally for work with small or large animals, but you may have to undertake further courses in order to perform specialised procedures.

Responsibilities

As an animal therapist, you’ll:

  • treat a range of complaints, including spinal problems, joint problems and injuries to muscles, ligaments and tendons
  • facilitate post-surgical rehabilitation
  • devise exercise regimes for a range of conditions, from neurological conditions, to obesity, to preventative physiotherapy.

You’ll also need to:

  • provide advice on adapting an animal’s living environment
  • administer patient records.

Salary

  • Starting salaries are around £18,500 a year.
  • Experienced animal therapists (with more than five years’ experience) can earn £20,000 to £25,000.
  • Senior veterinary physiotherapists and consultants may earn up to £65,000 a year.

Many animal physiotherapists are self-employed and charge per appointment, which typically lasts one hour. Rates start from around £25 per appointment and reach £70 for longer appointments or more complex procedures.

Some self-employed animal physiotherapists are also trained human physiotherapists and offer ‘horse and rider’ physiotherapy consultations. These generally fetch higher rates.

Self-employed animal physiotherapists will also charge extra for travel to their client’s home/practice.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

For full-time contracts the typical working hours are 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday. Part-time contracts are also common, and hours vary depending on the needs of the practice.

What to expect

  • Jobs are available in all locations across the country as well as in rural areas where there are a high concentration of horse races.
  • If you decide to open your own practice, be prepared to travel often and over large distances. A driving license will be essential.
  • It’s essential to establish good relationships with local veterinary practices, as you can’t treat animals unless they are referred to you by a veterinary surgeon.
  • Whether you work for a practice or are self-employed, you’ll need to apply for professional indemnity and public liability insurance (PLI).
  • Exercising animals and carrying equipment can be physically challenging and therefore the job requires a good level of fitness.

Qualifications

Currently, animal physiotherapy is not a protected title, so a variety of training routes are available. Regardless of the route you take, the job requires higher education training. However, you can choose what level of qualification you would like to study for.

Make sure you check which professional bodies you would like to join, as they’ll often have the minimum education prerequisites for membership. Joining organisations before completing your training is advised, as they provide excellent networking opportunities as well as advertise upcoming jobs. Many organisations offer reduced membership rates for students.

The most common routes into the profession are:

  • completing an undergraduate degree in human physiotherapy, followed by postgraduate training in animal/veterinary physiotherapy
  • completing an undergraduate degree in veterinary nursing, followed by postgraduate training in animal/veterinary physiotherapy
  • completing an undergraduate degree in veterinary physiotherapy, currently offered by Harper Adams University and Moreton Morrell College, part of Warwickshire College.

The postgraduate training offered is typically either at MSc or PGDip level.

Opportunities for in-house animal physiotherapists appear rarely, so many animal physiotherapists choose to be self-employed. If you are thinking about starting your own business, consider taking up a business course to learn about the administrative, legislative and accounting aspects of running a business.

Skills

To become an animal physiotherapist, you’ll need to demonstrate a:

  • genuine concern for the wellbeing and health of animals
  • real interest in anatomy and physiology.

You’ll need to have the following skills:

  • strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • teamwork
  • an aptitude for problem solving
  • analytical skills
  • administrative and record-keeping skills.

You’ll also need to be:

  • patient, sensitive, tactful and persistent
  • flexible and adaptable.

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, you’ll need entrepreneurial and enterprise skills.

Work experience

Work experience is essential, not only for securing your first job, but also often for being accepted onto the relevant study programmes. When checking the programme make sure you know if they require you to have prior work experience and how much they’re looking for.

Your work experience is likely to be voluntary, and due to a practice’s insurance policy, what you can do might be limited. However, this is an opportunity for you to watch surgeons, nurses and specialists perform their day-to-day duties. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – the more you ask, the more you learn and the more likely you are to get involved with more advanced patient care procedures.

Very few structured work experience schemes exist, however contacting employers directly and networking can often lead to volunteering opportunities, as the people who run veterinary practices and other animal healthcare organisations are likely to relate to your position.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Most animal physiotherapists are self-employed and advertise their services through social media, professional websites and their membership of professional bodies. Professional body membership is also essential if you are looking for an in-house opportunity, as these will often be advertised through their websites and newsletters.

Forming and maintaining positive links with your local veterinary surgeries is essential, as animals need be referred by a veterinary surgeon. Veterinary practices are also more likely to pay for your services directly to support their in-patients, if they have a good relationship with you.

Opportunities don’t often arise on national job sites, but they usually will on the industry-specific ones:

Professional development

Once you start working as an animal physiotherapist, you’re expected to keep up with the developments in animal healthcare, take part in continuing professional development (CPD), and attend conferences and seminars.

CPD training will allow you to further increase your knowledge, specialise and practice in a particular area of physiotherapy, or learn about ways of working will less common animals. Sometimes you’ll have to complete a CPD training in order to perform certain procedures, for example, hydrotherapy.

The most common way of learning about any upcoming CPD or further development opportunities is through membership of professional organisations. Some of the largest are as follows:

Career prospects

Your career prospects and progression will depend largely on your own choices. Through CPD training you may choose to further specialise in one field of animal physiotherapy, such as neurorehabilitation or myotherapy. Once you have acquired sufficient practical and research experience in your chosen field you may wish to work as a lecturer or a consultant.

If you’re employed in-house, you may find opportunities for promotion to more senior or leadership positions. At the same time, if you’re self-employed and establish a successful business, you may wish to consider employing other animal physiotherapists to support your client base.

A good way to develop your professional networks and additional transferable skills is through active participation in your professional bodies, where, depending on your organisation, you may choose to take on additional responsibilities, from membership of a committee to more senior leadership roles.

Written by AGCAS editors

September 2022

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