How do physiotherapists fit into the Australian healthcare system? Professor of Physiotherapy, Maria Constantinou, joined the SCU Buzz podcast to explain what physiotherapy is and the career outcomes of the new Bachelor of Physiotherapy, launching in 2025.
Welcome, Maria. To start off, what is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists are movement experts. They work with people to prevent and manage chronic disease, as well as injury rehabilitation. Physiotherapists help facilitate healthy movement so that people can participate in physical activity and exercise. They have a strong understanding and knowledge of pathology and disease. You need to be a registered physiotherapist to practice in Australia.
What are the career opportunities for physiotherapists?
It’s a great profession that can take you in many different directions. You may choose to work in a hospital or private practice. You may also choose to work in a particular area such as musculoskeletal physiotherapy or sports physiotherapy. Or you may work in the rehabilitation space, cardiopulmonary or paediatrics.
What is the demand for physiotherapists?
There is demand for physiotherapists nationally and there is even more demand regionally. In Coffs Harbour, there is an increased population growth which, in turn, increases the demand for health services. With an aging population, we need more physiotherapists to be able to support people to achieve a healthier lifestyle through active movement and exercise.
Can you tell me about the new Bachelor of Physiotherapy?
The course is a four-year degree, launching at our Coffs Harbour campus. In the first three years, students will build their knowledge base and attend half-day clinical placements to see physiotherapists in action. In their final year, they will attend a year of full-time clinical placements that they will complete in 5-week blocks.
We will focus on a person-centred approach. A lot of the management of different conditions that we will be covering will be centred on students understanding what the client or patient wants. It’s very important to learn how to be empathetic when you’re working with people, to learn different techniques ad perform them efficiently, effectively and safely.
