Therapy assistants support physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists: setting up sessions, practising exercises with patients, and cheering on slow, hard won progress. It suits encouragers, people who can keep someone going through a frustrating recovery. It is honest to say you follow plans that others write, and pay starts modest. But trusts hire assistants without prior qualifications, the work is varied and warm, and apprenticeship routes can carry you all the way to registered therapist.
Mornings might be helping a stroke patient practise walking, then setting up equipment for a clinic. You run through exercise plans, note how each person got on, and flag anything odd to the therapist. Afternoons could be a home visit or a group session. You finish knowing who made progress today.
Session notes, exercise plans and appointment scheduling are increasingly drafted by software, and AI can suggest adjustments from progress data. The encouragement, the watchful eye on how someone really moves, and the celebrating of small wins stay human.
Trusts hire therapy assistants with no prior qualification, and experience from care, sport or volunteering all counts. A DBS check is standard for health roles.
Tick off steps, save the job and grow your own tree. Free, nothing captured.
Healthcare assistant · Nursing associate