How to become a 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.

Personal requirements for a Physiotherapist

Patience
An interest in people and their health
Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Problem-solving skills
Good communication skills
Organisational skills
Able to understand and care for people
Empathy

Education & Training for a Physiotherapist

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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. 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. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information

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

Duties & Tasks of a Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists:

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 programs
Maintain patient records.

Tasks

Recording treatments given and patients' responses and progress
Reviewing, continually monitoring, assessing and evaluating programs and treatments
Using the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, massage, manipulation, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, ultraviolet and infra-red light and ultrasound in the treatment of patients
Designing treatment programs to address patients' problems
Consulting with other Health Professionals as required about patients' problems, needs and progress
Instructing patients and their families in procedures to be continued at home
Developing and implementing screening and preventative health promotion programs
Administering muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests to identify and assess physical problems of patients
Treating patients to reduce pain, improve circulation, strengthen muscles, improve cardiothoracic, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, restore joint mobility, and improve balance and coordination

Working conditions for a Physiotherapist

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

Employment Opportunities for a Physiotherapist

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.

Specializations

Physiotherapist

Average age
35 years
Future Growth
Very strong
Gender Share
67% female
Average full-time
42 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,444
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
63% Full-Time
Employment Size
25,000 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.8%
NSW: 30.5%
NT: 0.6%
QLD: 19.7%
SA: 8.6%
TAS: 1.8%
VIC: 25.3%
WA: 11.8%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.1%
20-24: 9.6%
25-34: 39.8%
35-44: 22.4%
45-54: 15.7%
55-59: 6.6%
60-64: 3.7%
65 and Over: 2%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 2.6%
Bachelor degree: 63.8%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 0.2%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 32.4%
Year 10 and below: 0%
Year 11: 0%
Year 12: 0.9%
Years 11 & 10: 0%