What does a urotherapist do? – Tasks and work environment
A urotherapist is a healthcare specialist who works with investigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with urinary tract and pelvic floor dysfunctions. Common tasks include patient assessments, counseling, treatment of incontinence, catheter management, and education on self-care. The urotherapist often collaborates in multidisciplinary teams with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and other healthcare providers. The work is primarily performed in hospitals, specialized clinics, or outpatient care, where contact with patients can be both individual and group-based. The environment is characterized by a clinical focus and close patient interaction, where attentiveness and discretion are key qualities.
Salary development over time
The salary for a urotherapist has shown a stable increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month, which increased to 42 900 SEK in 2023 and reached 43 900 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.8% over the period. The salary development can be linked to continued high demand for qualified healthcare personnel and a gradual increase in specialization within the profession. The labor market's need for experts in incontinence and pelvic floor issues has contributed to rising wages, while the educational level for the profession has become more clearly defined. Differences between genders persist, although the salary range overall has widened in line with the profession’s professionalization.
Urotherapist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 77,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, research education)
- Hourly wage (average): 264 SEK
- Gender differences: Men earn 45 400 SEK, women 43 700 SEK (women earn 96% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Varies, but top salaries are often found in metropolitan regions and specialized public sector positions
Education and qualifications
To work as a urotherapist, a foundational healthcare education is required, typically licensure as a nurse or physiotherapist, followed by further training in urotherapy. The training is often conducted at an advanced university level and includes both theoretical and practical components. Practical experience in urology or rehabilitation is highly advantageous, and many employers also require specific certifications or courses in the field.
- Basic education: Registered nurse or physiotherapist (3 years university)
- Further training: Urotherapy training (1 year, advanced level)
- Certification: Certification available through the Swedish Urotherapy Association
- Practical experience: Experience in urology or rehabilitation is recommended
- Prerequisites: Licensure in healthcare and professional experience
Many urotherapists are involved in patient education and research, providing good opportunities to influence healthcare development and spread knowledge about a often taboo subject.
Common benefits and compensations
Urotherapists are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, professional development, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Additional compensations may include shift differentials, pension contributions, and sometimes bonus incentives, especially within larger public employers and university hospitals.
Challenges and competition
Despite a generally strong job market for urotherapists, the profession is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation: while demand is high and many positions are available, there is also a relatively high proportion of part-time work and some staff turnover. Challenges include managing patients' sensitive issues, staying updated on new treatment methods, and working interdisciplinary. Workload can vary significantly depending on the workplace, and continuous professional development is necessary to maintain high competence.
Tips for aspiring urotherapists
To succeed as a urotherapist, it is beneficial to combine a genuine interest in patient interactions with an analytical ability to investigate and treat complex issues. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with both patients and colleagues, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Attention to detail and empathy are central qualities when handling personal and privacy-related matters. Being attentive and flexible provides advantages in meeting patients' diverse life situations. It is also important to engage in ongoing education to offer the best possible treatments. Curiosity and a willingness to participate in development work, such as patient education or research, open additional career paths within the profession. Building networks and sharing experiences with others in the field enhances both personal competence and healthcare quality.
Key facts about urotherapists
- Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
- Education requirements: Licensure (nurse/physiotherapist) + further training in urotherapy
- Number of available jobs: 375 within the profession
- Work environment: Hospitals, specialized clinics, outpatient care
- Demand: Large opportunities for employment, stable outlook over five years
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a urotherapist, there are opportunities to specialize further in areas such as pediatric urology, sexology, or taking on roles in training and mentoring colleagues. Many choose to engage in research or development projects related to incontinence and pelvic floor rehabilitation. The employment forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicates continued high demand for basic healthcare graduates, including urotherapists, with many vacancies and an unchanged job market over the next five years. There are also good opportunities to broaden skills through further education or work in various healthcare settings, such as private clinics or university hospitals.
Common questions about urotherapists
- What does a urotherapist earn?
- A urotherapist has an average salary of 43 900 SEK per month. The salary varies depending on experience, education, and workplace.
- What education is required to become a urotherapist?
- Basic licensure as a nurse or physiotherapist, followed by further training in urotherapy.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn on average 45 400 SEK and women 43 700 SEK, which means women earn 96% of men's salaries.
- What is the job market like for urotherapists?
- The job market is good with 375 available positions within the profession and large opportunities for future employment.
- Which workplaces are most common for urotherapists?
- Most work in hospitals, specialized clinics, or outpatient care.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for a urotherapist?
- The highest salary is 77,200 SEK (male, public sector, research education), and the lowest is 40,700 SEK (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education).
- What personal qualities are important in the profession?
- Attentiveness, empathy, thoroughness, and good communication skills are central qualities for a urotherapist.
