Job responsibilities
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
This role is to train as a Physiotherapist whilst in paid employment.
Physiotherapy is a science-based profession and takes a whole person approach to health and wellbeing, which includes the patients general lifestyle. At the core is the patients involvement in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in their treatment.
Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease. The profession helps to encourage development and facilitate recovery, enabling people to stay in work while helping them remain independent for as long as possible.
Physios use their knowledge and skills to improve a range of conditions associated with different systems of the body, such as:
Neurological (stroke, multiple sclerosis, parkinson's)
Musculoskeletal (back pain, whiplash associated disorder, sports injuries, arthritis)
Cardiovascular (chronic heart disease, rehabilitation after heart attack)
Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis).
Physiotherapist work in a number of settings across Acute, Community, Mental Health, Learning disabilities, Paediatrics, and Outpatients services. Additionally, some physiotherapists are involved in education, research and service management.
The post holder will complete work-based learning, attend university with scheduled learning delivered through online or face to face teaching, complete clinical placements in a setting outside of the workplace. You will study a range of subject areas from anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, Cardiorespiratory, exercise, develop your assessment and treatment skills, sound clinical reasoning skills, progressing towards being able to effectively manage complex clinical scenarios.
Assessment takes the form of a mix of module assessments including a written exam, essays, presentations and oral examinations.
In order to apply for this role, the entry requirements are:
- 128 UCAS points
- GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English, Mathematics and Double Science or equivalent (we accept Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English).
- A-level subjects: Grade C in Biology or Human Biology.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: You'll need a minimum of five units in Biology or Human Biology. UWE also consider BTEC Sport and Exercise Science and Applied Science.
- Access: 15 Level 3 credits at Merit in Biology.
- Baccalaureate IB: A minimum grade 6 in Higher Level Biology or Human Biology.
- Irish Highers: H1 in Biology or Human Biology.
- T Levels: Science. If you partially achieve your T Level, you can meet UWE subject requirements if you have at least a C in your Core Section
All applicants are expected to contact the University and check that they meet the entry criteria. Please ensure that you have included within your application or supporting evidence, the communication trail with the University confirming you meet the above entry requirements. If this is not clear within the application, we will be unable to shortlist for interview. Please bring evidence of entry requirement certificates to the trust interview.
Do you:
- Have experience working as a Support worker or Assistant Practitioner in health care.
- Have the passion to become a Physiotherapist.
- Have an enthusiasm to learn about Physiotherapy, as well as fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, psychology and sociology.
- Have enthusiasm to learn about evidence-based practice and research.
- Have the appropriate entry requirements.
Please note that the job descriptions attached are what the post holder will be working towards being able to fulfil by the end of the four-year programme.
Working Pattern: Work based Apprenticeship, 20% off the job hours. Some teams have a requirement for weekend working.
Interview Date: 21st July 2025
For further information please contact: Kathryn Edwards, Community Professional Lead on Kathrynedwards@nhs.net. Rachel Nuth, Acute Inpatient and Respiratory Outpatients Service Lead OT/PT rachel.nuth@nhs.net
Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2025/6 rates, inclusive of a 3.6% pay award which will be implemented later this year. If you join before the implementation date, the pay award will be backdated to your start date. Until then, remuneration will be based on the 2024/5 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2024/25 | NHS Employers)
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
Benefits
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
You will also have access to other benefits including:
National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
Car lease schemes.
The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.
