Letter To The Physiotherapy Student

To the young physiotherapist in training,

I want to take a moment to tell you something important: you have not chosen the wrong profession. I know there will be times when it feels like you have. The lectures are long, the classes can be boring, the assignments seem never-ending, and the exams? They’re tough. But trust me—this path you’re on is worth it.

I say this not as someone trying to convince you to stay, but as a physiotherapist with nearly a decade of experience. I’ve had time to reflect, and I can confidently say that while this profession has its challenges, today is not about those. Today is about you—about your future as one of the most important members of the healthcare team.

Yes, every healthcare professional is vital, but as a physiotherapist, you stand out. You are unique. Here’s the funny thing—many people don’t actually understand what we do. Ask around, and you’ll hear responses like, "Oh, do they just do massages?" or "Is it just exercise?" The truth is, they may not fully grasp what we do, but they know they can’t do it without us. Stroke patients, amputees, those recovering from fractures, individuals with chronic pain, or even those struggling to breathe in the ICU—they all need physiotherapy. That’s the beauty of it. Nobody quite knows what we do, but somehow, they all know they need us.

One of the things that makes a job truly enjoyable is knowing that what you do actually matters. That’s why you see debates about whose job is more important—the doctor or the farmer, the teacher or the engineer. At the core of it, everyone just wants to feel like their work makes a difference. And if that feeling is missing, no salary, no benefits, no work-life balance can make up for it. People leave jobs not just because of poor pay or bad management, but because they don’t feel like they’re doing something meaningful. As a physiotherapist, you will always make a difference.

Now, I know many young physiotherapists are thinking beyond making a difference—they’re thinking about money. It’s not a bad thing. With social media constantly showing people living extravagant lifestyles, you might be wondering, Will I earn enough to travel? To drive a nice car? To live comfortably? Here’s the truth no one will tell you: it depends on you.

If your goal is to make money in physiotherapy, you can and you will—but only if you make smart decisions today, not tomorrow. Start planning now. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, recognize that business owners solve problems. So start thinking—what problem exists in physiotherapy, and how can I solve it? If you want to own a private clinic, learn about business now—read books, listen to podcasts, find mentors. If social media is your strength, don’t just scroll endlessly—use it. Build your brand, become an authority, create value-driven content around physiotherapy. If you want to develop an app or a service that helps physiotherapists or patients, go for it.

The reality is that financial success in physiotherapy comes from entrepreneurship. A salary will give you stability, but if you want to earn beyond that, you need to build something of your own. If you’re comfortable with being an employee and simply want to grow within the profession, that’s completely fine too—but you still need a plan. If you want to climb the ladder, start today. Invest in continuous learning, seek mentors, join professional organizations, and develop leadership skills.

I like to think of success as a jigsaw puzzle. Every smart decision you make today is like adding a new piece. The more pieces you put in place, the clearer the big picture becomes. And eventually, with consistent effort, you’ll complete the puzzle. Physiotherapy has everything that makes a career fulfilling—you will make a difference, you will have autonomy, you will have opportunities to grow, and if you play your cards right, you will be financially comfortable.

So, if you’ve been doubting yourself, stop. You’ve made the right choice. Now, ask yourself: why did I choose physiotherapy? Where do I see myself in 5, 10, or 15 years? What steps do I need to take today to get there? Whatever your answer is—start now. It won’t be an easy journey, but it will be worth it.

I believe in you.