Career pathways
Physiotherapy is applied in the management of a wide variety of acute and chronic cardiopulmonary, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, among patients across the lifespan. For example:
- Assess and treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, stroke or movement disorders in children
- Provide rehabilitation after acute or chronic injury
- Assist in recovery of normal function following surgery or childbirth
It also plays a central role in the management and prevention of chronic conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.
Physiotherapists work in many places, including:
- private practice
- sports facilities
- schools and universities
- public health organisations
- community centres
- aged-care facilities
- workplaces
Some physiotherapists pursue a clinical career assessing and treating patients; others pursue a career in academia to undertake research to further the evidence base for assessing and treating patients and to teach physiotherapy students; others mix a clinical career with academia.
Future study options
Eligible graduates may consider an additional three years of study as a research candidate for the higher research degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The PhD is designed to provide students with the opportunity to undertake in-depth study in a specialised area under the supervision of a team of two or three academic staff members with expertise in the desired field of research.
The award of a PhD will enhance your profile as a genuine researcher and expert in your chosen field, afford opportunities as a published researcher, and may lead to an academic appointment, or to a research appointment with a government or industrial research and development organisation.