6. What is a Physiotherapist?
Movement specialist who provides treatment for people with
physical problems caused by injury, illness, diseases and
ageing
University trained Health Scientist
7. What is a Physiotherapist?
Work within a scientific, evidence based paradigm (usually
within medical model)
Use a variety of non-invasive treatment modalities including
Manual therapy, mobilisation of joint and soft tissue
Exercise
Education
Electrophysical agents
8. How do I become a Physio?
University
12 University programs in Australia
Not offered remotely
High practical component
Undergraduate degree:
Bachelor Physiotherapy
Bachelor Applied Science (Physio)
4 years full time
9. Institution Course Assumed
knowledge
ACU North
Sydney
B Physio Pre req: English
One of Biology,
chemistry or
Physics
University of
Sydney
B App Sc (Physio) Assumed: HSC
chemistry and
physics.
Recommended:
maths
University of
Newcastle
B Physio Advanced English
Chemistry + either
biology or physics
ATAR
96.5
98.35
96.05
10.
11. Post-graduate courses
Graduate entry program
Step One: complete Undergraduate course from an
Australian institution
Minimum academic standard: GPA 4.5 or greater (Credit +)
Preferred Degrees: Science, Applied Science, Health
Science, Exercise Science
Step 2: 2 year full time Masters degree in Physiotherapy
Demanding 2 years with heavy clinical component
Total: 5 year full time study
12. Postgraduate Courses
Pre-existing knowledge
Anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics
Psychology, motor performance and learning
Research design and statistics
Measurement of human performance
Exercise physiology
14. University Study
Very full time, high face to face component
Challenging courses
High Practical component
Tutorials
Clinical placements, including rural
17. University Study
HSC Chemistry covered in first semester. Important for
Physiology
HSC Biology for Physiology, anatomy
HSC Physics: for biomechanics
Sociology, Psychology, Research Methods and Statistics
Bridging courses available over summer before entry
Do the subjects to get a mark that will get you in.
18. Physio registration board
Recognised Physiotherapy degree
Criminal history check
English language
Continuing professional development (20 hours p.a.)
Professional indemnity insurance
Registration is now national: can work anywhere in Australia.
www.physiotherapyboard.gov.au
19. Personal qualities?
Caring, people person
Excellent communication skills
Logical, strong problem solving skills
Ability to inspire confidence and motivate people
Motivation to continually learn and update
20. What do Physiotherapists Do?
Musculoskeletal
Rehabilitation
Orthopaedics
Gerontology
Sports
Paediatrics
Cardiopulmonary
Occupational
Health/ergonomics
Women’s health
Neurology
21. Pay
$55K up to $130K for the most senior management positions
in NSW Health.
Private practice
Location
Fees charged
Number of patients seen per hour.
Years of clinical experience, postgraduate qualifications
23. Good points
Portable: can travel overseas, interstate
Current shortage, ageing population good for job prospects
Variety of workplace settings and areas of work
Satisfying, challenging work
Flexible work arrangements to fit family commitments
Stepping stone to non-clinical positions (management, health
promotion, sales reps, claims managers, rehab consultants
for insurance companies)
26. Public sector
Hospital inpatient
Hospital outpatient, day rehab units
Community physiotherapists
Health department in executive roles
27. In Summary
Challenging course to get into and complete
Need to be a people person
There are better $$$ in other professions
Can be physically and mentally demanding
Can be very rewarding, interesting work with a vast variety of
settings and clients