How to Become a Physiotherapist

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree is generally undertaken as a full time degree over 4 years. There are 6 universities currently offering the course in Victoria at present

The University of Melbourne – Parkville
Latrobe University – Bundoora
Latrobe University – Bendigo
Monash University – Peninsula
Charles Sturt University – Albury-Wodonga

ACU BALLARAT

Most undergraduate degrees have pre-requisite VCE study scores in English, plus in one or two of subjects such as chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and physical education. Exact requirements can be found on the VTAC webpage.

The Melbourne and Monash University courses also require the sitting of a separate entrance exam – the Undergraduate Medical and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT). Further information on this can be found at the VCAT webpage.

Some universities, such as University of Queensland, offer an accelerated Graduate program for those who may have completed another tertiary degree. These courses generally run intensively over 2 years.

The physiotherapy course is a combination of lectured and practical learning within the university, and practical learning in a clinical environment (e.g. hospitals or private clinic) throughout Victoria, Australia or even overseas. Subjects include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and training in the 3 main disciplines of physiotherapy – musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory.

The availability of optional clinical settings in later undergraduate years allows students to begin to specialize in what kind of physiotherapist they might like to be upon graduation. Further information about course structures can be found at each university’s School of Physiotherapy webpage.

Once graduated, there is a range of work opportunities for physiotherapists. Currently there is a skills shortage in physiotherapy, particularly in rural settings such as Colac. 

Colac Currently has 7 Physiotherapy Students studying to join the Profession. Our clinic actively supports the students with some funding for books and resources as well as providing opportunity to observe in the clinic and some are working as physiotherapy assistants.

Each year, the Clinic also offers each of the three local Colac secondary schools the opportunity for one of its students to join us during their Year 10 Work Experience program. Students gain an insight into the day-to-day running of the clinic and what a physiotherapist does. Depending on schedule, the students usually join Mark for a hydrotherapy session during the week. Students are encouraged to ask questions during their time with us and to respect patient confidentiality at all times.