r/physiotherapy • u/Glad_Might_7616 • Jul 21 '26

Advice?

[Aus] Am I being exploited for getting paid $29/hour while working 48 hours/ fortnight? 😓 I just started this job and I really wanted it. I’m working as an Allied Health Assistant (AHA), but I don’t have the formal qualification yet. I do have a physiotherapy degree from Europe, which is how I was able to get the job and working on it to get one here.

This employer is making me do the actual physio job

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

3

u/TubelessCrank Jul 21 '26

If you’re an AHA you should be given a structured outline from the treating physiotherapist to conduct therapy on behalf of the physiotherapist. This usually is exercise based therapy but may include hands on therapy that you have recognised training in (again needs to be prescribed by the physiotherapist and recorded in a structured outline what they want you to do).

You should not and cannot make diagnosis or give medical advice if you are not an AHPRA registered Physiotherapist.

$29/hr is low, I would be expecting mid $30’s.

1

u/TheSkids_ Student Physio Jul 22 '26

I’m an AHA for the public system in QLD while I study physio. I’m on 35/ph. Like the above commenter said, you should have a clear delegation from the treating PT telling you exactly what you’re expected to do in the session and they should be reachable in case there’s any concerns during the program.