Working as a Physiotherapy Assistant in Ireland

Role:

Works under supervision of a physiotherapist, works in close contact with patients to help them implement their treatment programmes achieve goals set for them.

Activities:

- Instructing patients in exercise therapy and use of mobility aids
- Offering advice and encouragement with a planned treatment programme
- Preparing patients for therapy
- Setting up equipment
- Monitoring progress of patients and reporting back to physiotherapist.
- Record keeping and administration duties.
- Keeping treatment area’s clean and tidy.

Qualification:

1 year full time course.
FETAC level 5 major award in Health Service Skills DHSSX.

Salary: € 22,500

Cost: €4579

Location: Cork, Dublin, Galway.

Course Content:

• Care support
• Communications
• Workplace statutory policies
• Work experience
• Infection prevention and control
• Physiotherapy assistant theory and practise
• Rehabilitation support
• Human Growth and deveoplment.

Entry:

-Direct application to the college
-No point requirements

Grading:

50%- Practical examination
50% written assignment

Students will have been certified with Irish Heart Foundation level 3 heart saver CPR.

In New Zealand, physiotherapy assistant also works in occupational and speech and language departments.

Can often be voluntary work.

Benefits for a trained physiotherapist:

- Working within a physiotherapy department
- Make contacts for the future.
- Able to continue CPD.

Links:

http://www.portobelloinstitute.ie/health-education/healthcare-courses/physiotherapy-assistant-full-time.