Physiotherapy is an evidence based holistic approach to health and wellbeing, working in collaboration with partner organisations to improve quality of living. Timely intervention is provided through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice that is targeted to meet the service users’ needs and preferences. The Band 2 Physiotherapy Assistants support Physiotherapists’ who have expert knowledge and skill which enables the provision of personalised intervention to:

  • Manage pain
  • Minimise disease impact: respond to early signs
  • Maximise self-management: provide intervention and education to empower service users to self-direct condition management.
  • Promote wellbeing
  • Avoid preventable complication

Qualifications and Experience Required:

An NVQ level 2 in a health related subject or relevant past experience in health and social care is essential. Many colleges within the North East offer courses to support progression. It is also essential to have a GCSE in English and Numeracy to level 1 or the equivalent.

What are the expectations of a Physiotherapy Assistant (PTA)

The role of a B2 PTA is to work as part of the Physiotherapy team offering support and assistance to qualified Physiotherapists. PTA’s will assist Physiotherapists in a range of assessments and treatments helping to deliver safe, high quality and efficient care. Basic clinical observations will be completed by the PTA which is reported to a qualified Physiotherapist. You are expected to maintain and build upon your skills under the guidance of Expert Physiotherapists through training.

As a Physiotherapy Assistant (PTA) what types of clinical services could I work in?

The Band 2 PTA roles are in varied settings and across multiple specialities. The Physiotherapy service provides a broad range of specialist services including respiratory, elderly care, cardiac, musculoskeletal, neurology, orthopaedics, paediatrics and women’s health; each is led by an Expert Physiotherapist. This is offered across South Tyneside and Sunderland in various settings including hospital wards, hospital outpatient clinics inpatient and the community. This means that we can ensure that service users are provided with the most effective treatment for their problem in a place most suited to meet need.

What courses can I access specific to my role?

In House Training:

Health Care Certificate: An in-house, mandatory, multi-disciplinary training programme completed over a 6 month period. This programme helps individuals that are new to their role to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours expected for their job.

Appraisals: When you start work you will be assigned an appraiser who will provide yearly appraisals. This will support core values, behaviours, knowledge and skill required to fulfil the requirements of the post.

Clinical: There is regular informal training which is led by Expert Physiotherapists; this is designed to develop and maintain the knowledge and skill needed for your work. Your daily work will be supervised by the Physiotherapy team and peer support is available to help personal and professional development.

External training:

The service provides support through time and funding for courses external to the Trust; requests need to be discussed with your line manager.

Who do I contact about my continuing professional development?

Please speak to your line manager to discuss and agree learning plans. The workforce team may be able to offer further signposting at the email address below for stsft.cpd@nhs.net

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