About Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. At the core of treatment is the patient’s involvement in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in treatment. Physical therapy programmes typically require a bachelor's degree, which may be in recreation and fitness or healthcare and related fields, and prerequisite courses such as Anatomy, Chemistry and Physics. Physiotherapy programmes often include courses in Biomechanics, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology. Physiotherapists also complete clinical work, during which they gain supervised experience in areas such as acute care and orthopaedic care.

　　

Is studying Physiotherapy right for me?

Physiotherapy is a highly respected degree. A physiotherapist plays a direct role in improving the lives of individuals. This degree is highly practical and if you study Physiotherapy you have very bright job prospects.

　　A career in Physiotherapy is lucrative and rewarding. Physiotherapists may be employed in areas from healthcare to sports centres where they utilise their knowledge to help people suffering from injuries. The field of Physiotherapy has great educational value and extensive employment opportunities.

　　

Study options and costs

　　As a first step, you must complete high school. Physiotherapy programmes at the bachelor’s level will require a mixture of theoretical and practical learning that spans three to four years. You may also be required to run research studies to learn from and be assessed on. A bachelor’s degree may cost up to $67,104 in the US. A master’s in Physiotherapy will require around two years and costs up to $49,992. A Physiotherapy doctorate will be tailored for your own interests or specialisation. It may require extensive and spans three to four years.

　　

Future outlook

There will be great employment prospects for those graduating in Physiotherapy. Completing a bachelor’s or master’s in Physiotherapy can open up several opportunities across government and private organisations including wellness centres, educational institutions and private practice. Specialisations in the field range from Pediatric Physiotherapy to even Neurological Physiotherapy. The average annual salary for entry-level physiotherapist jobs is $56,200, while the average annual salary for senior physiotherapists is up to $113,340.

　　Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 21% in this decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Projected job openings for physiotherapists are about 15,600, every year on average, over the decade. Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labour force, upon retirement.

　　

Career pathways  for Physiotherapy graduates

　　

Physiotherapist

　　Physiotherapists help patients with physical difficulties resulting from illness, injury, disability or ageing to restore and maximize their movement and reduce the risk of further problems arising in the future. There are many clinical specialties and sub-specialties within physiotherapy, which have grown over time. Annual salaries for qualified physiotherapists range from $31,098 to $38,225.

　　

Sports therapist

　　Sports therapists deal with a range of sporting injuries, provide treatment, rehabilitation and support, and give advice on prevention. They provide an immediate response when sports and exercise-related injuries occur and assist in rehabilitating the patient back to full fitness. They also provide advice and support to help prevent injuries from happening in the first place. The average annual salary working privately or with a professional team is up to $43,700.