Build your career as a Physiotherapy Assistant

health & community

Physiotherapy Assistant

A career as a Physiotherapy Assistant allows you to play a key role in helping individuals recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve physical function. Working alongside physiotherapists, you’ll assist with rehabilitation exercises, mobility training, and treatment plans across settings like hospitals, clinics, and sports facilities. This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact on patients’ lives while enjoying strong job stability and opportunities for career development.

Excited to make a difference? Start your career as a Physiotherapy Assistant and help people move better, feel better, and live better.

  • Outlook
  • Duties
  • Course Options
  • Blogs
EMPLOYED 45,800
PART-TIME SHARE 34%
AVERAGE FULL-TIME HOURS 41
MEDIAN WEEKLY EARNINGS $1,710

The career outlook for Physiotherapy Assistants in Australia is positive, with growing demand driven by an ageing population and an increasing focus on rehabilitation services. Opportunities are available in hospitals, private clinics, sports centres, and aged care facilities. As more people seek physiotherapy for injury recovery, chronic pain management, and mobility improvement, Physiotherapy Assistants can expect job stability and opportunities for career advancement in the expanding healthcare sector.

Gender Split

Employment by State

Highest Level of education (%)

Age Brackets

What can you expect from working as a Physiotherapy Assistant?

Physiotherapy assistants support physiotherapists in providing treatment and rehabilitation to patients with physical injuries or mobility issues. Key duties typically include:

  • Patient Assistance: Helping patients perform prescribed exercises and movement therapies under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
  • Treatment Support: Assisting with treatments such as applying heat or cold packs, setting up therapy equipment, and preparing treatment areas.
  • Mobility Aid Instruction: Demonstrating the correct use of mobility aids, such as crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs, to improve patient independence.
  • Monitoring Progress: Observing and reporting patient progress to the physiotherapist to ensure treatment plans are effective.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining physiotherapy equipment to ensure a safe and hygienic treatment environment.
  • Patient Education: Providing basic instructions and encouragement to patients about exercises and rehabilitation techniques.
  • Administrative Tasks: Scheduling appointments, updating patient records, and managing general administrative duties within the physiotherapy department.
  • Supportive Care: Assisting patients with movement and positioning during therapy sessions to ensure comfort and safety.

How to become a Physiotherapy Assistant?

To become a Physiotherapy Assistant, you typically need a qualification in allied health assistance with a focus on physiotherapy. Online courses can provide flexible learning options, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to support physiotherapists and assist patients with rehabilitation and mobility.

HLT43021

Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance

Get ready to enhance the quality of life for individuals by gaining practical skills to assist physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers. You'll develop a versatile skill set to support healthcare professionals in diagnosing and empowering patients facing various...
View Course

*The information on this page is sourced from the Jobs and Skills Australia website, based on their occupational data collected in May 2024. Where job titles may not be exact matches, related job areas have been used. This data is intended as a guide only.

Advance your career with Accredited Online Courses

Gain industry-recognised qualifications with our flexible online courses in Australia. Study at your own pace and achieve your career goals from the comfort of your home.