Doctor of Physiotherapy

The Doctor of Physiotherapy program offers an innovative problem- and case-based learning model of physiotherapy education to prepare entry-level physiotherapists for their roles and responsibilities as first-contact practitioners. The program integrates the clinical, pathological and related basic sciences with the physiotherapy knowledge, skills and professional behaviours and attitudes required to examine, diagnose and treat physiotherapy clients. The Doctor of Physiotherapy assists students to progressively develop and apply their knowledge, skills and professional attitudes and behaviours to undertake physiotherapy practice and places a strong emphasis on clinical experiential learning with up to 1440 hours of learning in a clinical environment. Clinical practice experiences are designed to produce work-ready, entry-level graduates who are competent to practise across the lifespan in a range of environments and settings. Variable experiences across the lifespan are sought in the clinical areas of: Orthopaedics; Cardiorespiratory practice; outpatient musculoskeletal practice (hospital or private practice settings); neurological and ortho-geriatric rehabilitation (hospital and community settings); community rehabilitation across the lifespan - chronic disease or disability; and paediatrics or women's / men's health, or private / sports practice. In the final semester, students complete a research project and an elective placement or elective coursework subject, both of which are designed to extend the skills and knowledge of the student beyond commonly encountered clinical experiences. These extending clinical / research and coursework opportunities are designed to ensure graduates are well prepared for entry into the physiotherapy workforce.

The Doctor of Physiotherapy produces work-ready graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes and behaviours to be eligible for registration as a physiotherapist in Australia.