Physiotherapy assistant

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare Support Services
• Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
• Level 3 National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science

Most health and social care courses include work placements, which is a good way for you to get practical experience.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You can do a Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or a Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start as a healthcare assistant and learn on the job, then move into physiotherapy work through further training and promotion.

Volunteering

You might have an advantage when looking for jobs if you have volunteering experience in a healthcare setting.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT .

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and experience from working in a healthcare or sports exercise setting. Some employers may ask for a qualification in healthcare and GCSE subjects like maths and English.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of psychology
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• a desire to help people
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to work well with your hands
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Physiotherapy assistants work with patients to manage their condition and improve movement.

As a physiotherapy assistant, you would:

• talk to patients about their treatment plan
• show patients how to use mobility aids
• demonstrate and work through exercises with patients
• monitor progress and update records
• work closely with physiotherapists and other health professionals

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre or at a client's home.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £24,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on a rota

Career Path:

With experience and further qualifications, you could:

• become a senior physiotherapy support worker
• train to become an assistant practitioner
• take an accredited degree to qualify as a physiotherapist