Working as a Physiotherapy Assistant in Ireland

Welcome to the UCD Final Year Project: What Next? . This space was created by final year students from the Physiotherapy program at University College Dublin. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!

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.  Read more.

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.