Physiotherapy assistant
Also known as: respiratory physiotherapy assistant, physiotherapist assistant, neurological physiotherapy assistant, physiotherapy rehabilitation assistant, therapy assistant, occupational physiotherapy assistant
About this occupation
Physiotherapy assistants work under supervision, within defined contexts using agreed treatment protocols and procedures such as collecting client data and maintaining the equipment required in physiotherapy interventions. The overall responsibility is retained by the delegating professional.
Essential skills and knowledge
- follow clinical guidelines
- ensure safety of healthcare users
- develop plans related to client discharge
- comply with legislation related to health care
- accept own accountability
- contribute to continuity of health care
- advise on healthcare users' informed consent
- support discharge from physiotherapy
- assist physiotherapists
- comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
- apply organisational techniques
- promote health and safety policies in health services
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Exercise Physiologists (O*NET 29-1128.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Explain exercise program or physiological testing procedures to participants.
- Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements.
- Provide clinical oversight of exercise for participants at all risk levels.
- Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress.
- Interview participants to obtain medical history or assess participant goals.
- Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Social
Top skills: Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$59,460 a year (2025), 8,560 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyVery important (4.0)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.6)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
- Physical Therapists
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
- Athletic Trainers
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Recreational Therapists
- Sports Medicine Physicians
- Occupational Therapists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.