Physiotherapy – or Physio – is a profession that is required to help people manage their bodies better.
Most of us will need support from a Physio at some stage to manage emerging conditions with our bones, muscles, and nerves. From athletes who regularly push their bodies to everyday people suffering after a fall, a Physiotherapist helps overcome many of life’s health hurdles. The busier our bodies become, the more likely we need support from a Physio – even if it’s simply to promote well-being.
If you are considering a career in Physio, becoming a Physiotherapy Assistant is a great place to start your journey. Today’s article looks at all aspects of this role – like the job requirements, benefits and physio assistant salary – helping you understand what a Physiotherapist Assistant is and why it can be a successful pathway when breaking into this much relied-on industry.
What does a Physiotherapy Assistant do?
To understand this role, first we need to appreciate what a Physiotherapist is.
As an allied health professional, a Physiotherapist is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and managing patients to recover from bone, muscle and nerve issues, from treating one-off injuries to chronic diseases like arthritis.
Many basic hands-on tasks involved in this recovery can be performed by a Physiotherapy Assistant. Under the guidance of a Physiotherapist, you will support patients with a range of treatments and exercise programs designed to improve the injury or illness. You’ll likely show patients techniques like stretching exercises or delivering hot and cold therapies. You will also oversee administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, updating patient records and managing enquiries.
Types of Physiotherapist Assistants
While most Physio Assistants tend to perform similar tasks to one another, the precise role may vary depending on the location and needs of the patients.
For example, Physiotherapy Assistants can work in hospitals, private practices and clinics, aged care facilities, residential homes, sports and fitness clubs or rehabilitation centres. Once qualified, you will be expected to work in any one of these settings, and your daily tasks may change from one place to the next.
Wherever you’re working, the underlying objective remains the same: to assist in supporting your Physiotherapy clients back to wellness.
Benefits of Becoming a Physiotherapy Assistant
There’s so much to gain from working in the allied health industry. As a qualified Physiotherapy Assistant, you will enjoy:
- High job satisfaction from a fulfilling role that helps people in need
- A wide range of skills, many transferable to other healthcare professions
- Increasing number of Physio Assistant jobs in a growing industry
- Financial rewards – Indeed reports employers paying up to $100k!
- Multiple tasks – no two days are the same as a Physiotherapy Assistant!
Key Responsibilities of a Physiotherapy Assistant
If you like a job with variation, that’s exactly what you will find working as a Physiotherapy Assistant.
The role encompasses numerous tasks and responsibilities, including:
- Creating treatment plans
- Demonstrating how to use therapy equipment
- Supporting patients with exercises
- Applying techniques such as massage
- Running diagnostic tests
- Helping patients in and out of the practice
Key Physiotherapist Assistant Job Requirements
To become a Physiotherapy Assistant, there are multiple personal attributes extremely helpful in this role:
- Compassion: First of all, compassion is key to this patient-facing role. You will be dealing with people who feel vulnerable due to their injury or illness, so you need to show plenty of empathy.
- Strong communication skills: In addition to delivering important information directly to your patients, you will have to communicate regularly with their family members and other health professionals, and the ability to do so effectively is critical to this role.
- Motivational skills: Finally, the role involves motivating people to continue with their treatments at home. You will need to be able to encourage their participation when not under your care if they want to recover quickly.
You will also need to complete a formal qualification to gain the required practical skills of a Physiotherapist Assistant.
Physiotherapy Assistant Courses
When starting as a Physiotherapy Assistant, a training course provides the necessary practical skills and knowledge to prepare for your journey.
HLT33015 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
This course consists of eleven units of competency (eight core and three electives) delivered in a classroom. Students must also undertake a minimum of 80 practical working hours logged with an Approved Service provider. A trainer or assessor will visit you during your time there to assess your skills in practice.
After completing the course, you will know how to:
- Support physiotherapy treatments – assisting with exercise programs, mobility support, and rehabilitation activities under supervision.
- Understand basic anatomy and physiology – providing safe and effective care.
- Follow therapy plans accurately – carrying out delegated tasks according to instructions from allied health professionals.
- Use health terminology – communicating clearly and professionally using appropriate medical language.
- Assist with patient movement and mobility – helping clients with transfers, walking aids, and exercises safely.
- Maintain clean and safe environments – setting up and cleaning equipment and following infection control procedures.
- Communicate with clients respectfully – supporting clients with empathy, confidentiality, and cultural awareness.
As a pathway Physiotherapy qualification, students who pass the Allied Health Assistant course successfully can progress to Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance or a Diploma of Community Services.
Learn more about Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
Note: You may also need a National Police Certificate before starting work as a Physio Assistant.
Physiotherapy Assistant Salary
If you’re wondering whether an Australian physiotherapy salary is competitive, the answer is yes!
According to Talent.com, the average Physiotherapy Assistant wage is $60k annually, with much more opportunity to earn a higher salary in the major Australian cities. Online job site Indeed.com puts an even higher average on these types of Physiotherapy Assistant wages, citing just under $80k as the average salary – with jobs in cities such as Sydney paying over $100k annually!
In addition to a great salary, you will find lots of Physiotherapy Assistant vacancies Australia wide, so you will never struggle to find work employment opportunities in this growing industry.
Learn with Insight Training and become a Physiotherapy Assistant!
Experts in providing courses for students searching for nationally recognised, fully accredited qualifications, Insight Training is here to help you become job-ready!
Keen to kick-start your career in Physiotherapy?
To prepare for Physiotherapy Assistant jobs in Australia, contact our team today and ask about the HLT33015 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance.
Or, if you are ready to sign up and study immediately, visit our website!
Sign up and study Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I earn as a Physiotherapist?
Physiotherapy Assistant wages range vastly across Australia. Once qualified, you can expect to earn anywhere from $60k to $100k annually. Major cities tend to pay higher salaries due to the demand.
Can I become a Physiotherapist without MBBS?
In Australia, you will need a university degree to become a Physiotherapist – although this doesn’t need to be a Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery. There is a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree and a Doctor of Physiotherapy. For Physio Assistant jobs, you do not need to complete a university degree. The Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance can help you get started on your career in Physio.
Which types of Physiotherapy have the highest salary?
When it comes to Physio wages, elite sports physiotherapy tends to pay well due to the specialist knowledge required. Bear in mind that your level of experience, geographical location and workplace setting all have an impact on the potential earnings in Physiotherapy.
