Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
24/07/2026 1:46 AM AWST
24/07/2026 1:46 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Deliver and monitor a hydrotherapy program
Deliver and monitor a hydrotherapy program
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAH413C
HLTAH413C
State Code
WD034
WD034
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
23/08/2012
Field of Education
061799 - Rehabilitation Therapies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
23/08/2012
Nominal Hours
50
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to support individuals and groups participating in hydrotherapy programs designed to restore optimum movement and functional independence
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for hydrotherapy program
- 1.1 Confirm program requirements against the prescribed information provided by the health professional
- 1.2 Confer with allied health professional if requirements outlined in the exercise program are not clear, do not take into account client needs and abilities or are beyond scope of role and responsibilities as defined by the organisation
- 1.3 Determine the clients' availability, according to the organisation's protocols
- 1.4 Gather necessary equipment for the hydrotherapy program
- 1.5 Prepare the setting for the hydrotherapy program
- 1.6 Ensure adequate staff are present to meet organisation's staff : client ratio requirements
- 1.7 Obtain informed consent from the clients before commencing the hydrotherapy program
2. Conduct the hydrotherapy program
- 2.1 Explain the purpose, rationale and requirements of each part of the hydrotherapy program to the clients
- 2.2 Assist client(s) in and out of the pool safely and efficiently according to organisation manual handling policy and treatment goals
- 2.3 Guide the clients to complete the program according to prescribed treatment plan
- 2.4 Demonstrate components of hydrotherapy to client where necessary
- 2.5 Provide the clients with sufficient time, opportunity and encouragement to practice existing and newly developed skills
- 2.6 Observe client movement through water and provide feedback to reinforce understanding and the correct application of the exercise program
- 2.7 Monitor the clients during and after the program according to the prescribed treatment plan
- 2.8 Identify and manage client compliance issues.
- 2.9 Identify the need for adjustment to the hydrotherapy program and report to the treating physiotherapist in a timely manner
- 2.10 Take appropriate and prompt action in response to any indicators of adverse reaction to the hydrotherapy according to relevant protocols and guidelines
3. Respond to an aquatic emergency
- 3.1 Support the person(s) in difficulty as quickly as possible
- 3.2 Remove other clients, staff and other individuals from danger
- 3.3 Assess the factors involving a water rescue and the type of rescue required and equipment needs determined
- 3.4 Identify hazards and take appropriate action to prevent further injury/harm to the casualty
- 3.5 Perform water rescue
- 3.6 Observe and describe the condition of the casualty
- 3.7 Assess vital signs and symptoms of shock according to accepted first aid procedures
- 3.8 Identify and explain ant first aid or treatment appropriate to the casualty's condition and provide in line with approved first aid techniques and standards
- 3.9 Where necessary contact emergency services as soon as possible
- 3.10 Record and report the incident according to, legislative, regulatory and organisation requirements
- 3.11 Notify appropriate personnel and statutory authorities of the incident
4. Assist client after hydrotherapy session
- 4.1 Identify support needs of client following a hydrotherapy session
- 4.2 Provide any required support with mobility, showering and dressing
5. Clean and store equipment
- 5.1 Clean equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations
- 5.2 Store equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations and the organisation's protocols
- 5.3 Check and maintain equipment according to organisation protocols
- 5.4 Report equipment faults to the appropriate person(s)
6. Report and document information
- 6.1 Report suggested adjustments to hydrotherapy program, together with rationale, to the responsible allied health professional
- 6.2 Provide client progress feedback to the treating allied health professional
- 6.3 Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating allied health professional
- 6.4 Implement variations to the hydrotherapy program according to the advice of the treating allied health professional
- 6.5 Document information about the hydrotherapy program according to the organisation's protocols
- 6.6 Use appropriate terminology to document symptomatic expression of identified problems related to the therapeutic program
7. Comply with supervisory requirements
- 7.1 Assist with exercise program according to the instruction of treating allied health professional
- 7.2 Provide client progress feedback to the treating allied health professional
- 7.3 Report client difficulties and concerns to the treating allied health professional
- 7.4 Implement variations to the exercise program according to the advice of the treating allied health professional
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Supervision refers to:
Instructing, advising, and monitoring another person in order to ensure safe and effective performance in carrying out the duties of their position
The nature of supervision is flexible and may be conducted by various means including:
in person and
through use of electronic communications media such as telephone or video conferencing, where necessary
Frequency of supervision will be determined by factors such as:
the task maturity of the person in that position or clinical placement
the need to review and assess client conditions and progress in order to establish or alter treatment plans in case of students and assistants
the need to correct and develop non clinical aspects such as time management, organisation requirements, communication skills, and other factors supporting the provision of clinical care and working within a team
A person under supervision does not require direct (immediate) and continuous personal interaction, but the method and frequency will be determined by factors outlined above
Clients may include:
Adults
Children and young people
Older people
People with communication difficulties
Information may include::
Client care plan
Hydrotherapy session plan
Client treatment plan
Allied health professional instructions
Client record
Checklists
Case notes
Other forms according to procedures of the organisation
Principles of movement in water must include:
Buoyancy
Flotation
Hydrostatic pressure
Propulsion
Lift
Drag
Turbulence
Acceleration
Resistance
Balance and stability
Factors effecting the movement of the body in water may include:
Alignment
Long and short axis
Smooth tapered shapes
Balance
Head alignment and movement
Balance of limbs in movement
Effects of rotation
Core power
Hip rotation to create torque/twisting forces
Client needs and abilities may include:
Co-morbidity
Cultural needs
Cardiac risk stratification
Joint or muscle weakness
Orthopaedic conditions
Client compliance refers to:
Ability to follow instructions or suggestions
Willingness to follow instructions or suggestions
Adverse reaction to exercise may include:
Severe shortness of breath
Dizziness
Pain
Muscle cramp
Indicators of a person in difficulty may include but is not limited to:
Calling for help
Vertical body position
Diagonal body position
Minimal or non-supportive leg action
Vigorous arm action
Head tilted up and back, face turned to safety or help
submerged
Rescue equipment may include:
reaching aids
ropes
flotation aids
rescue tube
oxygen resuscitation equipment
Water rescue may include but is not limited to:
non-contact tow
contact tow
vice grip
extended arm rollover
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Supervision refers to:
Instructing, advising, and monitoring another person in order to ensure safe and effective performance in carrying out the duties of their position
The nature of supervision is flexible and may be conducted by various means including:
in person and
through use of electronic communications media such as telephone or video conferencing, where necessary
Frequency of supervision will be determined by factors such as:
the task maturity of the person in that position or clinical placement
the need to review and assess client conditions and progress in order to establish or alter treatment plans in case of students and assistants
the need to correct and develop non clinical aspects such as time management, organisation requirements, communication skills, and other factors supporting the provision of clinical care and working within a team
A person under supervision does not require direct (immediate) and continuous personal interaction, but the method and frequency will be determined by factors outlined above
Clients may include:
Adults
Children and young people
Older people
People with communication difficulties
Information may include::
Client care plan
Hydrotherapy session plan
Client treatment plan
Allied health professional instructions
Client record
Checklists
Case notes
Other forms according to procedures of the organisation
Principles of movement in water must include:
Buoyancy
Flotation
Hydrostatic pressure
Propulsion
Lift
Drag
Turbulence
Acceleration
Resistance
Balance and stability
Factors effecting the movement of the body in water may include:
Alignment
Long and short axis
Smooth tapered shapes
Balance
Head alignment and movement
Balance of limbs in movement
Effects of rotation
Core power
Hip rotation to create torque/twisting forces
Client needs and abilities may include:
Co-morbidity
Cultural needs
Cardiac risk stratification
Joint or muscle weakness
Orthopaedic conditions
Client compliance refers to:
Ability to follow instructions or suggestions
Willingness to follow instructions or suggestions
Adverse reaction to exercise may include:
Severe shortness of breath
Dizziness
Pain
Muscle cramp
Indicators of a person in difficulty may include but is not limited to:
Calling for help
Vertical body position
Diagonal body position
Minimal or non-supportive leg action
Vigorous arm action
Head tilted up and back, face turned to safety or help
submerged
Rescue equipment may include:
reaching aids
ropes
flotation aids
rescue tube
oxygen resuscitation equipment
Water rescue may include but is not limited to:
non-contact tow
contact tow
vice grip
extended arm rollover
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Assessment must be completed in the workplace.
Relevant guidelines, standards and procedures
Resources essential for assessment include:
Clients with hydrotherapy requirements
Equipment
Documentation
Supervisory allied health professional
Aquatic emergency protocols, procedures and equipment
Method of assessment
Observation of some applications in the work place (as is appropriate/possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Assessment must be completed in the workplace.
Relevant guidelines, standards and procedures
Resources essential for assessment include:
Clients with hydrotherapy requirements
Equipment
Documentation
Supervisory allied health professional
Aquatic emergency protocols, procedures and equipment
Method of assessment
Observation of some applications in the work place (as is appropriate/possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5645 | HLTAH413B | Deliver and monitor a hydrotherapy program | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVA97 | HLTAHA015 | Deliver and monitor a hydrotherapy program | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J769 | SIS50213 | Diploma of Fitness | Qualification |