Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Helping people heal through movement

Learn the science behind body movement and gain valuable knowledge, understanding, and insight about the amazing machine we call the human body - with the UC Bachelor of Physiotherapy.

This four-year comprehensive course will help you explore the human body in detail, and analyse how each muscle, bone, joint, and ligament enables human movement and development across a variety of age ranges and disabilities. You will also develop a sophisticated understanding of how the lungs, heart, brain, and nerves work together, and how to improve peoples' lives through exercise and movement.

Your study of advanced functional human anatomy combined with training from expert clinicians means you will be able to diagnose and offer effective therapeutic management solutions for a wide range of human movement disorders, across age groups and genders.

Once you graduate, you'll open doors to further study, specialisation, or a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy. This course also offers an embedded Honours program for high-achieving students looking to progress into physiotherapy research or academic careers.

The course is fully accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council, which means you are eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) from the day they graduate.

Study a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at UC and you will:

• develop knowledge of the structure and function of the human body
• learn to read, critique, evaluate and apply evidence from research and science into the practices of health care and health services
• enhance your communication skills in listening, speaking, explaining, and teaching
• develop detailed knowledge of normal function and development of the musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic, and neurological systems
• apply your knowledge and skill to assess, prevent, and treat developmental and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic, and neurological systems
• understand and apply the professional ethics, responsibilities, values, and standards for the practice of physiotherapy
• develop excellent clinical analytical and reasoning skills.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

This course offers a high volume of work integrated learning and the opportunity to gain clinical practice experience using theoretical and practical components of your studies.

Comprising of five, five-week placements, these hands-on learning opportunities will cover a wide range of areas such as acute care units, rehabilitation centres, neurological units, residential care facilities, pediatric units, and aged care facilities. Placements are only provided on a full-time basis and will require interstate travel. Accommodation and transport costs are the student's responsibility. For further information on WIL please visit https://www.canberra.edu.au/current-students/canberra-students/work-integrated-learning

Also, patients with a variety of medical issues such as spinal cord injuries and Parkinson's disease will also regularly visit to discuss their conditions, and you'll also have the chance to work with high-performance athletes looking to improve their physical and personal objectives.

Career opportunities

• New graduate physiotherapist
• Physiotherapist
• Cardiothoracic physiotherapist
• Musculoskeletal physiotherapist
• Neurological physiotherapist
• Intensive care unit (ICU) physiotherapist
• Physiotherapy practice owner
• Titled physiotherapist*
• Titled sport physiotherapist*
• Physiotherapy researcher

* Further study required

Course-specific information

The Australian Physiotherapy Council accredits this course and successful graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and practice physiotherapy in Australia.

Course content and structure is informed by the industry, with Course Advisory Group members hailing from the physiotherapy department of Canberra Hospital, Calvary Hospital and the Australian Institute of Sport.

High-performing students may be eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy Honours degree, based on their academic performance, interview, and application.

There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible, you must have an academic IELTS of 7.0 overall with no band score below 7.0 or equivalent.

Before commencing clinical placement, all students must:

• Provide a complete immunisation schedule
• Provide First Aid Certificates, including CPR
• Undergo an Australian Federal Police record check before participating in placements in the ACT
• May need to undergo additional Police checks before participating in any interstate placements - depending on each state requirements.

Professional accreditation

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy has been accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council, and approved by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia so that graduates are eligible to apply for registration to practice Physiotherapy in Australia.