Physical therapyassistant training

Physical Therapy Assistant training in brief

Duration: 1.5 years
Type: a combination of learning at SOMT and working in practice
Credits: 90 ECTS
Study load: 20 hours working, 1 day teaching at SOMT, 12 hours self-study
Start: September 2025

Who is this training for?

Are you practical, have a passion for exercise and want to work in healthcare? Then the course Physical Therapy Assistant (FTA) is for you! This course is specially designed for mbo-4 graduates of Sport and Exercise (e.g. CIOS) with a specialization as lifestyle, weight, exercise or sports coach, or exercise instructor.

Do you recognize yourself in this?

You have completed mbo-4 Sport and Exercise and want to work with people recovering from injury or surgery, both in the gym and on the field. You enjoy coaching groups and have an interest in rehabilitation;
You have a background as a lifestyle coach and want to help people with their health, such as by guiding them through exercise and preventive care. You enjoy working with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals.

No MBO-4 degree in Sport and Exercise, but do have relevant work experience?
Do you have experience in another way with movement, guiding groups and the human body, for example through work in a gym or as a group exercise instructor? Then you might be able to join. During a personal interview we will see if the training suits you. Please contact us at info@somt.nl.

Training duration and structure

The Physical Therapy Assistant program lasts 1.5 years and consists of 90 ECTS, divided into 5 modules and a graduation track. You will follow an interesting and varied learning program. When you finish our training you are ready to start working as a physical therapy assistant.

You are already employed by a physical therapy practice. This way you combine theory and practice in a fun, educational and useful way. This way of getting an education is called a Vocational Guided Learning (BBL). You have a supervisor at your apprenticeship who supervises you in practice. You have a tutor at SOMT who helps you with your knowledge in the field. Through this way of working and learning, you are able to gain practical experience directly and get your diploma at the same time.

You are so during this unique trainingalso because of your prior education, be immediately employable in practice, which is attractive to employers.

Practical details

Study credits year 1: 60 ETCS
Study credits year 2 (half year): 30 ECTS
Language of study: Dutch
Start of study: September 2025

Price List 2025-2026
Grid 2025-2026

Modules

The Physical Therapy Assistant program is specifically designed to train students to become valuable supporters within physical therapy practice. The program combines theoretical modules, such as anatomy, physiology, communication, patient counseling and business management, with hands-on assignments and internships.

An important part of the program is the apprenticeship. Here, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience for at least 20 hours a week, supervised by an experienced physical therapist. During this workplace, students learn to combine administrative tasks, patient care and practice management with the knowledge they gain in classes. This approach ensures that skills are immediately applied in practice, preparing students in the best possible way for their role as physical therapy assistants.

Module 1: introductory module

In this module you will be introduced to the field of physical therapy, practice organization and gain an understanding of how the healthcare system works.

You will be taught about illness and health, the use of guidelines and standards, medical terms and training in people with conditions.

Module 2: clinical practitioner learning line

This learning line emphasizes clinical reasoning and the basic sciences of physical therapy. You will gain an understanding of pathophysiology, exercise physiology and functional anatomy and learn to apply this in prevention and intervention.

Module 3: learning line prevention and intervention (medical trainer)

The Prevention and Intervention course focuses on rehabilitation, where you will learn to work with athletes, orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation. Collaboration within a multidisciplinary team is key.

Module 4: learning line management and practice support.

In this learning line, you will learn how to collaborate to effectively manage a physical therapy practice. In addition to the basics of management and Strategy & Marketing, practical skills such as management and maintenance of (medical) equipment are covered. You will develop knowledge about using social media and retention policies to keep the practice functioning optimally.

Module 5: collaborative learning line

This learning line prepares you to work in a variety of healthcare domains. You will learn how to collaborate effectively between 1st and 2nd line care and develop innovative care solutions.

Module 6: graduation

The graduation program consists of a practical test and an implementation assignment focusing on collaboration in healthcare. This allows you to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired directly in practice.

Weekly schedule

On Wednesdays, you will come to SOMT in Amersfoort. You will then engage in theory sessions together with your fellow students. You will also receive coaching on professional tasks and practice. You carry out the professional tasks at your workplace. The self-study hours also include (online) coaching meetings and from within the program.

During training, your week will look like this:

You will work 20 hours a week at your workplace in the practice;
You will have 1 day per week of teaching at SOMT in Amersfoort;
You will spend 12 hours per week on self-study(to be scheduled by yourself).

What will you be doing as a Physical Therapy Assistant?

As a Physical Therapy Assistant (FTA), you will assist people who need medical care, for example, recovering after an injury or surgery. You help with (sports) rehabilitation, contribute to preventive care and work closely with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals. You are an important link in the treatment process and ensure that clients are properly supervised.

Under the supervision of a physical therapist, you will perform measurements and tests, provide group training, and assist clients with exercises and exercise programs. You work not only in the practice, but also at other locations, such as rehabilitation centers, sports facilities or in clients’ homes. In addition, you will encourage an active lifestyle and work with professionals such as community sports coaches and lifestyle coaches to best assist clients.

In addition to supporting clients, you play an active role in the daily operations of the practice. You will help to keep care processes running smoothly, keep equipment and treatment rooms in order, and assist with quality improvement. You will also be involved in the procurement and evaluation of materials and ensure that supplies are properly managed.

Additionally, as an FTA, you may be assigned to manage social media and practice retention. Thus, you will help attract new clients and retain existing patients by making the practice visible and accessible.

Your versatile role allows you to improve care, increase access to physical therapy and make an impact on people’s well-being. Most FTAs work in primary care physical therapy practices and health centers, but you can also work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes or sports and lifestyle centers.

With this course, you’ll learn everything you need to start working immediately in a physical therapy practice or rehabilitation setting. Do you want to use your passion for sports and exercise to help people recover and stay healthy? Then this course is perfect for you!

Social relevance

Physical therapy care in the Netherlands is under pressure due to an aging population, an increase in chronic conditions and a growing shortage of physical therapists. At the same time, the administrative burden increases, while reimbursements lag behind the complexity of the profession. This makes it increasingly difficult to provide quality and accessible care.

As a Physical Therapy Assistant (FTA), you play a crucial role in relieving this pressure. You support physical therapists in exercise programs, patient guidance and practice management, so that they can focus on treatments. In addition, you contribute to prevention and ensure that clients are optimally supported in their recovery.

Your efforts will make physical therapy practices more efficient and cost-effective, keeping care accessible to all who need it. In addition, you help make the profession future-proof in a changing healthcare landscape.

With this course, you’ll learn everything you need to get started right away and become a key link in tomorrow’s healthcare.

Professional roles

After completing the Physical Therapy Assistant program, for example, you will go to work in one of these roles and professions:

Professional content assistant

As a physical therapy assistant, you will support clients in becoming healthier. You will do this by independently assisting physical therapists and other caregivers with many different tasks. You do this in a professional and pleasant manner for the client. You find it important that you pay attention to confidentiality of data. You also find it very important to pay close attention to the professional handling of your clients' privacy. You help with administration and projects.

Powerful communicator

You communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, supervisors, clients, suppliers and partners. You communicate both orally and in writing in a clear manner with everyone you deal with. You write reports, give presentations and lead projects and activities in the practice where you work.

Collaborator and connector

You are the enthusiastic centerpiece of the physical therapist's practice. You work with your healthcare colleagues to provide safe, high-quality care to your clients. Your colleagues and clients can trust and respect you. You work together, but also ensure that everyone can work together and learn from each other. A good collaborator and connector can work in many different ways in a physical therapy practice. For example, you can work in administration, teaching, advocacy and knowledge transfer.

Knowledge Developer

You continue to develop as a physical therapy assistant and ensure that you are always up to date with the latest developments in the field of physical therapy. You share your knowledge in an active and motivating way with your colleagues. Thus, everyone in the physical therapy practice always continues to work with the latest knowledge and experience.

Organizer

The physical therapy assistant organizes, coordinates and improves work processes within the physical therapy practice or organization. The physical therapy assistant manages logistical, administrative and organizational tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing supplies and organizing training or other projects. This role may also include tasks such as managing (medical) equipment.

Admission Requirements

You may be admitted to the Physical Therapy Assistant program if:

You have a mbo-level 4 diploma such as Sports & Movement or C.I.O.S. But also if you are educated from similar sectors you can possibly participate. A personal intake interview with a teacher will follow in which we will get a picture of your previously acquired competences, ambitions and suitability for study;
You are already employed at a relevant apprenticeship site for a minimum of 20 hours per week so that you can perform the professional tasks at the apprenticeship site. You can coach, guide and advise individuals and groups there, and you can perform the support tasks for a physical therapist. You may be supervised at your apprenticeship by a college-trained physical therapist;
You can participate in various organizational issues within the organization of the apprenticeship.

Why study at SOMT?

SOMT is a leading Dutch training institute for Bachelor and Master education and is well known among physiotherapists. Our university bachelor program ‘Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences’ scores the third best program in the Netherlands in the health sciences category with a 9.1! This new program Physical Therapy Assistant is a unique program and offers the opportunity to obtain a valuable degree within 1.5 years.

Do you obtain your diploma at SOMT? Then you are entitled to a 10% discount on all Life Long Learning continuing education at SOMT for your entire career!

Wat zijn de toelatingseisen voor de leerwerkplek?

Je moet al werkzaam zijn op een relevante leerwerkplek voor minimaal 20 uur per week. Daar kun je praktijkervaring opdoen door individuen en groepen te begeleiden, en ondersteunende taken voor fysiotherapeuten uit te voeren. Je krijgt begeleiding van een hbo-opgeleide fysiotherapeut op de werkplek.

Praktijken moeten een ervaren fysiotherapeut als begeleider beschikbaar stellen. De student werkt minimaal 20 uur per week en voert gevarieerde taken uit zoals administratie en patiëntbegeleiding.

Mag de Fysiotherapie Assistent (FTA) zorg declareren?

Op dit moment is het niet mogelijk om de door een FTA geleverde diensten te declareren bij de zorgverzekeraar. Werkzaamheden van een FTA mogen niet worden geregistreerd als fysiotherapie en komen daardoor niet in aanmerking voor vergoeding.

Er zijn echter diverse mogelijkheden om de inzet van een FTA kostenefficiënt en waardevol te maken voor praktijken:

Cliëntenbijdrage: Cliënten kunnen een eigen bijdrage betalen voor aanvullende diensten die door FTA’s worden aangeboden, zoals groepstrainingen, medische fitness, testprogramma’s, preventieve voorlichting of leefstijlprogramma’s. Deze bijdragen kunnen bijdragen aan het dekken van de kosten van de FTA.
Efficiëntere bedrijfsvoering: FTA’s kunnen taken op zich nemen die andere werknemers ontlasten, waardoor deze gerichter en productiever kunnen worden ingezet.
Abonnementsmodellen: Sommige praktijken maken gebruik van een abonnementsmodel waarbij aanvullende diensten, inclusief die van een FTA, zijn opgenomen in een maandelijkse vergoeding. Dit kan bijdragen aan een stabielere financiering.
Extra waarde door scholing: In het scholingsprogramma van de FTA zijn leerlijnen opgenomen over strategie, marketing, social media-beheer en retentiebeleid. Hiermee kunnen FTA’s een actieve rol spelen in het versterken van de praktijkvoering, bijvoorbeeld door het aantrekken en behouden van cliënten via slimme marketingstrategieën.

De inzet van FTA’s biedt praktijken dus kansen om efficiënter te werken en aanvullende inkomsten te genereren, ondanks dat hun diensten momenteel niet gedeclareerd kunnen worden.

Wat is de duur van de opleiding Fysiotherapie-Assistent?

De opleiding duurt 1,5 jaar en bestaat uit 90 ECTS. Dit is een combinatie van werken en leren, waarbij je deels stage loopt en deels les krijgt bij SOMT.

Welke vooropleiding heb ik nodig om toegelaten te worden?

Je hebt een mbo-niveau 4 diploma nodig, zoals Sport & Bewegen of C.I.O.S. Als je een vergelijkbare opleiding hebt afgerond, of relevante werkervaring hebt, kan je mogelijk ook deelnemen. Dit wordt beoordeeld in een intakegesprek.

Waarom zou ik kiezen voor de opleiding Fysiotherapie-Assistent bij SOMT?

SOMT is een toonaangevend opleidingsinstituut met een uitstekende reputatie in de gezondheidszorg en fysiotherapie. Onze opleiding biedt een unieke combinatie van werken en leren, en stelt je in staat om binnen 1,5 jaar een waardevol diploma te behalen. Bovendien ben je na de opleiding direct inzetbaar in de praktijk.

Kan ik de opleiding combineren met mijn huidige baan?

Ja, de opleiding is zo opgezet dat je deze kunt combineren met je werk, aangezien je 20 uur per week werkzaam bent in de praktijk en de overige tijd zelf kunt indelen voor onderwijs en zelfstudie.

Heeft deze opleiding meerwaarde voor een PR- of office manager?

Absoluut. De opleiding stelt je in staat om nieuwe taken op je te nemen binnen de praktijk, zoals revalidatieondersteuning en groepsbegeleiding, en draagt bij aan een completere ondersteuning van het team.

Welke taken mag een fysiotherapie-assistent uitvoeren?

Fysiotherapie-assistenten ondersteunen bij behandelingen, rapportages, groepssessies en praktijkmanagement. Ze dragen bij aan patiëntenzorg en promoten de praktijk via social media en marketingstrategieën.

Kan ik vrijstellingen krijgen o.b.v. een relevante vooropleiding?

Ja, het is mogelijk om vrijstellingen te krijgen. Dit hangt af van de vakken die je hebt gevolgd en de leeruitkomsten daarvan. Bij inschrijving beoordelen we of je in aanmerking komt voor vrijstellingen.

Tip: Bewaar je diploma, toetsresultaten en documenten met informatie over de leeruitkomsten goed, zodat we deze kunnen gebruiken bij de beoordeling.

Krijg ik een stagevergoeding tijdens de opleiding?

Tijdens de opleiding ben je al in dienst bij je werkgever en ontvang je een salaris. Hierdoor geldt er geen stagevergoeding.

Kan ik studiefinanciering aanvragen voor deze opleiding?

Voor deze opleiding kun je geen studiefinanciering aanvragen, omdat afgestudeerden geen officieel MBO-diploma ontvangen en de opleiding momenteel geen erkende Associate Degree (AD) is. Dit heeft te maken met de specifieke vraag vanuit het werkveld om een passende, efficiënte en praktijkgerichte opleiding.

Wat zijn de kosten van de opleiding?

De prijslijst voor 2025-2026 is beschikbaar op onze website. Daar kun je meer informatie vinden over de kosten van de opleiding.

Is er een mogelijkheid om meer informatie te krijgen voordat ik me inschrijf?

Ja, wij organiseren regelmatig open dagen. Mocht je op korte termijn informatie willen ontvangen? Neem dan contact met ons op via info@somt.nl

Do you still have questions?

Not sure yet if this course suits you? Then come to one of our open days! Would you like more information at short notice, or to talk to one of our training heads or study supervisors, please contact us at info@somt.nl.

Can't attend the information evening? Then ask your question here:

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