Study Physiotherapy in Australia
Australian physiotherapy training is one of the best in the world and their graduate qualifications are recognized globally. Choosing to study physiotherapy in Australia can be challenging but at the same time very rewarding. In this article I have tried to bring forth a list of institutions where you can study Physiotherapy in Australia, career prospects and benefits of studying Physiotherapy in Australia.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery.
A Physiotherapist is a professional who evaluates and treats patients suffering from physical problems resulting from old age, injury, disease, or illness using non-surgical techniques. Physiotherapists usually specialize in a certain area of practice like sports medicine, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, neurology, orthopedics, etc. or treat a wide range of conditions.
The job of a physiotherapist has traits of a professional who works for prevention, restoration, and rehabilitation. There are many courses in Physiotherapy for Studying in Australia.Is it the right career option for me?
Students seeking to make a career in physiotherapy should do their research and analysis before opting for the course. Moreover, it is very important to determine that this is what you want to do in your life. Choose a career that suits and matches your flair and the same holds true for physiotherapy too.Ways to study
Earlier the trend was to complete an undergraduate degree in India, work for a few years and then go abroad for post graduation or Masters. Now students aspire to do their undergraduate study abroad and also opt for vocational job-centric courses in Australian TAFE Institutes.
You can opt for a combined Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy- a dual program that you complete in 4 years or go for a Bachelor of Science degree in an area of specialization within physiotherapy.
Upon completion of your graduation in physiotherapy you may wish to specialize by pursuing a Master Degree.Course Pre-requisites
If you have completed 17 years of age and passed 10+2 or equivalent examination, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English then you are eligible to apply for a bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy. For a Master in Physiotherapy course, a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences or a related field is required.Where to study in Australia?
The University of Western Sydney in Australia offers Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy programme which lays importance on the relationship between the therapist and the client. The first 3 years of the programme give you a Bachelor of Health Science qualification. Here you will study core common subjects with other health science students. Building a strong, broad understanding of biomedicine and various health science fields will give you in-depth understanding of physiotherapy, help you to work in interdisciplinary teams and centre's, and assist you in advising clients on various treatment options. Students can also specialize in Therapeutic Recreation from the Bachelor of Health Science. The course is taught through classroom lectures, hands-on learning, practical classes, and laboratory work.
La Trobe University in Australia offers the Master's programme in Physiotherapy Practice. In the 1st semester students develop clinical reasoning, assessment and treatment skills in the core areas of cardio respiratory, musculo-skeletal and neurological physiotherapy across the lifespan. This is followed by 18 months of integrated theory and clinical practice subjects. During these 18 months students are mainly placed in the clinical environment.
Few more Schools and Universities Offering Physiotherapy Programs in Australia along with address and courses offered are –
Please note the above listing is not according to top physiotherapy schools in Australia these are provided for information purpose only.
Address: Bond University QLD 4229, Australia
Phone: (07) 5595 1024 / 1800 074 074
Degree Offered: Doctor of Physiotherapy (D Phty)
Address: Thurgoona Campas, PO BOX 789, ALBURY NSW 2640
Phone: (02) 6051 6820
Email: secretarysch@csu.edu.au
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Physiotherapy / Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Address: GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia. 6845
Phone: +61 8 9266 4644
Email: physio@curtin.edu.au
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) / Abbreviated Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) / Master of Physiotherapy (Entry Level) / Postgraduate studies
Address: Gold Coast campus, Griffith University, Queensland 4222 Australia
Phone: (07) 5552 8531
Email: b.pettitt@griffith.edu.au
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Physiotherapy / Master of Physiotherapy
Address: 101 Angus Smith Drive, Townsville, QLD 4811
Phone: (07) 4781 6280 / (07) 4781 5255
Email: physiotherapy@jcu.edu.au
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Physiotherapy / Master of Physiotherapy
Address: School of Physiotherapy, Health Sciences 3, Bundoora Campus, BUNDOORA VIC 3083
Phone: (03) 9479 5815 / +1300 135 045
Email: study@latrobe.edu.au
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice
Address: PO Box 527, McMahons Road, Frankston Victoria 3199, Australia
Phone: +613 9904 4466
Email: physiotherapy@med.monash.edu.au
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Physiotherapy / Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours
Address: Brisbane St Lucia, QLD 4072
Phone: + 61(7) 3365 4506
Email: enquiries.shrs@uq.edu.au
Degree Offered: Entry level bachelors degree / Accelerated graduate entry masters program
Address: Discipline of Physiotherapy, PO Box 170, LIDCOMBE NSW 1825, AUSTRALIA
Phone: +61 2 9351 2222
Email: physio-front-desk@fhs.usyd.edu.au
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) (Pass) Program / Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) (Honours) Program / Master of Physiotherapy Graduate Entry Program
Address: ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA
Phone: (02) 6201 2737
Email: study@canberra.edu.au / international@canberra.edu.au
Degree Offered: Masters of Physiotherapy (Course Work) / Masters of Physiotherapy (Research)
Address: 200 Berkeley Street, Victoria 3010, AUSTRALIA
Phone: (+61 3) 8344 4171
Email: physio-web@unimelb.edu.au
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Physiotherapy / Doctor of Physiotherapy / Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy (DClinPhysio)
Address: University Drive, Callaghan NSW 2308
Phone: +61 2 4921 5973
Email: Ilyse.Jacobson@newcastle.edu.au / Health-Enquiries@newcastle.edu.au
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Address: 19 Mouat Street (PO Box 1225), Fremantle, WA 6950
Phone: +61 8 9433 0204
Email: Fremantle.Physiotherapy@nd.edu.au / health@nd.edu.au
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Physiotherapy / As double degree with the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
Address: GPO Box 2471, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia
Phone: (08) 8302 2425 / +61 8 8302 2376
Email: healthstudy@unisa.edu.au / admissions@unisa.edu.au
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Physiotherapy / Master's Programs
Students are advised to visit the website of the Ministry of Human Development for details of scholarships that Indian students are eligible to apply for and offered in partnership with other governments.
As a student be sure to apply to all the relevant scholarships that you are eligible to apply for and always remember to read the fine-print to check if any repayment of the scholarship amount is required. Scholarships for international students eases the students and families from the burden of high fees the international universities and colleges charges.Benefits of studying in Australia
A student enrolled in an accredited entry-level physiotherapy course in Australia is eligible to join the sole professional body representing physiotherapists, Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), as a student member. The APA promotes professional development, works with the government on key health issues and produces a variety of resources for its members. APA is an active member of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT). As a student member of the APA, there are many opportunities to make new friends, build strong professional networks, broaden your focus, and share ideas with other students at APA conferences and courses. This puts students in touch with the policymakers, academics, researchers, clinicians - who share common interests and apprehensions. There is also the opportunity to build leadership skills with active participation in the local APA student group.
Apart from these some general benefits of studying abroad are -
Studying abroad gives you firsthand experience of another country's culture and you will be better prepared to understand the world.
Moving abroad can be daunting. There is no doubt that relocating to another country is a challenge. But this strengthens your ability to adapt. Some do this very quickly others may take a little long.
The international atmosphere, coupled with the chance to discover other cities, cultures and ways of life, allows students to gain real global experience. It is a perfect opportunity to develop your language skills, a key asset in today's globalized world. The chance to constantly hear others speaking a new language and to use it on a daily basis is rare and this should be taken as an opportunity to improve your employment skills.
The exposure to new language, or interactions with your peers from different county in the universal business language, English itself increases confidence levels and improves networking and communication skills, adding to your overall employment skills. Learning about the art, cuisine and history of another culture develops your understanding of others; something vital to working and succeeding in the global business world.
When faced with a problem abroad, an individual must use their own initiative, draw on their personal experience and employ problem-solving skills on their own. From dealing with minor issues to larger and more daunting problems, international students have to stand on their own two feet, an attitude that will serve them well in working situations. Overcoming obstacles can also lead people to better weigh up difficulties, analyze issues more carefully and ultimately become more decisive.Career Prospects
Many clinics, hospitals, private nursing homes and rehabilitation centers both in India and abroad employ physiotherapists.
Physiotherapists have better scope internationally than India as the market for it is more expanded in developed countries where it is accepted as an effective method to cure various ailments and health problems. Countries such as Australia, Canada and USA offer excellent job prospects for qualified physiotherapists. With a qualification in physiotherapy and a little experience one can also set up his/her own private practice.
One of the emerging fields of Physiotherapy is sports injury. As a sports physiotherapist you can find opportunities in any sports club, sports team or start your own clinic.
Nowadays with people becoming more and more health conscious, there is an increased need for physical therapists to create exercise regimes and to teach preventative care in the workplace and home.
The job of a physiotherapist is quite challenging, but is profitable too.
