Physio assistant in NZ?

[Mel]

There are plenty of physiotherapy assistants employed in the Hospital system in NZ. In the hospital I work in we employ "therapy assistants" so they support speech language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapist. As a physiotherapist we give therapy assistants specific exercises to do with specific inpatients or outpatients, it is always with patients we have already assessed and they are not responsible for progressing the patient. We also often get them to help us with less mobile patients that need 2 people. Other duties our therapy assistants do include exercises with patients prescribed by SLT's or OT's, delivering equiptment to patients houses, being present for pool sessions and cleaning. Other hospitals do have specific physiotherapy assistants. There aren't any particular requirements to work as an assistant, but hospitals may be reluctant to employ you if they know its only temporary. However if you are applying for your registration they may be happy to employ you as an assistant until your registration comes through and then employ you as a physiotherapist after that. We recently did that with 3 new graduates.

[physiouk]

Hi Mel!

I am just wondering if u can give me some advice. I graduated from a 3yr degree in the UK and currently only have a few months post grad work experience. I am looking to move to NZ to work around Nov this yr with a friend of mine who graduates in July. I know the board dont give registration out to people who have only done 3yr degree but was wondering whether we would be able to work as assistants and then apply for registration?
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

[Mel]

I doubt that working as an assistant will count as any experience towards your registration but its best to contact the registration board, maybe you can do some extra courses or something but I'm not sure, best to ask them:
http://physioboard.org.nz/

[anutosh]

Hi Mel

I am an Indian Physio with 5 yrs of experience. I am applying for NZ registration.
Could u plz help me out with :
1) NZ registration process
2) job somewhere as an assistant physiotherapist.

I will b highly obliged.
Thanks a lot

Regards
Anutosh Suri

[zonumzenki]

Hi Mel. Good Day! I'm coming as a student in IANZ taking Health Management Level 7. I am a Physiotherapy graduate in Philippines with 7 years of experience working in Singapore as a Physiotherapy Assistant. I am taking my luck maybe you can help me find a job as a Physiotherapy Assistant. Possibly part time while I'm studying then certainly I will go for permanent after the course. I'm not planning in moving to different company's as I need a long time job.

I'm hoping for your help. Thank you....