One of the most rewarding jobs in the allied health field is that of a physiotherapy assistant. As a physiotherapy assistant you will take a hands-on approach in supporting a physiotherapist to improve the quality of life of clients through mobility and exercise programs.

 

What is a Physiotherapy Assistant?

A physiotherapy assistant is an allied health role specialising in physical therapy. Physiotherapy assistants support physiotherapists to help patients to achieve physical health and wellbeing through carrying out daily duties.

A physiotherapy assistant works directly under the supervision and guidance of a qualified physiotherapist and contributes to the smooth operation of a physiotherapy clinic or department.

 

What Are the Duties of a Physiotherapy Assistant?

• Mobilising patients
• Setting up exercise equipment
• Demonstrating how to use mobility aides
• Preparing patients for treatment
• Assisting administration and supervision of exercise programs
• Assisting with treatment
• Monitoring and ordering stock
• Administrative duties (writing reports and updating patient records)
• Cleaning and tiding of therapy areas

 

What Qualities Are Important as a Physiotherapy Assistant?

• Effective time management
• Good written and verbal communication
• Literacy skills and Microsoft Office knowledge
• Physical fitness
• Willing to work alone and in a team
• Calm and understanding disposition
• Organisation

 

Where do Physiotherapy Assistants Work?

As a physiotherapy assistant there are many potential workplaces, including private physiotherapy clinics, nursing homes and hospital departments.

A physiotherapy assistant could work in the following areas:

• Private clinics
• Outpatients’ departments
• Women’s health
• Paediatrics
• Orthopaedics
• Stork services
• Aged care
• Sports and fitness facilities

In addition to working with physiotherapists, physiotherapy assistants will also work alongside other health care professionals such as occupational therapists, nurses, orthopaedic surgeons and prosthetists.

 

Salary Expectations of a Physiotherapy Assistant

The experience gained as a physiotherapy assistant will affect salary.

The national average salary in Australia is AU$48,000 as reported by PayScale.

 

Working Conditions of a Physiotherapy Assistant

Physiotherapy assistants work in a variety of settings, but this job generally takes place indoors, though some exercise programs may be conducted outdoors.

The role of a physiotherapy assistant requires lifting, and most of the work requires the physiotherapy assistant to be on their feet and mobile to assist in moving and setting up equipment.

 

What are the Benefits of this Career?

• Career growth
• Flexible work hours
• Variety of work
• Strong future growth
• Rewarding work

 

What is the Outlook for Physiotherapy Assistant Jobs?

The job outlook for a physiotherapy assistant is good with strong future growth in Australia.

Does this sound like the right career for you? If so, consider online courses, such as the Introduction to Physiotherapy Assistance with Australian Online Courses.

Other online courses that are ideal professional development for entry into the position of physiotherapy assistant include:

Successful Time Management

Microsoft Office Word 2016

 

Why Choose Online Courses to Become a Physiotherapy Assistant?

It’s not easy to start a new career, especially when you have family and financial commitments. Online courses are an ideal way to gain the skills you need to start a new career while you’re still working in your current job or taking care of personal commitments.

The flexibility of online courses makes them an ideal way to retrain or upskill in your own time without the pressure of classes to attend or deadlines to meet.

So, if you want to change what you do start something new!

 

Australian Online Courses

If you’re looking for an online training provider that offers quality content, reasonable course fees and superior student support, choose Australian Online Courses for your professional development.

Visit online to discover hundreds of industry-approved, flexible, online courses covering almost every industry sector. Or you can contact one of our friendly Learning Consultants today on 1300 762 221.