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Job Profile

Physiotherapy Assistant

Physiotherapy assistants help physiotherapists treat patients with physical problems caused by illness, injury, age or disability.

Physiotherapists use movement, exercise and technology to help maximise patients’ movements.

The Work
Conditions
Getting In
What Does It Take?
Training
Getting On
Pay
More Information

The Work

You could be:

getting equipment ready for use in treatments and tidying up afterwards
looking after patients when they arrive
helping patients to dress and undress
helping patients with their exercises
monitoring patients during exercise programmes
showing patients how to use mobility aids
organising clinics, dealing with phone enquiries and carrying out clerical duties
updating patient records, and marking their progress
specialising, for example in working with children.

Conditions

You would usually work in treatment units or wards in hospitals.
You could also work in a health centre.
Hours are normally regular, but you may sometimes do weekend or evening work.
You would usually wear a uniform.

Getting In

A good general education is useful.
You should be fit, as you may need to help lift patients and move equipment.
It helps to have some relevant experience, perhaps through voluntary work. Some employers require experience of working with the public.
You might get in through a Modern Apprenticeship
You will require a satisfactory PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details.
The ability to swim is required for some posts.
A driving licence might be useful.
Volunteer Scotland offer some voluntary physiotherapy assistant opportunities.

Most physiotherapy assistants work for the National Health Service (NHS). You might also find work in sports centres. Demand for jobs often exceeds the number of vacancies.

What Does It Take?

You should be:

able to get on well with people from all backgrounds and of all ages
a good communicator
cheerful and optimistic, to encourage and motivate patients
patient, understanding and tactful
interested in exercise
able to keep accurate records.

Training

Training is usually on the job, supervised by an experienced physiotherapist.
You may be able to study for Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Health and Social Care.

Getting On

With training, you may be able to move into a supervisory job.
You might also be able to become an assistant practitioner (advanced physiotherapy assistant).

Pay

Pay rates can vary depending on whether you are working with the NHS, with a private practice, or are self-employed. Within the National Health Service Agenda for Change scales physiotherapy assistants are paid on Band 2. From April 2014 this ranges from £15,058 to £17,803 a year. Trainee assistant practitioner physiotherapist assistants are on Band 3 which ranges from £16,660 to £19,627. Assistant practitioners are on Band 4 which ranges from £19,202 to £22,236.