Physiotherapy Assistant (Health Service Skills)

Course details

This Health Service Skills certificate with an emphasis on physiotherapy assistant provides training for care assistants and physiotherapy assistants and equips them with the skills and knowledge to care for clients in a safe and hygienic environment. Students study human anatomy and physiology with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, they become familiar with common medical conditions and the main clinical features of these conditions.

The Physiotherapy Assistant works with the Physiotherapist to assess and treat people whose movement is restricted by injury, illness or age. They use techniques to help with injuries and disorders of muscles and joints. The techniques include exercise, massage, and other treatments such as hydrotherapy, deep heat or ultrasound.

The Physiotherapy Assistant gains an understanding of the principles and practices of rehabilitation to assist in the care of the individual with a Spinal Cord Injury, Brain Injury or Limb absence. Through practice, the Physiotherapy Assistant becomes skilled in the therapeutic handling of patients in a range of physiotherapy interventions.

Physiotherapy Assistants learn the basic principles of infection control and are taught to apply standard precautions in relation to infection control. Human growth and development is explored so that they are able to relate to people at various levels of personal development.

Qualifications Gained

• FETAC Level 5 Major Award in Health Service Skills DHSSX

Entry Requirements

• Entry to this course is by direct application to the college. Acceptance to Full Time courses is interview based, there are no specific points requirements.

Note: Students should hold an Irish Heart Foundation Level 3 Heart Saver CPR Certificate or equivalent. This can be done with us during the duration of the course for an additional fee. Please speak to the course director for further information.

Course Content Modules

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Care Support
• Communications
• Human Growth and Development
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Work Experience
• Physiotherapy Assistant Theory
• Physiotherapy Assistant Practice
• Workplace Statutory Policies and Procedures
• Occupational First Aid (additional fee)