Physiotherapy assistants work alongside qualified physiotherapists, helping to rehabilitate patients suffering from injury, illness or disability. They work with patients of all ages, ranging from babies to elderly people, who may be out-patients or in-patients from any department of the hospital.

Assistants follow programmes devised by qualified staff, and provide encouragement and support to clients by helping them work towards achievable goals. Assistants are likely to be involved in:

• preparing patients for therapy
• showing patients how to use mobility aids
• working on exercises with patients
• setting up equipment.

Other duties include:

• general administration tasks
• maintaining equipment and keeping the department tidy
• keeping written records of clients' progress
• providing reports to physiotherapists.

Hours and Environment

The working week is usually 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday. There may be opportunities for part-time work.

Most physiotherapy assistants work in the NHS in hospital physiotherapy departments. Assistants may also be employed in private practice.

The work can be physically demanding, helping patients move and providing support. A uniform is usually provided.

Skills and Interests

To be a physiotherapy assistant, you should:

• have good communication skills and enjoy working with people
• have an interest in physical education
• be patient, sensitive, tolerant and tactful
• be understanding and persuasive in order to gain patients co-operation
• be encouraging, helping patients persevere with their treatment
• have a caring attitude, be concerned for the well being of patients
• have good health and stamina
• work well as part of a team.

Entry

There are no formal entry requirements but you will need a good general standard of education. Four or more GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including maths, English and science may be needed for more advanced work. Equivalent qualifications may also be considered; employers will give you further advice on this.

Related experience in anatomy, physiology and massage, or qualifications such as NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Health, or Health and Social Care (formerly known as NVQ/SVQ in Care) can also be useful.

Training

Training is given on the job when you are employed by an NHS trust or a private practice.

As an assistant you may be able to work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Health: Allied Health Profession Support (Physiotherapy) which includes units specifically relevant to physiotherapy.

Support workers can gain recognition of their level of expertise by working towards a foundation degree in a subject such as health and social care, or assisting professional practice. On completion, there is the potential to work as an assistant practitioner (a new role in the NHS that fits between that of assistant and junior physiotherapist). Alternatively, a foundation degree will often allow you access onto year two of a degree programme leading to registration as a qualified physiotherapist.

Foundation degrees are available by distance learning, as well as on a full- or part-time basis. It is important to check the entry requirements for the course with each institution; relevant work experience and vocational qualifications are highly regarded. Check the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) website for more information.

Physiotherapy assistants can join the CSP, the professional, educational and trade union body for assistants.

Some physiotherapy assistants work within the health and fitness sector. SkillsActive is the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning, and as such can provide information on careers and qualifications in that sector; see Further Information for contact details.

Opportunities

Vacancies for assistants will be advertised locally, although demand for jobs often exceeds availability. You should contact your local NHS trust to see what opportunities are available in your area.

In some areas NHS trusts and universities run linked schemes which allow physiotherapy assistants to take a part-time degree in physiotherapy, leading to registration as a qualified physiotherapist. Check with individual universities for details on their entry requirements.

Work as a physiotherapy assistant provides valuable experience if you wish to qualify as a physiotherapist; please check physiotherapist job profile.

Part-time degrees which are not part of a linked scheme are also available at some universities. Information about these can be obtained from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy; see Further Information for contact details.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

The starting salary for an assistant is often between £12,200 and £15,000 a year.
Assistants with relevant NVQ qualifications can earn up to around £16,800.
An assistant practitioner can earn up to £19,700.

Salaries in the private sector are generally similar to those in the NHS.

Further information

Castlewood House
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300 14 Bedford Row
London
WC1R 4ED
Tel: 020 7306 6666 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655