What does a Physiotherapy Assistant do?
A Physiotherapy Assistant performs support tasks for a Physiotherapist by assisting them in providing treatment and ongoing care to their patients. Once a Physiotherapist has assessed, diagnosed and developed a treatment plan for a patient, a Physiotherapy Assistant will work with the patient to help them with their recovery. They demonstrate exercises to patients and may help them complete them in the physiotherapy clinic or prepare information about the exercises to take home. Physiotherapy Assistants may also complete administration tasks such as making appointments and updating patient records.
Physiotherapy Assistant skills and qualifications
A Physiotherapy Assistant does not require advanced technical skills but does require a high level of interpersonal ability to be successful. Examples of the skills and qualifications that will make a job candidate stand out are:
- exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- active listening, multitasking and collaboration skills
- a commitment to helping other people
- understanding of basic anatomy
- empathy, compassion and patience, especially when interacting with patients
- ability to undertake manual handling tasks such as lifting, bending, pushing and pulling.
Related: Soft Skills in Recruitment: What to Look For When Hiring
Physiotherapy Assistant experience requirements
Prior experience working as a physiotherapy assistant is not a prerequisite to work in this role. You may also want to consider experience in similar roles in other allied health settings. Employers in the disability and aged care sectors, in particular, may prefer candidates to have previous work or volunteer experience in their industry. This may be in this type of role or another capacity so that the candidate clearly understands the work environment before commencing in the position.
Physiotherapy Assistant education and training requirements
A Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance focused on Physiotherapy is the minimum qualification required for this role. However, you may want to consider employing a candidate who is completing a bachelor degree in Physiotherapy. These students will hold many skills required to start the job and will continue to gain broader skills as they complete their degree. A current First Aid Certificate and a National Police Clearance are common requirements for many employers.
Related: Assess Applicant Qualifications with Screening Questions on Indeed
Job description samples for similar positions
If a Physiotherapy Assistant is not exactly what is required for your business, other job descriptions that may be relevant are:
Related: How to Write a Job Description
Physiotherapy Assistant job description FAQs
What is the difference between a Physiotherapist and a Physiotherapy Assistant?
A Physiotherapist is a tertiary-qualified position that involves diagnosing patients and developing an appropriate treatment plan. A Physiotherapy Assistant is a vocationally qualified position that delivers the treatment recommended by the Physiotherapist.
What are the day-to-day duties of a Physiotherapy Assistant?
A Physiotherapy Assistant greets patients and assists them in the consulting room or other area in which the physiotherapy exercises take place. They help patients with their exercises, including asking them questions about difficulties, demonstrating exercises and observing patients as they complete the exercise. Physiotherapy Assistants will take notes, update the patient report as required and liaise with other allied health professionals if needed. They will make follow-up appointments with patients, either with themselves or with a Physiotherapist.
Do candidates require a Physiotherapy Assistant qualification to work in Australia?
Successful completion of Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance is not a requirement to be employed in Australia, so employers may consider students who are currently undertaking the course as suitable candidates. Other relevant courses and experience may also be considered.
How can you make your Physiotherapy Assistant job description stand out?
Outline the industry and the type of work that the candidate can expect to be involved with. Ensure key role requirements are highlighted so that candidates understand the essential criteria for being considered. Including details about employee benefits such as salary packaging options, training and perks may also help you to stand out to candidates.
Related: Physiotherapist Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
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