Physio assistant in NZ?

[physiogirl76]

Hi there,

I am a German phyiotherapist and I am currently going through the Australian registration process. I did the written examination some time ago. While waiting for the practical exam (preparing visa etc.), I would like to go on a Working Holiday to New Zealand and I wondered if it is possible for foreign trained physios to work as physiotherapy assistants in New Zealand?
If yes, are there any jobs in that field (I have the impression that most employers want registered physios)?

Would be great if anybody could help me!
Mel

[rodgastesi]

Hi, I am doing the same process to get may registration in NZ!!have you found a job as physio assistant??
Thanks

[michael]

Hallo Physiogirl,
bist du schon in NZ. Ich will nächstes Jahr September/Oktober gehen.

[physiosurya]

Hi,
iam studying pg dip in sports and exercise science in nz. iam a physiotherapist basically.
iam looking for physio assist job here meanwhile i can apply for full registration as physio.

can anybody give some information regarding this?

Regards
physiosurya

physio rocks!!!

[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/

[ruchidel1]

Hi

Can you pls. guide me as how to prepare for Australian written exam ?
I am also looking for job of Assistant physio in Australia. Can you pls. tell me the name of agencies that can help me in finding this job?

Kindly help me and oblige.

Regards
Ruchi

Originally Posted by physiogirl76

Hi there,

I am a German phyiotherapist and I am currently going through the Australian registration process. I did the written examination some time ago. While waiting for the practical exam (preparing visa etc.), I would like to go on a Working Holiday to New Zealand and I wondered if it is possible for foreign trained physios to work as physiotherapy assistants in New Zealand?
If yes, are there any jobs in that field (I have the impression that most employers want registered physios)?

Would be great if anybody could help me!
Mel