Career Suggestion

Physiotherapy assistant

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

Average salary (a year)

£25000.0 to £31000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 42.0

You could work

evenings / weekends on a rota

You can get into this job through:

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

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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • search for courses|/find-a-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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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 .

Direct Application

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.

More Information

Career Tips

You'll be expected to show an understanding of the NHS values when applying for jobs and apprenticeships.

Further Information

You can find out more about how to become a physiotherapy assistant from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and Health Careers .

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre or at a client's home.

You may need to wear a uniform.

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

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