You could become a physiotherapist, an osteopath, an occupational therapist or a dietician.
These practitioners work alongside other healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, to provide care for patients and outpatients. Many work in the NHS, but others work in private practice.
Example jobs
Dietician
Advising patients on nutrition and diet to aid recovery and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Occupational therapist
Assessing and treating physical and mental conditions, helping people adapt to illness or disability.
Art, music or drama therapist
Using performing arts to help people express their emotions.
Osteopath
Treating the body and the way the bones, muscles and joints fit to help patient recovery.
Podiatrist
Advising and treating people with foot problems.
Things you need to know
Typical working conditions
- You will work indoors, in a clinic, health centre or hospital.
- You will have constant contact with patients.
- Your work may involve travelling between different sites.
Qualifications needed
You need a degree to become a dietician or an art or occupational therapist. Your degree subject should usually be directly relevant to the therapy. Graduates with degrees in other subjects can do a postgraduate qualification. As a therapist, you will need to be registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council).
Career path
You can become a senior practitioner, taking on more complex cases. You could become a trainer of other practitioners or move into research. Physiotherapists, in particular, often set up in private practice. Occupational therapists and dieticians can work for companies advising employees or developing products.
Useful links
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