Physiotherapy assistant apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this roleapplying 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 Work Preparation for Health and Social Care
- Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
- Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science
Most health and social care courses include work placements, which is a good way for you to get experience. You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
You can do a Level 2 apprenticeship as a health care support worker, or Level 3 apprenticeship as a senior healthcare support worker. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 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'll find it useful to get some paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting or personal care role.
You could also contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for advice about opportunities.
Private physiotherapy clinics, nursing homes and sports clinics may also offer work placements.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and experience from working in a healthcare setting.
Physiotherapy assistant apprenticeships - what it takes
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:
- pass enhanced background checks
- have a first aid certificate
Physiotherapy assistant apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:
- talk to patients and preparing them for therapy
- show patients how to use mobility aids
- demonstrate and working through exercises with patients
- set up equipment
keep records of patients' progress
- provide reports to physiotherapists
Working environment
You could work at a health centre, at a client's home or in an NHS or private hospital.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression - Physiotherapy assistant apprenticeships
With experience and further qualifications, you could become a senior physiotherapy support worker, or assistant practitioner.
You could take an accredited degree to train as a physiotherapist.