Physiotherapy is a vital component of modern healthcare, helping patients recover from injury, improve mobility, and manage long-term conditions. Behind every effective physiotherapy service is a team of dedicated professionals, including physiotherapy assistants, who play a crucial role in delivering hands-on support and ensuring continuity of care. The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Physiotherapy Assistants is designed to provide learners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in this important healthcare support role.
The role of a physiotherapy assistant is both rewarding and impactful. Working closely with physiotherapists, assistants help implement treatment plans, support patient rehabilitation, and maintain a safe and therapeutic environment. The OSHAA diploma prepares learners for this role by offering structured, practical learning that can be immediately applied in clinical or community-based settings.
With healthcare services under increasing demand, the need for well-trained physiotherapy support staff has never been greater. This course is designed to meet that demand, ensuring that learners are equipped to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams and deliver patient-centred care.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Physiotherapy Assistants is a smart investment in your future. Join a growing sector, make a real difference in people’s lives, and build a career rooted in care, compassion, and practical expertise.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Physiotherapy Assistants
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Physiotherapy and the Role of the Assistant (3 hours)
- Understand the scope and purpose of physiotherapy in various healthcare settings
- Identify the responsibilities and limitations of the physiotherapy assistant role
- Recognise the importance of teamwork within the multidisciplinary care environment
- Develop awareness of professional conduct and communication expectations in clinical settings
Basic Anatomy and Physiology for Physiotherapy Practice (3 hours)
- Gain knowledge of key body systems relevant to movement and rehabilitation
- Understand musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems in relation to physiotherapy
- Recognise how anatomy and physiology inform treatment planning and patient care
- Identify common physiological responses to therapeutic exercises
Principles of Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Exercise (4 hours)
- Understand the goals and stages of physical rehabilitation
- Learn core concepts such as strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance
- Assist in implementing therapeutic exercise programmes under supervision
- Promote patient engagement and motivation in the rehabilitation process
Safe Patient Handling and Movement Techniques (4 hours)
- Apply best practices for safe patient transfer, positioning, and mobility support
- Understand manual handling legislation and risk assessment procedures
- Minimise injury risk for patients and staff through proper technique
- Use mobility aids and equipment correctly and confidently
Communication Skills in Healthcare Settings (3 hours)
- Develop effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
- Understand the importance of active listening and empathy in patient care
- Communicate clearly with physiotherapists, patients, and other healthcare staff
- Manage challenging conversations and maintain patient confidentiality
Assisting with Mobility, Exercise, and Treatment Plans (3 hours)
- Support physiotherapists in delivering exercise routines and mobility activities
- Monitor patient responses and report observations accurately
- Encourage safe participation in treatment activities
- Adapt support based on individual needs and therapeutic goals
Understanding Common Conditions Requiring Physiotherapy (3 hours)
- Identify physical conditions commonly treated through physiotherapy, such as stroke, arthritis, and fractures
- Understand the impact of these conditions on mobility and daily living
- Recognise the role of physiotherapy in long-term condition management
- Support treatment goals specific to each condition under supervision
Infection Prevention and Control in Clinical Environments (5 hours)
- Understand key principles of infection control and hygiene in healthcare
- Apply standard precautions such as hand hygiene and PPE use
- Recognise procedures for managing infection risks and outbreaks
- Comply with workplace policies on cleanliness and cross-contamination
Health and Safety in Physiotherapy Practice (2 hours)
- Identify potential hazards in physiotherapy environments
- Understand health and safety legislation relevant to clinical practice
- Follow procedures for incident reporting and risk management
- Maintain a safe working environment for patients and staff
- Gain a foundational understanding of physiotherapy principles and practices
- Develop essential clinical skills to support physiotherapists in patient care
- Improve knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation techniques
- Learn safe handling, mobility, and exercise support for diverse patient needs
- Enhance communication skills for effective teamwork and patient interaction
- Understand infection control and health and safety practices in clinical settings
- Build confidence in assisting with treatment plans and monitoring patient progress
- Become familiar with common conditions requiring physiotherapy and how to support them
- Strengthen your professional profile with a recognised vocational qualification
- Prepare for entry-level employment or career progression in physiotherapy support roles
This course is designed for individuals seeking to develop practical skills and foundational knowledge to work effectively as a physiotherapy assistant or support worker in healthcare environments. It is suitable for:
- Aspiring physiotherapy assistants looking to start a career in healthcare
- Healthcare support workers aiming to specialise in rehabilitation and mobility support
- Individuals working in residential care, community health, or hospital settings
- Those returning to work or changing careers into the health and social care sector
- School leavers or college students pursuing a vocational route into physiotherapy services
- Volunteers or carers who assist with mobility and rehabilitation activities
No prior clinical experience is required, making the program accessible to learners from a range of educational and professional backgrounds. The course provides a strong stepping stone towards employment or further study in physiotherapy and healthcare support.
