Education

Information and support for physiotherapists working as educators:

• Current profile
• Contemplating a career move
• CSP Curriculum Framework
• CSP Validation Procedures

Current profile

There are now more than 500 physiotherapists working in higher education, mostly as lecturers on qualifying programmes, postgraduate programmes (or both) but some are also engaged in research.

Career opportunities for physiotherapists in higher education are considerable both within and outside physiotherapy - a few move into management and become University Deans.

The Government's announcement in February 2001 that it wished to see a 59% increase in the number of physiotherapists in the NHS by 2009 has led to a considerable increase in the numbers of students being recruited by universities to study physiotherapy. This has led to an increased need for lecturers in higher education to prepare these students both academically and practically.

The Department of Health has recognised that there are a number of issues facing educators and researchers in health and social care. They have set up the Strategic Learning and Research (StLaR) Committee which has now developed an HR strategy for educators and researchers in health and social care, with 15 recommendations. These can be found on the StLaR website: www.stlarhr.org.uk

Contemplating a career move

By the nature of what they do, all physiotherapists are educators but not every physiotherapist likes the idea of losing contact with patients. Some physiotherapists entering higher education therefore decide on a split post with the service i.e. as a lecturer practitioner doing two or three days in the university and two/three in their physiotherapy department.

Others make a permanent move from the service to higher education while others hold visiting lecturer status. If you have been practising for five years or more, have experience as a clinical educator and have completed, or are thinking of starting a Masters degree in physiotherapy or a related area, and would be interested in bringing along the next generation of the profession, give your local university a ring to find out what is available.

Alternatively look in Frontline where most of the lecturing posts are advertised or search for jobs on this site. All universities now offer courses (which can be completed after appointment) for new lecturers to prepare them for their new role.