Physiotherapy Aide

Physiotherapy aides or attendants assist Physiotherapists and/or Physiotherapy Assistants in scheduling, preparing and implementing physical therapy programs. They maintain patient records and attendance as well as planned programs. They also prepare and maintain equipment and supplies
Documentation of care services, overall programs and various interactions is also their part of the job. Sometimes, they may need to join outings and other special events as directed by the physiotherapists.
They also need to do routine office and administrative activities. They also assists physiotherapists to carry out treatment programs such as thermotherapy, traction, hydrotherapy and electrotherapeutic techniques to rehabilitate patients with various injuries or disabilities to maximize their ability to independently manage daily activities.
They may work in outpatient clinics with clients who have orthopedic issues, in schools and preschools to help children develop physical and social skills, in extended care settings with geriatric clients, or in hospital settings with patients who have a variety of disorders or have undergone surgery. Whatever the setting, they work under the direction and supervision of physiotherapists.

Average Hourly

$13.59

Range Hourly

$10.70 – $15.00

Average Yearly

$26,496

Range Yearly

$20,866 – $29,250

Other Assisting Occupations In Support Of Health Services (3414)

Activationist - health support services

Activities co-ordinator - health support services

Activity aide - health support services

Activity leader - seniors

Activity worker - health support services

Physical therapy attendant

Physiotherapy attendant

Physiotherapy helper

Rehabilitation aide

Rehabilitation assistant

Therapist assistant - medical

Therapy aide - medical

Therapy assistant - medical

Mostly on-the-job training so does not require a diploma but having some kind of certification course will be appreciated

Average hourly

Range hourly

Average yearly

Range yearly

$13.59

$10.70 - $15.00

$26,496

$20,866 - $29,250

Medium

Employment outlook is good to fair across provinces. More information is available here.

Without further education, advancement opportunities for physiotherapy aides are limited.

Having a certificate in Physiotherapy aide program will facilitate employment:

Diploma in Physical Therapy Aide at Alison (free)

Physical Therapy Aide at Stratford Career Institute

Physical Therapy Aide at eLearn Canada College

Excellent communication skills; empathetic; ability to work independently, Patience, Flexibility, Organizational skills and attention to detail; Manual dexterity; teamwork

No certification is currently required. Physiotherapy aides work in a variety of settings including private practices, hospitals, continuing or long-term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and private homes. They generally work weekdays but may be required to work some evenings and weekends.

Difference between Physiotherapy Aide and Assistant

Physiotherapy aide is the most entry level position that typically requires no specific degree or extensive experience. Their job responsibilities are much more restricted and are limited to administrative/clerical tasks and attendant type tasks such as helping patients move into or out of the therapy area/equipment, cleaning and preparing treatment areas.

Physiotherapy assistant, one the other hand, requires specific degree and certain level of experience. Additionally, certification from a local/national membership/regulatory body is often expected by the employers.

  1. Completing a certificate course on Physiotherapy aide program

  2. Experience as health care aide and other assisting health-related occupation could act as acceptable experience to get into such position

  3. Through networking, directly such position can be obtained.