So You Want to be a Physio? Presentation for St John Bosco College, Engadine Careers Day 2012

2. Matt

4. Outline
 What is Physiotherapy?
 How do I become a Physiotherapist?
 What do Physiotherapists do?
 Where can I work?
 Questions

5. What is a Physiotherapist

6. What is a Physiotherapist?
 Movement specialist who provides treatment for people with
physical problems caused by injury, illness, diseases and
ageing
 University trained Health Scientist

7. What is a Physiotherapist?
 Work within a scientific, evidence based paradigm (usually
within medical model)
 Use a variety of non-invasive treatment modalities including
 Manual therapy, mobilisation of joint and soft tissue
 Exercise
 Education
 Electrophysical agents

8. How do I become a Physio?
 University
 12 University programs in Australia
 Not offered remotely
 High practical component
 Undergraduate degree:
 Bachelor Physiotherapy
 Bachelor Applied Science (Physio)
 4 years full time

9. Institution Course Assumed
knowledge
ACU North
Sydney
B Physio Pre req: English
One of Biology,
chemistry or
Physics
University of
Sydney
B App Sc (Physio) Assumed: HSC
chemistry and
physics.
Recommended:
maths
University of
Newcastle
B Physio Advanced English
Chemistry + either
biology or physics
ATAR
96.5
98.35
96.05

11. Post-graduate courses
 Graduate entry program
 Step One: complete Undergraduate course from an
Australian institution
 Minimum academic standard: GPA 4.5 or greater (Credit +)
 Preferred Degrees: Science, Applied Science, Health
Science, Exercise Science
 Step 2: 2 year full time Masters degree in Physiotherapy
 Demanding 2 years with heavy clinical component
 Total: 5 year full time study

12. Postgraduate Courses
 Pre-existing knowledge
 Anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics
 Psychology, motor performance and learning
 Research design and statistics
 Measurement of human performance
 Exercise physiology

13. Institution Course Assumed
knowledge
ATAR
University
Western
Sydney
(C’town)
Double Degree
B Health
Science
M Physio
MPhysio
Assume HSC
Chemistry and
Physics
Credit + (5.0)
98.00
University of
Sydney
M Physio Credit (4.5+)

14. University Study
Very full time, high face to face component
Challenging courses
High Practical component
Tutorials
Clinical placements, including rural

15. University Study
 Anatomy Wet Labs

17. University Study
 HSC Chemistry covered in first semester. Important for
Physiology
 HSC Biology for Physiology, anatomy
 HSC Physics: for biomechanics
 Sociology, Psychology, Research Methods and Statistics
 Bridging courses available over summer before entry
 Do the subjects to get a mark that will get you in.

18. Physio registration board
 Recognised Physiotherapy degree
 Criminal history check
 English language
 Continuing professional development (20 hours p.a.)
 Professional indemnity insurance
 Registration is now national: can work anywhere in Australia.
 www.physiotherapyboard.gov.au

19. Personal qualities?
 Caring, people person
 Excellent communication skills
 Logical, strong problem solving skills
 Ability to inspire confidence and motivate people
 Motivation to continually learn and update

20. What do Physiotherapists Do?
 Musculoskeletal
 Rehabilitation
 Orthopaedics
 Gerontology
 Sports
 Paediatrics
 Cardiopulmonary
 Occupational
Health/ergonomics
 Women’s health
 Neurology

21. Pay
 $55K up to $130K for the most senior management positions
in NSW Health.
 Private practice
 Location
 Fees charged
 Number of patients seen per hour.
 Years of clinical experience, postgraduate qualifications

22. Workforce statistics
Work status
Full Time 63%
Part time/temporary
contract/casual
16%
Self Employed 18%

23. Good points
 Portable: can travel overseas, interstate
 Current shortage, ageing population good for job prospects
 Variety of workplace settings and areas of work
 Satisfying, challenging work
 Flexible work arrangements to fit family commitments
 Stepping stone to non-clinical positions (management, health
promotion, sales reps, claims managers, rehab consultants
for insurance companies)

24. Where can I work?

25. Private sector
 Private Physiotherapy practice
 Multidisciplinary Sports clinic
 Private hospital inpatients
 Private hospital rehabilitation units
 Sports teams
 Insurance companies
 Corporate settings (mines etc)

26. Public sector
 Hospital inpatient
 Hospital outpatient, day rehab units
 Community physiotherapists
 Health department in executive roles

27. In Summary
 Challenging course to get into and complete
 Need to be a people person
 There are better $$$ in other professions
 Can be physically and mentally demanding
 Can be very rewarding, interesting work with a vast variety of
settings and clients

28. More Info?
 www.parksidesportsphysio.com.au
 www.slideshare.net/ParksideSportsPhysio
 www.Facebook.com/ParksideSportsPhysio
 @parksidephysio