Physiotherapy assistant
Support people who have physical problems and help them improve their mobility.
About the job
What it's like
In this role, you'll give patients the gift of movement! Physiotherapy assistants support people who have physical problems – helping them improve their ability to move.
You'll work with people who have mobility issues caused by injury, illness or a disability. Your patients will range from very young children to older people.
As a physiotherapy assistant, you'll help patients tackle a therapy programme created by a physiotherapist. You might also check and maintain equipment, do general administration or keep the department tidy.
Generally, you'll be based in a hospital physiotherapy department. Although, you could also work at private clinics.
Your tasks might include:
talking to patients and preparing them for physiotherapy
showing patients how to use mobility aids
demonstrating exercises to your clients and explaining how to do them
setting up equipment for other members of the department
keeping records of patients' progress
giving reports to physiotherapists about how patients are getting on with their programme
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
NHS Scotland Careers – learn how to become a physiotherapy support worker
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – check out this regulatory body for health and care professionals
Disclosure Scotland – find out more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
NHS Education for Scotland – explore training for the healthcare workforce
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- motivating others
- time management
- social conscience
- empathising
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Care
Human Biology
PE (Physical education)
Physics
Science
Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Healthcare Support.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job. Useful subjects include:
Healthcare Practice
Applied Science
Care and Administrative Practice
Fitness, Health and Exercise
Social Services
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs or HNDs.
Work
You could start as a healthcare support worker and learn on the job. You'll then be in a good position to move into physiotherapy work through further training and promotion.
Have you got relevant skills and experience from working in a healthcare or sports exercise setting? If so, you could apply directly for physiotherapy assistant vacancies.
Volunteering in a customer service role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a physiotherapy assistant. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You must be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
Depending on the type of work you do, being able to swim may be an advantage.
Fitness is essential as you'll need to help move patients and carry equipment.
Some employers may ask for you to have experience of working with the public.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Physiotherapy assistant'
