What does a physiotherapist do?
A physiotherapist is an expert in the design of the human body and how it moves. Physiotherapy is used to treat patients of all ages and from all walks of life to assist them with long-term health conditions or shorter-term injuries due to accidents or sports mishaps. A physiotherapist assesses and diagnoses patients before planning and managing their care and liaising with other treating professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team. Treatment plans are customised to suit the requirements of each patient.
Physiotherapists are found in a wide range of settings, from private and public hospitals, private practices and aged care facilities to sports clubs and large companies. The physiotherapist role can be very versatile and is needed in various different scenarios wherever physical movement is involved.
Physiotherapist skills and qualifications
A successful physiotherapist needs to have certain skills and aptitudes. For example, they have to:
- Have expert knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, neuroscience and psychology
- Know how to apply manual therapy techniques and other techniques such as ultrasound or acupuncture
- Be able to work well as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Have excellent communication skills and the ability to write up professional reports
- Have great people skills and be empathetic to patients
Physiotherapist experience requirements
After completing a Bachelor’s degree, budding physiotherapists can opt to add a Master’s in Physiotherapy to deepen their knowledge. New physiotherapists also have to complete supervised practice in a clinical setting and are required to register with the National Physiotherapy Board of Australia. In addition, physiotherapists who join the Australian Physiotherapy Association need to participate in continuing professional development.
Physiotherapist education and training requirements
To practice in Australia, a physiotherapist needs to complete certain educational and other formal requirements.
They need to have completed an accredited university degree, such as a Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy and be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia as well as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Optionally, psychologists can also join the Australian Physiotherapy Association, the main professional body representing physiotherapists in Australia, and attend ongoing professional development courses as required to stay up to date in their field.
Physiotherapist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a physiotherapist is $85,368 per year. Physiotherapist salaries may vary depending on the setting (e.g. aged care facility or large private hospital) and the location. Rural and more remote areas can offer higher-paid physiotherapist jobs than major cities in order to attract more suitable candidates.
Job description samples for similar positions
There are a number of roles similar to physiotherapists. Take a look to see if you need to hire one of these experts in addition to or instead of a physiotherapist:
Physiotherapist job description FAQs
What is the difference between physiotherapy and physical therapy?
Physiotherapy and physical therapy are quite similar in that they both use hands-on methods and movement to improve a patient’s physical condition. However, physical therapy is generally more exercise-based, while physiotherapy is more focused on using manual techniques to manipulate the body.
How long does it take someone to qualify as a physiotherapist?
In Australia, it takes at least four years to qualify as a physiotherapist. The usual pathway is a four-year Bachelor’s degree leading to supervised practice and then full registration. It takes longer if a postgraduate degree in physiotherapy or a related field is pursued.
Do physiotherapists have to be registered with a professional body?
When hiring a physiotherapist, bear in mind that in order to practice in Australia, physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Check that your potential new hire has all the necessary registration and paperwork in order, so you can rest assured that you meet all legal requirements.
What’s an onsite physiotherapist and do I need one?
As an employer, you may be considering investing in an onsite physiotherapist for your staff. This has the advantage that they can observe your employees while performing their regular duties and advise on recommended adjustments to reduce physical strain to prevent injury. An in-house physiotherapist also improves your workplace health and safety and reduces the amount of time staff need to take off to visit an external physiotherapist.
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