What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a holistic approach to addressing pain, discomfort or any organ dysfunctions in the body resulting from an injury, accident or illness. It involves manual therapy, exercise, Pilates and massage therapy, among other modalities.
A physiotherapist is equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools to treat, rehabilitate and prevent multiple conditions, including arthritis, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint dislocation, neurological disorders and sports injuries.
Why Study Physiotherapy?
Studying physiotherapy will make you a well-rounded healer as a course in this field will walk you through an array of subjects that will broaden your knowledge of the structure and functions of the body. It's not restricted to just one area, hence providing you with the ability to address all kinds of conditions that cause pain and immobility in people of all ages.
Physiotherapy is a valuable tool you can add to your healing arsenal to make lasting changes to people's lives. Not only shall you be able to help others restore their normal range of motion, but you'll also be responsible for the better quality of life which they can enjoy down the road.
What Does It Take to Study Physiotherapy or Become a Physiotherapist?
If you're passionate about helping others and have a natural inclination for life sciences, you are no doubt on the right path to success. You have all the makings of a physiotherapist and are likely to succeed as one. To realise your dream, you only need to work towards your professional qualifications with a college or university whose expertise in physiotherapy is second to none.
Course and Study Options for Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a four-year degree that consists of classroom lectures and clinical placements. Besides the different branches of life science like anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, you will explore exercise therapy and other modalities that can be used to treat and manage pain and injury.
If you have previously completed a science-based course, you may pursue a two-year postgraduate program in physiotherapy to obtain the required qualifications to practise on the professional level.
Most universities and colleges that offer physiotherapy courses deliver the coursework through a blended learning system, giving students more leeway to manage their schedule on-campus and for self-study. If you happen to have a 9-to-5 job, or your hands are practically full during the day, you can discuss a workable arrangement with the school where you plan to enrol in.
How to Choose a School or Course in Physiotherapy
The ideal physiotherapy course provider has a nationally recognised curriculum and meets the educational and registration requirements of the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA). We have a list of qualified physiotherapy colleges at the top of this page, which you can explore and compare to find an institution that matches your needs and goals.
To learn more about their offerings, it would be best to contact them directly and enquire about their course material, tuition fees, payment schemes, and delivery method, among others.