Transform lives and restore strength and mobility through expert care in movement and rehabilitation.
Physiotherapists are essential in healthcare, using their expertise to restore movement and ease pain. They work with patients of all ages, crafting personalised treatment plans that enhance recovery and promote well-being. If you're compassionate, curious, and motivated to make a real difference, a career in physiotherapy might be just what you're looking for.
As Dr. Adrian Pranata, a Senior Lecturer of Physiotherapy at RMIT, puts it “Physiotherapists are movement specialists. We work to restore a patient’s function and quality of life so they can enjoy life to the fullest. It’s a fulfilling profession, especially being able to see long term outcomes and make a difference to people’s lives.”
Becoming a physiotherapist
To become a registered physiotherapist in Australia you must complete a degree accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) and meet the registration standards. To be eligible for the Master of Physiotherapy at RMIT, you must complete a relevant bachelor’s degree such as in Science, Biomedical Science, Exercise Science, Health, or another discipline with a major/minor in human anatomy (including musculoskeletal anatomy) and a major/minor in human physiology.
So, what’s it like to study physiotherapy at RMIT?
Dr. Pranata explains, “At RMIT, students generally spend three days each week on campus engaging in a mix of clinical placement and skills training. We also provide access to the labs for students to practice independently.”
How do clinical placements work at RMIT?
“We enhance traditional clinical training beyond the standard 5-week placements by providing a unique, non-traditional placement opportunity. Physiotherapy students participate in weekly placements at a private practice throughout their two-year degree during the semesters. This approach significantly increases their chances of securing a job there upon graduation, rather than having to search for employment after completing their studies,” says Dr. Pranata.
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Master of Physiotherapy
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What does a physiotherapist do?
Physiotherapists specialise in enhancing movement and function in individuals affected by injury, illness, or disability. They work with patients to assess their physical conditions, develop tailored treatment plans, and implement various therapies that promote healing and well-being. In various clinical settings, physiotherapists provides health education and rehabilitative exercises to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and prevent future injuries.
What are the different types of physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy encompasses various specialised areas, each focusing on different aspects of physical health and rehabilitation such as:
- Cancer, palliative care and lymphoedema
- Cardiorespiratory
- Disability or NDIS
- Advanced practice (e.g., working in hospital emergency departments)
- Gerontology (working with the elderly population
- Mental health
- Musculoskeletal
- Neurological
- Occupational health
- Orthopaedic
- Paediatric (working with children)
- Persistent or chronic pain
- Physiotherapy for animals, often working with vets
- Sports
- Women’s, men’s and pelvic health.
Physiotherapists are also increasingly positioned at the forefront of corporate environments, playing a pivotal role in shaping health policies for governmental bodies, advancing digital health initiatives, and enhancing private healthcare systems. Their expertise not only promotes better health outcomes but also drives organisational wellness and efficiency across various sectors.
What is the difference between physiotherapy and osteopathy?
A physiotherapist takes a comprehensive look at your issue, diagnosing the problem while considering your overall health, daily activities, and lifestyle. Physiotherapists address specific issues like injuries and chronic conditions through education, prescribed exercises and assistive devices. In Australia, phyisiotherapists can practice in hospitals as well as private practice.
On the other hand, an osteopath examines your body’s structure, particularly the muscular and nervous systems, to see how they affect function. Treatment combines active and passive therapies, such as joint manipulation, mobilisation, massage, postural advice, and tailored exercise programmes. In Australia, osteopaths can only practice in private practice.
Dr. Pranata adds, “Physiotherapy and osteopathy complement each other and both fields aim to restore people’s quality of life.”
General tasks, duties, and responsibilities
- Assessing patients' physical conditions through detailed evaluations
- Educating patients, families and other stakeholders on injury prevention and self-management
- Developing customised treatment plans based on individual needs
- Prescribing rehavilitative exercise therapies and/or when needed manual therapy techniques to optimise patient outcomes
- Staying updated with the latest research and advancements in physiotherapy.
What skills does a successful physio need?
Dr. Pranata emphasises the importance of being people-focused in physiotherapy, highlighting that patient-centred care is key. "You must communicate effectively with patients, and that means actively listening to them," he explains. "On a technical level, achieving skills mastery demands dedication and a commitment to continuous learning and practice. Many students mistakenly think they can absorb physiotherapy skills effortlessly, but true proficiency comes from hard work and experience."
Where do physiotherapists work?
Physiotherapists can work in a diverse array of environments. They can be found in hospitals, where they provide acute care and rehabilitation services, and in private clinics, offering specialised treatments. Some work in sports facilities, helping athletes improve performance and recover from injuries. They're also present in aged care facilities, assisting the elderly with mobility and independence. Additionally, some physiotherapists work in schools and universities, or deliver personalised care to patients in their residence.
How much do physiotherapists earn?
The median weekly earnings for a physiotherapist in Australia are $1,710 per week*.
Learn more about your physiotherapy study options
Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options or thinking about switching careers, RMIT's physiotherapy course provides a comprehensive and industry-focused education that can help you succeed as a physiotherapist in Australia and globally.
*Source: www.jobsandskills.gov.au 2023
