Working as a Physiotherapy Assistant in Ireland
Original Editors - Claire Adams as part of the UCD Final Year Project: What Next?
Lead Editors - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page.
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: