I’ve been a hairdresser for 2 years but I see that my real passion is becoming a physiotherapy assistant. I’ve been told that I can become one without necessarily undertaking any specific training course. Does anybody know if this is so or is it a rumour?

What’s the difference between a physiotherapist and a physiotherapist assistant? Do both deal with patients directly?

Aiding in the rehabilitation of patients who are ill or have disabilities is the job of a Physiotherapy Assistant. These professionals work with young people, adults, infants or senior patients. Assistants are required to be familiar with utilises various equipments, rehabilitation or walking aids.
Professional Physiotherapy Assistants, work five days a week on forty hour shifts. They work wherever they are needed especially in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, clinics or with sports teams and athletes.
A Physiotherapy Assistant usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Taking patients to therapy treatments
• Writing up patient records
• Consulting with doctors
• Putting up equipment
• Assisting clients during sessions
• Teaching clients how to use aids

Physiotherapy Assistants must be trained in their area of expertise. At the basic level they should have their GCSEs in Mathematics, English and some Science subject. During training knowledge should be gained in areas like:
•    Anatomy and Physiology
•    Biology
•    Massage
•    Physical Therapy
There are many certification agencies that offer these courses. They include BTEC, or NVQ. Going the traditional education route and gaining a degree at the Bachelors, Masters or Post Graduate level is always beneficial. Another option after completing the necessary studies is to join a professional body of group like the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).