What does a physiotherapist do?
If you’re wondering ‘what is a physiotherapist?’ you’re in the right place! Physiotherapists help people to recover from injury and illness through exercise, movement, and massage. As a physio you would help patients to restore their mobility, manage their pain and improve their strength and flexibility – ultimately helping to improve their quality of life. Physios can also assist athletes with rehabilitation, helping them to return to peak physical performance.
Within the physiotherapy profession there are many types of physiotherapy you can pursue including paediatric physiotherapy, musculoskeletal, neurological, women’s health, geriatric, cardiovascular and sports physiotherapy. Your workplace will vary depending on your specialisation area but physios typically work in hospitals, sports clubs, private clinics, rehabilitation centres, and community health centres.
Is a career as a physiotherapist right for me?
If you have an interest in human movement, sports, or health care, a career in physiotherapy may be right for you. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:
- strong interpersonal skills
- communication skills
- patience and empathy
- strong organisation and time management skills
- an observant and analytical mind.
How to become a physiotherapist
If you are considering a physiotherapist career, there are various pathways you can take to achieve your goal. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in providing healthcare and support to patients across diverse settings.
A Bachelor of Physiotherapy or a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in physiotherapy is required. Students holding a health or science-related tertiary degree can complete a Master of Physiotherapy. To become a physiotherapist, you will also need to register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Additionally, 20 hours of continued professional development (CPD) is required annually. This includes things like presenting sessions, attending lectures and peer-reviewing journals. Depending on your employer, you may also be required to have a national police check and a Working with Vulnerable People check.
Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your career in physiotherapy. At UniSQ, we offer the following degrees in the area of physiotherapy:
Average salary per week
$1250
Future demand
Very Strong
Industries
Related careers
Source:
© Commonwealth of Australia
Last updated May 2024.
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Physiotherapist FAQs
What is the average physiotherapist salary like in Australia?
The average physiotherapist salary varies based on factors such as location, experience and workplace setting. Please see the salary information on this page for further details.
What are the average physiotherapist duties and responsibilities?
Some physiotherapist duties and responsibilities include:
- Assessing and diagnosing physical movement and pain issues.
- Designing treatment programs that reduce pain and improve movement, strength and fitness.
- Monitoring and keeping records of patient progress.
- Educating patients, their families and carers on how to prevent further injury.
- Consulting with other health professionals to provide holistic healthcare to a patient.
Are physiotherapists in demand in Australia?
Yes, the demand for physiotherapists is very strong both in Australia and internationally. The increasing focus on health and wellness, coupled with an ageing population and rising incidences of chronic conditions, contributes to the high demand for physiotherapists in various healthcare settings nationwide.
How long does it take to become a physiotherapist?
The time it takes to start your physiotherapist career depends on the pathway you wish to take. Typically, formal education in physiotherapy is required, such as a Bachelor of Physiotherapy which takes approximately four years of full-time study to complete. You can also study an Associate Degree of Allied Health, which is a study pathway into UniSQ’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours).
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