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Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists assess, treat and prevent disorders in human movement caused by injury and disease.

Further into their career, physiotherapists can choose to practise in specific areas such as muscle and skeletal conditions, women's health, aged care, chest conditions, occupational health and safety, sports injuries, babies and young children, problems of the nervous system and spinal injuries, administration, education or research.

Physiotherapists may work as part of a healthcare team, independently in private practice or as industry consultants.

TASKS

Physiotherapists may perform the following tasks:

assess the physical condition of patients to diagnose problems and plan appropriate treatment
use a range of techniques to strengthen and stretch muscles and joints to improve patient mobility (such as massage, hydrotherapy, breathing and relaxation techniques)
perform spinal and peripheral joint mobilisation and manipulation
use equipment such as heat packs, ice packs, exercise equipment, ultrasound and electrotherapy to ease pain, reduce swelling and improve range of movement
retrain patients to walk or teach them to use devices such as walking frames, splints, crutches and wheelchairs
educate patients, their families and the community to prevent injury and disability and to lead healthy lifestyles
plan and implement community fitness programmes
maintain patient records

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

patience
a genuine interest in people and their health
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
problem-solving skills
good communication skills

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a physiotherapist you usually have to complete a degree in physiotherapy at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science and physics are normally required. You may also be required to attend an interview. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in physiotherapy.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Before undertaking clinical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate, immunisations and a Working with Children Check (NSW) or a Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT). Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

It is a legal requirement for graduates to be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia before being able to practise as a physiotherapist in any state or territory in Australia. For full details, see the Physiotherapy Board of Australia's website.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Physiotherapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community health centres, mental health services, rehabilitation centres, private practice clinics, within the school systems, government departments and universities. Physiotherapists can also work in managerial and research positions or as consultants.

Continued emphasis on sport and fitness, occupational health and safety, and aged care has increased the demand for physiotherapists. Opportunities also exist to become self-employed in private practice or to work part time.