A GUIDE TO CAREERS IN Physiotherapy Physiotherapists are experts in movement. They work in partnership with people to prevent and overcome movement disorders which may be present from birth, or acquired through injury or disease. THE FUTURE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY The practice environment for physiotherapists is changing in response to an ageing and growing population. This includes increased levels of chronic and complex disease, heightened consumer expectations, and advances in information and communications technology. The physiotherapists of the future are likely to be working in inter-disciplinary teams that offer consumers a ‘one stop shop’ with flexible, evidence-based services and a greater range of personal choice and control. There will be growth in services to older and younger people with chronic conditions, as well as broadening opportunities in the sports arena and animal physiotherapy. Physiotherapists work in a range of areas such as hospitals, private practices, community centres and aged care services. On average in Australia, 26% of physiotherapists are employed in private practice and 21% in hospitals, with the remainder in other industry and health care settings (HWA 2014). SA’S LARGEST PROVIDER OF HEALTH INDUSTRY GRADUATES OVER 130,000 STUDENT CLINICAL PLACEMENT GRADUATE WITH CLINICAL EXPERIENCE FROM OUR ON-CAMPUS PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINICS HOURS PER YEAR
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
A GUIDE TO CAREERS IN
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists are experts in movement. They work in partnership with people to prevent and overcome movement disorders which may be present from birth, or acquired through injury or disease.
THE FUTURE OF PHYSIOTHERAPYThe practice environment for physiotherapists is changing in response to an ageing and growing population. This includes increased levels of chronic and complex disease, heightened consumer expectations, and advances in information and communications technology.
The physiotherapists of the future are likely to be working in inter-disciplinary teams that offer consumers a ‘one stop shop’ with flexible, evidence-based services and a greater range of personal choice and control.
There will be growth in services to older and younger people with chronic conditions, as well as broadening opportunities in the sports arena and animal physiotherapy.
Physiotherapists work in a range of areas such as hospitals, private practices, community centres and aged care services. On average in Australia, 26% of physiotherapists are employed in private practice and 21% in hospitals, with the remainder in other industry and health care settings (HWA 2014).
SA’S LARGESTPROVIDER OF HEALTH INDUSTRY GRADUATES
OVER 130,000STUDENT CLINICALPLACEMENT
GRADUATE WITHCLINICAL EXPERIENCEFROM OUR ON-CAMPUS PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINICS
HOURS PER YEAR
The role of a physiotherapistOur physiotherapy graduates are able to practise autonomously. They are qualified to undertake culturally-responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessments; safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision making; and facilitate a client’s optimal participation in their everyday life.
Physiotherapists also need to be good communicators, engaging educators, and reflective practitioners with an ability to self-direct their learning.
A typical day for a physiotherapist involves:
• working with clients to identify the physical problem
• developing and reviewing treatment programs
• writing client case notes and reports
• educating and advising clients and their carers about how to prevent and/or improve conditions
• supervising physiotherapy assistants
• liaising with other health care personnel.
A physiotherapist will often see clients for several consultations over a period of weeks or months.
Career opportunitiesThere are many diverse career opportunities for physiotherapists.
Types of settings you may choose to work in include:
• hospitals • private practice• women’s health services• physical disability services• sports centres and with sporting teams• aged care centres• community services• academia and research.
An active career in healthLeigh Schneebichler
Physiotherapist and Owner, Physio Solutions SA
Physiotherapy graduate, Leigh Schneebichler, began working in private physiotherapy practice after he graduated in 2006, before deciding to start his own business in 2011.
‘I was keen for the challenge of opening my own business and being self-employed. Working in a private practice allows me to have a positive influence on the local community, help patients achieve specific goals and positively affect people’s quality of life.’
Leigh diversified his experience in his first few years of practice, getting involved with pilates, hydrotherapy classes, nursing home patients and consulting with the Glenelg Football Club, in addition to musculoskeletal work.
‘It’s a great career. You have the ability to continually progress and evolve with the profession. Working in conjunction with orthopaedic surgeons and local GPs has been a highlight.’
Program information
Information correct at time of printing (August 2016). CRICOS provider number 00121B
Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry) Duration: 2 yearsLocation: City East campus
Bachelor of Physiotherapy Duration: 4 yearsLocation: City East campus
unisa.edu.au/study/physiotherapy
Related Documents
