Doctor of Physiotherapy

The Doctor of Physiotherapy is an Extended Masters degree that offers a fast-track pathway to becoming a physiotherapist. A series of coursework units will provide you with foundational knowledge in the broad range of specialist and practical areas that encompass the physiotherapy profession.

You will complete case studies and clinical placements to help you apply your knowledge to make well-informed clinical decisions. Furthermore, your studies will emphasise evidence-based practice and encourage you to think critically.

Please note: Participation is obligatory in laboratory classes, which require frequent disrobing when acting as clients or patients within the peer group. Being able to physically manipulate people, including lifting and supporting those with disabilities, is also an essential requirement.

You'll learn, Critically appraise and synthesise appropriate evidence to ethically apply physiotherapeutic strategies for individuals and groups across the lifespan. Competently and confidently apply and lead physiotherapeutic practice in diverse and changing environments and across a range of practice areas for improved healthcare outcomes at individual andor group level. Communicate confidently and effectively to advocate for and educate individuals and groups of diverse cultural, linguistic, ability and gender backgrounds. Competently and innovatively use digital technologies that enhance healthcare delivery. Be curious, creative, and responsive to emerging evidence and practice change, and engage proactively and reflectively in lifelong learning. Demonstrate knowledge of socio-politico-cultural influences on health care in a local and global context and an ability to respond to the national and international healthcare environment and broader healthcare priorities. Demonstrate cultural capability and implement culturally appropriate interventions to improve healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Specifically, applicants require a relevant bachelor degree or equivalent and completion of units at a tertiary level in 1. musculoskeletal anatomy, 2. human biology or physiology and 3. health research methods or evidence-based practice. Desirable units include physics, psychology and statistics. Students are required to have a current Senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent and a swimming qualification (Bronze medal, Aquatic Rescue Award, as per Royal lifesaving awards or equivalent) and criminal record screening and clearance before entering the course. Prospective applicants are advised that the program requires full participation in laboratory classes where manual skills, including the ability to lift and support severely disabled patients, and topics such as surface anatomy are presented.

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 65; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): Grade C; English language bridging (ELB): Grade B; IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking - 7.0; Overall band score 7.0; TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 79 (overall) Reading 13 Listening 13 Speaking 18 Writing 21.