Physiotherapy Assistant: What Do They Do & How to Study in Just 2 Years

If you're interested in the healthcare sector and want to start a stable career quickly, it's worth exploring the profession of a Physiotherapy Assistant. This is a growing field with increasing demand in the job market, offering excellent career opportunities after just two years of study.

What is a Physiotherapy Assistant?

A Physiotherapy Assistant is the healthcare professional who works alongside a licensed physiotherapist in a wide range of rehabilitation settings. Rather than replacing the physiotherapist, they play a vital supporting role by assisting with patient care and carrying out a variety of technical and clinical support tasks under professional supervision.

Contrary to what many people believe, this is far more than a basic support role. It requires knowledge of human anatomy, an understanding of rehabilitation techniques, and strong communication skills when working with patients. In short, it is a rewarding healthcare profession that makes a real difference in patients' recovery and quality of life.

What Does a Physiotherapy Assistant Do?

Physiotherapy Assistants perform a wide range of responsibilities under the supervision of a qualified physiotherapist. Their duties typically include:

• Assisting with physiotherapy modalities such as ultrasound therapy, electrotherapy, thermotherapy, and cryotherapy
• Supporting patients during therapeutic exercises and rehabilitation programmes
• Applying and removing orthotic devices and bandages
• Preparing treatment rooms and therapy equipment
• Maintaining and operating physiotherapy equipment
• Recording patient information and updating treatment records
• Instructing patients on home exercise programmes
• Assisting individuals with mobility impairments or physical disabilities

These responsibilities require both solid theoretical knowledge and extensive hands-on clinical training.

Where Can You Work?

A Physiotherapy Assistant can pursue a career in a wide variety of healthcare and rehabilitation environments, including:

• Private and public physiotherapy clinics
• Rehabilitation and recovery centres
• Hospitals and healthcare clinics
• Sports clubs, fitness centres, and athletic organisations
• Rehabilitation centres for people with disabilities
• Residential care facilities for older adults
• Wellness and spa resorts
• Aesthetic clinics offering rehabilitation services

Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects. In fact, 93.8% of SBIE Physiotherapy graduates secure employment within the first six months after completing their studies.

Physiotherapy Assistant Studies & Certification

The programme lasts four semesters (two years) and combines classroom learning, practical laboratory sessions, and clinical placements in physiotherapy clinics, rehabilitation centres, and hospitals. Students also have the opportunity to complete their internship abroad through the Erasmus+ Programme.

The curriculum covers subjects such as:

• Anatomy and musculoskeletal pathology
• Rehabilitation technologies (ultrasound, laser therapy, electrotherapy)
• Musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation
• Sports physiotherapy
• First aid

Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates obtain the State Diploma (EQF Level 5) awarded through EOPPEP, providing access to both private-sector employment and public-sector recruitment opportunities.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in a specialised training programme leading to the ACTA QTL Expert Certification, awarded by ACTA, the certification body of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

For more information, visit the Physiotherapy Assistant Programme page.

How to Become a Physiotherapy Assistant in Just 2 Years

Enrolling at SBIE Higher Vocational School (SAEK) is simple.

Submit your enquiry online or contact the admissions team by phone, and a Student Advisor will guide you through every step of the application process—from the required documents to the available enrolment dates.

No entrance examinations are required. Applicants simply need a High School Diploma (or equivalent qualification).

Classes begin in October and are completed in two years. Throughout the programme, students combine theoretical lessons with laboratory training and supervised clinical practice.

After completing the programme and successfully passing the EOPPEP certification examinations, graduates receive the State Diploma in Higher Vocational Training (EQF Level 5)—the recognised qualification needed to launch a successful career as a Physiotherapy Assistant.

Two years. One recognised qualification. A career with excellent employment prospects.

Study Physiotherapy Assistant in Athens or Patras

SBIE Higher Vocational School offers the Physiotherapy Assistant programme in both Athens and Patras, allowing students to study close to home without relocating.

Physiotherapy Assistant in Athens
Located in the heart of Athens, SBIE provides training by experienced healthcare professionals with extensive clinical backgrounds in leading hospitals and physiotherapy centres.

Its strong partnerships with major healthcare providers give students direct access to high-quality internships and employment opportunities after graduation.

Physiotherapy Assistant in Patras
Students in Western Greece can benefit from the same high academic standards at SBIE Patras.

The campus works closely with an extensive network of regional healthcare organisations, ensuring valuable clinical placements and excellent graduate employability.

Is This Career Right for You?

A career as a Physiotherapy Assistant could be the perfect choice if you:

• Are passionate about healthcare and rehabilitation
• Enjoy working closely with people and helping others
• Want a stable profession with strong employment prospects
• Prefer to enter the workforce quickly rather than spend many years at university
• Have an interest in sports rehabilitation or elderly care

If you've made it this far, chances are you're seriously considering a career as a Physiotherapy Assistant.

Applications for the new academic year at SBIE Higher Vocational School are now open, and places are limited to just 20 students per class.

Complete the enquiry form today, and one of our Student Advisors will contact you to provide personalised guidance and answer all your questions—with no obligation.

Explore all Healthcare Programmes at SBIE Higher Vocational School.