Physiotherapist Career in Surrey
Learn about physiotherapy as a career in Surrey, including the types of physiotherapy roles available, where physiotherapists work, and how to take your next step into the profession.
Physiotherapy is a rewarding health and social care career that focuses on helping people improve movement, manage pain, and recover from injury, illness, or long-term conditions. Physiotherapists support people of all ages, from children recovering from accidents to older adults maintaining mobility and independence.
Across Surrey, physiotherapists work in hospitals, community services, rehabilitation centres, schools, and care settings, helping people regain confidence, independence, and quality of life.
This career suits people who enjoy practical problem-solving, hands-on work, and making a real difference in people’s lives every day.
What You’ll Do as a Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists help people recover from injury, manage long-term conditions, and improve their physical health so they can stay active and independent.
Typical Duties May Include:
- Assessing a person’s movement, strength, and physical abilities
- Developing personalised treatment plans to improve mobility and reduce pain
- Using exercises, manual therapy, and equipment to support recovery
- Advising on posture, ergonomics, and injury prevention
- Helping people regain independence after surgery, illness, or injury
- Working with children, adults, and older adults in hospitals, community settings, or at home
- Collaborating with doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, and other health professionals
- Monitoring progress and adapting treatment plans as needed
Your work can vary depending on the setting, but the focus is always on helping people move better, recover faster, and live more independently.
Where You Can Work as a Physiotherapist in Surrey
Physiotherapists are needed in a variety of settings across Surrey, giving you the chance to choose a role that matches your interests, skills, and lifestyle.
Hospitals
Physiotherapists in hospital settings support patients recovering from injury, surgery, or illness. You may work in wards, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation units, or specialist services.
Our partner organisations include:
- Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Surrey County Hospital
- Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Hospital physiotherapy roles are available across Guildford, Chertsey, Redhill, Epsom, and surrounding areas.
Community Services
Community physiotherapists help people stay independent at home, recover after hospital stays, or manage long-term conditions.
These roles are available across Woking, Epsom, Guildford, Dorking, Staines, Sunbury, and nearby areas, often through providers such as:
- CSH Surrey
Rehabilitation and Mental Health Services
Physiotherapists may work with people recovering from physical or mental health conditions, supporting mobility, strength, and wellbeing.
Partner organisations include:
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP)
Care Homes, Schools, and Specialist Clinics
Physiotherapists also work in care homes, supported living services, outpatient clinics, and schools, helping people of all ages maintain mobility and participate fully in daily life.
Examples of partner organisations:
- Woking & Sam Beare Hospice
- Acacia Homecare
- Local care providers across Surrey
Each setting provides a different experience, but all physiotherapy roles focus on helping people recover, stay active, and live independently close to home.
Entry Requirements and Training to Become a Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy is a regulated profession, so you need formal training and registration before you can work as a physiotherapist in the UK.
Qualifications Required
To work as a physiotherapist, you must:
- Complete an approved Physiotherapy degree (BSc or MSc)
- Be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before starting work
- Some roles may require additional training in specialist areas
Routes Into Physiotherapy
There are several ways to start your career:
- Undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy (usually 3 years full-time)
- Postgraduate MSc for those who already have a relevant degree
- Apprenticeships or NHS graduate schemes (available in some settings)
Many physiotherapists gain practical experience during placements in hospitals, community settings, and rehabilitation centres across Surrey.
Skills and Personal Qualities
Employers look for people who are:
- Empathetic and compassionate
- Strong communicators and team players
- Problem-solvers with practical thinking skills
- Patient, resilient, and adaptable
- Confident working with people of all ages and abilities
Helpful Experience (Not Essential)
Experience that can help before training includes:
- Volunteering in health, social care, or community services
- Support worker or care assistant roles
- Sports therapy or fitness-related experience
With the right training and attitude, you can build a rewarding career as a physiotherapist across Surrey.
Working Life as a Physiotherapist in Surrey
Working as a physiotherapist in Surrey is varied, rewarding, and focused on helping people recover, stay active, and improve their quality of life.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Your day may include:
- Assessing patients’ mobility, strength, and physical needs
- Developing and delivering personalised treatment plans
- Using exercises, manual therapy, and equipment to support recovery
- Advising patients on posture, injury prevention, and daily activities
- Visiting hospitals, clinics, schools, care homes, or patients’ homes
- Working closely with families, carers, and multidisciplinary teams
- Reviewing progress and updating treatment plans
No two days are the same, and your role may change depending on the setting and patient needs.
Working Patterns
- Full-time and part-time roles are available
- Most roles are weekday daytime shifts
- Some positions may include occasional evenings or weekends
- Flexible working is often supported by employers across Surrey
Teamwork and Support
You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, alongside:
- Nurses and doctors
- Occupational therapists and therapy assistants
- Social workers and community support staff
Employers provide supervision, ongoing training, and support, helping you develop your skills and confidence in the role.
Pay, Benefits and Career Progression
Physiotherapy offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and clear opportunities to progress your career in Surrey.
Pay
Most physiotherapists in the NHS in Surrey are paid under the Agenda for Change system:
- Newly qualified physiotherapists usually start at Band 5
- With experience, you can progress to Band 6 (specialist) and Band 7 (senior/leadership) roles
- Some roles offer enhanced pay for evenings, nights, or specialist skills
- Pay may vary slightly for community providers, care homes, or private clinics
Benefits
Working as a physiotherapist in Surrey often includes:
- Paid annual leave
- Access to the NHS Pension Scheme (for NHS roles)
- Ongoing professional development and funded training
- Supportive, team-based working environments
- Opportunities to specialise in areas such as paediatrics, mental health, or rehabilitation
- Job security and long-term career stability
Many non-NHS employers also offer similar benefits and flexible working options.
Career Progression
With experience and further training, physiotherapists in Surrey can progress into:
- Senior or specialist physiotherapist roles
- Advanced practitioner or clinical lead positions
- Team manager or service manager roles
- Teaching, training, or research positions
- Specialised areas such as paediatrics, sports therapy, or neurorehabilitation
Surrey employers actively support career development, mentorship, and further qualifications, allowing you to grow professionally while making a real impact on people’s lives.
Locations Across Surrey
Wherever you live in Surrey, there is likely a role near you.
Explore current physiotherapy vacancies in Surrey.
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