Physiotherapy Assistant
What is the work like?
As a physiotherapy assistant, you would help qualified physiotherapists to rehabilitate patients suffering from injury, illness or disability. Your clients could range from very young children to older people, who may be out-patients or in-patients from any department of a hospital.
Your duties would focus on supporting patients through a programme of rehabilitation (created by qualified staff) and working with them to improve their mobility. Key tasks are also likely to include:
- talking to patients and preparing them for therapy
- showing patients how to use mobility aids
- demonstrating and working through exercises with patients
- setting up equipment
- keeping written records of clients' progress
- providing reports to physiotherapists.
Your day-to-day work could also involve checking and maintaining equipment, general administration and keeping the department tidy.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need a good general standard of education, and some employers will expect you to have four or more GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English and science.
You may have an advantage if you have some knowledge of anatomy, physiology and massage, and paid or unpaid experience of working in a caring role (contact the voluntary services coordinator or manager at your local NHS Trust for further advice).
Another way to get experience would be through a two-year Cadet Scheme or Apprenticeship. Schemes vary between NHS Trusts, but will usually include clinical placements and a studying towards an NVQ Level 3 in Health. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. You could also contact your local NHS Trust for details of cadet schemes.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive training on the job, and you may also be encouraged to work towards NVQ Level 3 in Health: Allied Health Profession Support (Physiotherapy), awarded by City & Guilds, and Edexcel (BTEC). Skills For Health, the Sector Skills Council for Health, has details about the content of the NVQ.
As an assistant, you can join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and gain access to educational and networking opportunities.
With experience, you could apply for an assistant practitioner post and study for a foundation degree in a subject such as health care (associate practitioner), health and social care, or assisting professional practice. With this level qualification, you may be able to join year two of a degree leading to registration as a physiotherapist (this may be part of a secondment, with financial support from your employer).
The website for SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning, can give you more information about working as a physiotherapy assistant in the health and fitness industry.
Where can I go for more information?
Broad Plain
Bristol
BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 922 1155
London
WC1R 4ED
Tel: 020 7306 6666
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- The starting salary for a physiotherapy assistant can be between £13,000 and £16,000 a year.
- An assistant practitioner can earn up to around £21,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday. There may also be opportunities for part-time work.
This work can be physically demanding as you often have to help patients move and give them support.
You would usually be based in a hospital physiotherapy department, but you could also work in private practice. You will normally be provided with a uniform.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent spoken and written communication skills
- a keen interest in physical education and health
- patience, sensitivity, tolerance and tact
- the ability to encourage and motivate patients into seeing treatment through
- an understanding and caring attitude
- genuine concern for the wellbeing of patients
- good health and stamina
- the ability to work well in a team and on your own.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most jobs within the NHS, but there may also be opportunities within the private health sector and sport and leisure industries.
Experience as a physiotherapy assistant will give you a valuable insight into the work of qualified physiotherapists, and you may have an advantage if you decide to apply for a place on an approved physiotherapy degree.
In some regions, NHS trusts and universities run linked schemes that would allow you to continue working as a physiotherapy assistant whilst studying for a part-time degree, leading to registration as a physiotherapist. The CSP website has details of schemes and also a list of part-time degrees you could apply for if your employer is not part of a scheme.
Jobs may be advertised in local and industry press and you may also find the following useful for vacancies: (links open in new window)
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