Matt

Outline What is Physiotherapy?

How do I become a Physiotherapist?

What do Physiotherapists do?

Where can I work?

Questions

What is a Physiotherapist

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

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

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

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

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

Postgraduate Courses Pre-existing knowledge

Anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics

Psychology, motor performance and learning

Research design and statistics

Measurement of human performance

Exercise physiology

Institution Course Assumed

knowledge

ATAR

University

Western

Sydney

(C’town)

Double Degree

B Health

Science

M Physio

MPhysio

Assume HSC

Chemistry and

Physics

Credit + (5.0)

98.00

University of

Sydney

M Physio Credit (4.5+)

University Study

Very full time, high face to face component

Challenging courses

High Practical component

Tutorials

Clinical placements, including rural

University Study Anatomy Wet Labs

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.

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

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

What do Physiotherapists Do? Musculoskeletal

Rehabilitation

Orthopaedics

Gerontology

Sports

Paediatrics

Cardiopulmonary

Occupational

Health/ergonomics

Women’s health

Neurology

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

Workforce statisticsWork status

Full Time 63%

Part time/temporary

contract/casual

16%

Self Employed 18%

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)

Where can I work?

Private sector Private Physiotherapy practice

Multidisciplinary Sports clinic

Private hospital inpatients

Private hospital rehabilitation units

Sports teams

Insurance companies

Corporate settings (mines etc)

Public sector Hospital inpatient

Hospital outpatient, day rehab units

Community physiotherapists

Health department in executive roles

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

More Info? www.parksidesportsphysio.com.au

www.slideshare.net/ParksideSportsPhysio

www.Facebook.com/ParksideSportsPhysio

@parksidephysio