Sports therapist : Entry requirements

At present, sports therapy is not a state registered profession. Anyone who has taken a sports therapy course (ranging from a weekend course to a three-year degree) can, in theory, call themselves a sports therapist and offer treatments. In practice, the type and range of treatments that individual therapists are qualified and insured to provide depend upon which courses they have taken.

However, the Society of Sports Therapists (SST) is currently working with the Health Professions Council (HPC)  towards the profession becoming state registered. Once state registration is achieved, only individuals with an HPC-recognised qualification in sports therapy will be able to register and call themselves sports therapists. State registration for individual courses is planned by 2012 and aims to make sports therapy an all-graduate profession.

Currently, entry is possible with a degree or a postgraduate qualification in sports therapy. Sports therapy qualifications are validated by the SST and other professional bodies.

Non-graduate entry is also currently an option. Diploma and advanced diploma courses (some validated by the SST), can be taken full time or part time. Diploma courses may also be an option for non-sports-therapy graduates or diplomates. It is very important to choose a course validated by a recognised body as this enables you to administer a wide range of treatments safely and to obtain professional indemnity insurance.

Courses consist of about 40% sports and exercise science and these subjects underpin the entire profession.

It is not necessary for sports therapists to be athletes or players, though many in the profession do come from this background.

Additional experience in coaching and fitness training is highly recommended, as therapists must be aware of what different sporting disciplines entail in order to provide suitable treatment.

Personal qualities are important. Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• the ability to motivate and encourage others;
• the ability to work well with groups, individuals and professional colleagues;
• a flexible approach to work;
• a positive attitude to problem-solving;
• excellent interpersonal skills;
• physical fitness;
• sensitivity, especially when the injured client's skills and confidence are affected.

Jobs are rarely advertised and you will need to network and develop contacts in order to build a reputation and raise your profile. This might be through:

• personal involvement in sport, e.g. playing or coaching;
• getting as much work experience as possible with sports clubs and clinics;
• getting involved with community sports organisations.

Students are advised to look for vacation, weekend and evening work which will add to your CV and to your network. Even an administrative role, for example as a receptionist in a sports injuries clinic, can add to your knowledge and marketability.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.