Physiotherapy Schools and Programs in Australia

Physiotherapy Studies in Australia

Are you a student majoring (or planning to major) in Physiotherapy who has always dreamed of studying abroad—studying and living for a semester or two in a foreign country while earning credits towards your university degree?  If so, you’ll be pleased to know there are now many universities throughout the world, including several in the vast, picturesque country of Australia, currently offering a variety of Physiotherapy programs for international students.

Australia, known in official circles as the Commonwealth of Australia, is an independent country that consists of the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.  The “land down under,” as the nation is colloquially known, is the world's sixth-largest country by total area. Neighboring countries include the islands of Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north; the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to the northeast; and New Zealand to the southeast.

Once a British settlement, the Commonwealth of Australia was formed on the 1^st of January, 1901, when the six colonies joined together to form a federation.  Since that time, Australia has maintained a stable liberal democratic political system that functions as a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.  The federation comprises six states and several territories. The country’s population, roughly 23.1 million, is highly urbanized and heavily concentrated in the eastern states.

Australia is a developed country and one of the wealthiest in the world, boasting the world's 12th-largest economy. Much of the reason for this economic success can be attributed to its excellent system of education, including its higher education system, which includes several universities that consistently rank among the world’s best.

Physiotherapy Education in Australia

As a program of study, Physiotherapy is offered at several major universities throughout Australia at both the undergraduate and graduate level.  Undergraduate programs in Physiotherapy, which lead to a Bachelor of Science degree in the discipline, generally span four to five years in duration depending on the institution and the availability of courses, while the graduate programs, leading to a Master of Science degree in Physiotherapy, usually take an additional 2-3 years to complete.

The Physiotherapy programs in Australia are geared towards educating and training students in the care and treatment of a wide range of physical conditions and injuries through the use of an array of passive mobilization, massage, electrotherapy and exercise techniques.  Students who wish to practice Physiotherapy professionally following graduation must first undergo four to five years of concentrated training and education, and pass a licensing examination in which they will be tested on their knowledge and comprehension of applicable theories and techniques.  In some regions of the world, students may also have to complete some type of pre-license internship in which they will practice their craft on patients under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.

As a participant in the various Australian Physiotherapy programs, students will study techniques such as Manipulative Therapy, a specialty aimed at soothing injuries of the joints, such as sprained ankles or cases of rheumatoid arthritis.  In this technique, the hands are used to mobilize or gently move the joint or manipulate it using stronger movements to help reduce the pain and stiffness.  Students also learn about muscle imbalance re-education, in which an assessment of muscle imbalance is taken, followed by a program of age and strength-appropriate exercises aimed at re-educating the muscles to the point of full recovery and the prevention of further injury.

Why Study Abroad in Australia

In addition to hosting some of the world’s finest universities, Australia is a country that offers fun and adventure at every turn.  From its vast and stunning landscapes to its absorbing interactive museums to the uniqueness of its indigenous culture, students who opt to study here will have no trouble finding things to do and see when they get a break from their classroom studies.  Some of these wonderful sites and attractions include:

The Great Barrier Reef

Spanning more than 1,240 miles (2,000 km) and showcasing mostly pristine coral gardens and rich aquatic life, the Great Barrier Reef offers a great optical treat for divers, snorkelers and even those who simply want to gaze at the natural phenomenon through glass-bottomed boats.

Uluru

Rising out of the parched red center of the country, Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) is the dramatic touchstone of this ancient continent.  The unique natural rock formation is a sacred site to its Aboriginal custodians and definitely worth visiting during your Australian sightseeing adventure.

Canberra’s museums and galleries

The museums and galleries in the city of Canberra, which are gathered around beautiful Lake Burleigh Griffin, are collectively some of the most impressive tourist destinations on the Australian continent.  Here visitors will find brilliantly preserved art exhibits as well as a countless number of educational and cultural showpieces that beautifully depict the traditions, customs and history of this large oasis of a country.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market

If you find yourself in the tropical region of Darwin, Australia you simply must check out the pulsing crowds and entertainment of the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. With the cool ocean breeze in your face and the sounds of street musicians in your ear, the experience of this large outdoor market is not to be missed.  Here you will find scores of local venders selling their unique wares, as well as a number of trendy bars and eateries serving up some of the most tasty Australian snacks and thirst-quenching cocktails.