Physiotherapy assistant
Support people who have physical problems and help them to improve their ability to move.
About the job
What it's like
You would support people who have physical problems and help them improve their ability to move.
You’d work with people who have mobility problems caused by injury, illness or a disability.
Your patients could range from very young children to older people. You’d help them to work through a therapy programme created by a physiotherapist.
You would:
Talk to patients and prepare them for therapy
Show patients how to use mobility aids
Demonstrate and work through exercises with them
Set up equipment
Keep records of patients' progress
Give reports to physiotherapists
You could also check and maintain equipment, do general administration and keep the department tidy.
You would usually be based at a hospital physiotherapy department, but could also work at private clinics.
You can see more about this role in the National Health Service on the physiotherapy support worker page on the NHS Careers website.
Hours
You would usually work 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday. There may also be opportunities for part-time work.
Environment
This work can be physically demanding, as you would often have to help patients move and give them physical support.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- motivating others
- time management
- social conscience
- empathising
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Care
Human Biology
PE (Physical education)
Physics
Science
Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Employers may look for qualifications in subjects that relate to health or social care. Some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
It helps to have some relevant experience, perhaps through voluntary work. Some employers require experience of working with the public.
Relevant experience, perhaps through voluntary work.
Qualifications that show understanding of health and fitness and experience helping others such as Skills for Work Health & Social Care Sector (SCQF level 6) or a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Healthcare Support (SVQ level 2/3).
Once in work you may have the opportunity to gain a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) in Allied Health Professions: Physiotherapy Support.
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland
To be able to swim, for some jobs
To be fit, as you may need to help lift patients and move equipment
Some employers require experience of working with the public.
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