Physiotherapy Assistant

Employment Options to Explore After Physiotherapy Assistant Training

April 02, 2024

Physiotherapy assistants are responsible for facilitating the exercises and techniques prescribed by the physiotherapist for pain management and illness recovery with patients. During physiotherapy assistant training, you will cover fundamental principles that equip you to teach clients essential exercises, assist physiotherapists in providing aid, and write clear and concise client medical reports.

You will be able to efficiently assist clients with neurological conditions, neuromusculoskeletal conditions, cardiovascular problems, and respiratory issues. Due to the extensive training you will receive, you can choose from a variety of work environments during your physiotherapy assistant career.

If you want to learn more about your employment options after physiotherapy assistant training, continue reading!

[Infographic] Employment Options to Explore After Physiotherapy Assistant Training

Work in a Hospital Environment

The duties of Physiotherapist Assistants in a hospital setting include:

Assisting with equipment, and interacting with patients.
Assisting during physiotherapy sessions.
Show patients how to use their mobility aids should they require them.
You’ll help the physiotherapist rehabilitate a patient after surgery.
Assisting patients with prescribed exercises.
Writing reports and documenting vital progress.
27.5% of physiotherapists in Canada work in hospitals.

Physiotherapists assistants working in hospitals manage many responsibilities.

Work Directly for a Private Physiotherapist

Private physiotherapists require an assistant for all aspects:

Private physiotherapists require assistance with the variety of services they offer.
You will help patients with session setup and wrap-up.
Advising and instructing patients accurately.
Record and process patient recovery, documents, and files.

Working for a private physiotherapist will require you to utilize your training in a variety of tasks.

Rehabilitation Centres are a Great Option

Rehabilitation centres will allow you to aid in the patient’s recovery journey:

Restoring a patient’s physical and sensory capabilities after an injury, illness, or disease.
Aid in customized rehabilitation programs.
Assist with prescribed movements and exercises, ensuring accuracy for optimal effect.
Address other rehabilitation techniques specific to sports injuries, lung damage, loss of mobility, or a hip replacement, amongst others.
For example, heart patient rehabilitation addresses strengthening the heart, and circulatory system.

Rehabilitation centres require physiotherapist assistants to help patients retain physical and sensory capabilities.

Sports Medicine Clinics Require Physio Assistants

Sports players require comprehensive physio treatments:

Sports players, particularly high-calibre athletes, require physiotherapy treatment to maintain optimal health.
As a physiotherapy assistant, you aid athletes in recovery, maintenance, and injury prevention.
Facilitation of prescribed sports injury rehabilitation techniques.

Sports physiotherapists require assistants to help patients work through sports-related injuries and rehabilitation programs.

Long-term Care Facilities Provide a Different Opportunity

Long-term care presents a different angle of physiotherapy:

Long-term care addresses patients whose conditions cannot be reversed or rehabilitated.
Physiotherapists work to promote and maintain the current functionality of a patient, ensuring functional independence.
Assist residents with prescribed care to prevent further deterioration.
Assist patients with movement through exercises.
Introduce and assist patients with required mobility devices.

Long-term care physiotherapist assistants assist physiotherapists in stabilizing a patient’s current condition.