Therapy Assistant/ Physiotherapy Student

“Becoming a physiotherapist, I want to help everyone that walks within my path and this isn’t just physical but the mental and spiritual well-being of the person. ” 

– Jacinda Shaw, Therapy Assistant/ Physiotherapy Student

About the Career

Therapist Assistants/ Physiotherapists in training, work under the guidance of qualified Physiotherapists, and Occupational Therapists and other clinical staff to maintain and promote people’s health. They help restore function and independence when people have a disability or problem caused by physical, neurological (related to the brain and nervous system), cardiorespiratory or other disorders.

Qualities you need

• Great communicators especially with people from diverse backgrounds
• Positive, supportive attitude and work well with people
• Work well in a team and ability to develop trust with patients/ whānau

Career Pathway

To train as a physiotherapist you need to have either a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Physiotherapy or a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.

Find out more about a career in Physiotherapy here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/physiotherapist/

Our Whānau Career Story

Jacinda Shaw, Therapy Assistant/ Physiotherapy Student

Where do I work and what do I do?

I work at Taranaki Hospital as a therapy assistant that works alongside Occupational therapist and physiotherapist.

What was my career pathway to get where I am / and what led me to this?

I completed a Bachelor in sports sciences and with the guidance and support of Why Ora I had an opportunity to experience a hospital setting as a therapy assistant through a cadetship.

From here I grew an interest in physiotherapy and this has led me to go back a do further study. Hopefully in the future I am able to come back as a qualified physiotherapist and guide other rangatahi around me to find their niche.

“My why” for doing this job and making a difference for Māori

My why is He tangata, he tangata, he tangata (It is the people, it is the people, it is the People). By becoming a physiotherapist, I want to help everyone that walks within my path and this isn’t just physical but the mental and spiritual well-being of the person. Having spare minute or so to listen helps with the recovery of a person. I am looking forward to the next three years of study and to see where it takes me!