Health & Medicine
Physiotherapist
You help people move again after injury, illness or surgery.
- Starting salary
- R25 000 – R38 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You help people move again after injury, illness or surgery.
A day in the life
You assess movement, design exercise programmes, do hands-on treatment and track recovery.
Skills you need
- Anatomy knowledge
- Patience
- Encouragement
- Hands-on skill
School subjects that help
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Mathematics
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BSc Physiotherapy (4 years)
- 3Community service
- 4Physiotherapist
Ways in: University degree · Professional registration (HPCSA). University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Pretoria
- Stellenbosch University
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of the Western Cape
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R25 000 – R38 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R40 000 – R60 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R65 000 – R100 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Play or help with a school sports team
- • Learn basic stretching and anatomy
- • Volunteer with elderly people
Try this career
Design a safe warm-up routine for your school sports team.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.