Can I work as a physiotherapy assistant, healthcare assistant, or other physiotherapy related role in Aotearoa | New Zealand if I am not registered as a physiotherapist?

“Physiotherapy assistants” and "healthcare assistants" are not professions regulated by the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

A person working as a physiotherapy assistant in Aotearoa | New Zealand must not hold themselves out in any way as a registered physiotherapist, even if they are entitled to work as a physiotherapist overseas.

Can I work as a physiotherapy assistant while I wait for my registration?

To work as a physiotherapist here in New Zealand you are legally required to hold both registration with the Board and a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC). This is the case for any role, voluntary or paid, where your physiotherapy skills or knowledge are used.

It is important to understand that this does not apply to a physiotherapy assistant position until registered with the Board. Should you be granted registration while employed as a physiotherapy assistant, you must stop working as an assistant until you hold Annual Practising Certificate (APC) – this can only be applied for after you have gained registration.