Oncology Physiotherapist

Therapy Assistant in oncology

Oncology Occupational Therapist

Therapy Assistant in oncology

Oncology Occupational Therapist

A physiotherapist helps people to improve mobility and regain independence typically after injury or an operation. In cancer care physiotherapy may be needed at any stage of the patient journey to support them before, during and after their treatment.

As a physiotherapist in a cancer care team, you are most likely to:

Work in a hospital or community setting;
Work alongside other healthcare professionals to support the patient;
See patients in clinics, and on the wards
Focus on maximising movement to enhance health and wellbeing
Provide personalised plans at any stage of the journey;
Recommend and demonstrate exercises;
Provide treatment using equipment and technology as required;
Support and encourage patients to reach their goals

Entry Requirements

You will need five GCSEs (five A-C/9-4 grade GCSE’s) including English Language, Maths and Science

Plus two or three A-Levels including a biological science or equivalent qualifications such as a science based access to Health Professionals course, BTEC or NVQ

To access an undergraduate degree in physiotherapy

It’s also a good idea to try and spend some time with a registered physiotherapist to get some firsthand experience of what the role’s really like.

Training Routes

You can complete a 3 year undergraduate degree

If you hold a relevant first degree you could apply for a postgraduate degree in dietetics

The other option is to apply for an apprenticeship degree

An alternative career would be to work as a Physiotherapy Assistant or Support Worker if you did not want to study at university.

Key Skills

You will:

Be a good communicator;
Want to work hands on with patients
Have a level of physical fitness
Be interested in how the body works to maximise function
Enjoy working as part of a team
Have good organisational and planning skills

Pay and benefits

As a physiotherapist you will be paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system with roles typically starting at a Band 5, progressing with experience

Career Development

Once you’ve successfully completed your degree you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)before you can start practising.

You’ll also be encouraged to join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy where you’ll be able to access training, development and support. There is also the Association of Chartered Physiotherapist sin Oncology and Palliative Care.

You can rotate through different areas to see what you enjoy, before choosing to specialise in a particular area such as cancer care.

You could go on to do further training in enhanced and advanced clinical practice or progress into a clinical team lead role to manage a team of physiotherapists

You could also move into teaching or research.

FURTHER INFORMATION

NHS Careers – Physiotherapy

Association of Chartered Physiotherapist sin Oncology and Palliative Care.

Health and Care Professions Council

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy