Master of Physiotherapy

Do you wish to practice as a physiotherapist? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Master of Physiotherapy degree is a 2-year full-time program that prepares you to become an effective, culturally-appropriate practitioner focusing on the physiotherapist-client relationship. This program includes key physiotherapy-specific courses and clinical placement experiences meaning you are work-ready upon completion of the degree. There is a strong focus on ethical and professional communication and behaviours as well as on developing high-level communication skills with clients and as part of collaborative multi-disciplinary practice. Graduates from this program will be eligible for registration as a physiotherapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (Ahpra).

Why study this degree?

• Are you the person who wants to make a career helping others be the best they can be? Do you dream of joining a profession that bases its decisions on scientific evidence and makes exciting therapeutic advancements daily?
• In our Master of Physiotherapy program, you explore every avenue of physiotherapy practice in your on-campus studies and approximately 750 hours of clinical practice (practicum).
• You will develop clinical assessment and intervention skills in laboratories, simulated learning environments and exposure to clients in physiotherapy practices, hospitals or community health settings in urban and rural locations.
• The program also strongly focuses on evidence-based and reflective practice ensuring graduates will be well prepared to meet the challenge of current and future health provision across the many clinical and non-clinical areas in which Physiotherapists are employed.

Learning outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the Masters of Physiotherapy, graduates will be able to:
• Apply advanced verbal and written communication skills with clients, families, carers and service providers
• Practice professional and ethical behaviour, demonstrating respect and sensitivity to clients with diverse social, cultural and spiritual beliefs
• Autonomously apply critical reflection and expert judgement to identify limitations in knowledge, skills and abilities in order to plan and implement lifelong learning strategies
• Synthesise complex information when accessing, and integrating best available evidence into physiotherapy practice
• Apply advanced and integrated knowledge and skills to practice safe, effective entry-level physiotherapy across a range of settings
• Employ critical analysis and expert judgement to formulate and conduct effective, efficient and adaptable physiotherapy practice
• Develop and communicate physiotherapy-based health promotion and collaborative management strategies to empower clients to participate in healthcare decisions and behaviours
• Contribute to healthcare delivery through culturally safe, effective inter-professional communication, advocacy and practice

Career opportunities

• Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public health sectors. Career opportunities range from working in physiotherapy practices, hospitals or community health settings in both urban and rural locations in the fields of aged care, cardiorespiratory, disability, musculoskeletal, neurology, paediatrics, rehabilitation, research, clinical and/or academic teaching .