Physiotherapy is a great career choice if you’re interested in helping people recover from injury or illness. But before you decide to become a physiotherapist, you should consider a few things. Sure, physiotherapy sounds cool but is it the right career for you?

Here, we will provide more information on the job outlook for physiotherapists, the educational requirements for this profession, and what kind of salary you can expect to earn. We’ll also discuss some of the benefits of working as a physiotherapist so before you take the plunge, here are a few things to consider.

What is a Physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist is a health care professional who assesses and treats people of all ages with physical disabilities or injuries. Physiotherapy treatments can help to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and prevent further injury.

A physiotherapist will provide you with an assessment to determine your injury or disability, then carry out an appropriate treatment plan to help you recover. The main aim of physiotherapy is to help people regain their independence and quality of life by improving their movement and function. Their responsibilities include:

• Conducting tests to identify and evaluate patients’ physical problems
• Creating treatment programs
• Preparing the equipment
• Working with patients on exercises
• Using therapeutic approaches (such as heat, cold, or massage therapies)
• Assist patients in preparing for therapy, including assisting with dressing and undressing
• Teaching patients and their families how to complete necessary procedures at home

Why Become a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapy is one of the fastest growing professions in the world. Physiotherapists are highly respected by patients and employers alike, and are in high demand. A career in physiotherapy can be immensely rewarding, with opportunities to work in private practice, hospitals and other healthcare settings. In fact, according to the Australian Physiotherapy Association, the job outlook for physiotherapists is good, with an expected 24.6% increase in employment over the next three years.

Determine if a Physio Career is a Right Fit for You

Physiotherapy is a rewarding career that can provide a flexible and varied work experience. As physiotherapists, they are able to work in a variety of settings, from hospitals and clinics to private practice and education.

If you’re considering becoming a physiotherapist, it’s important to understand what the job entails, including the education requirements, salary potential and employment outlook. In addition, it’s important to consider whether you have the necessary skills and personality traits to succeed in this career. Physiotherapists need to be compassionate, patient and good communicators. They must also be able to work effectively with a team of other health professionals.

Essential Skills and Knowledge for Physiotherapy

In order to be an effective physiotherapist, you need to have certain essential skills and knowledge. These include:

Assessment Skills: Physiotherapists need to be able to conduct thorough assessments of their patients to determine their needs and develop effective treatment plans. Treatment plans include exercise programs, manual therapy techniques (such as massage or manipulation), and electrical modalities (such as TENS or ultrasound).

Diagnostic Skills: Physiotherapists must have the ability to diagnose various conditions based on their observations and assessments of patients’ symptoms. They also need to be able to order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as x-rays and MRIs.

Communication skills: Effective communication is essential for physiotherapists, who need to be able to explain treatment plans and exercises to their patients. They also need to be able to build rapport and maintain relationships with patients, families and other health care professionals.

Interpersonal skills: Physiotherapists must be able to build rapport with their patients and develop positive relationships. They must also be able to work effectively as part of a team, which includes other health care professionals such as doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists.

Physical stamina: Physiotherapists stand for long periods of time and perform various manual tasks including being able to lift and move patients, as well as equipment.

Patience: Physiotherapists need to be patient when dealing with patients who may be in pain or have difficulty following instructions.

There are Many Different Ways to Get Started in Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy Degree

There are a number of pathways to completing a physiotherapy degree. In Australia, the most common are a 4 year Bachelor’s degree, or completing an undergraduate degree with pre-requisite subjects followed by a 2 or 3 year Masters or Doctor of Physiotherapy degree.

For further information on pathways, visit our become a physiotherapist page.

How to study Physiotherapy in Australia

Australia is known for its high-quality education, and physiotherapy is no exception. There are many different ways to get started in physiotherapy. For example, completing a Vocational Education and Training (certificate course) in Business could assist you in being able to work in a physiotherapy practice while you are completing your physiotherapy degree.

What is the Average Salary?

A typical physiotherapist in Australia earns up to $86,322 a year on average, according to the latest figures on Indeed. This depends on several factors, such as your experience, the type of job you have, and the state you live in. If you are just starting out in your career, you can expect to earn around $60,000 a year on average. With more experience, you can expect to earn closer to $100,000 a year. Of course, your salary will also depend on the type of job you have.

What is a Physiotherapist’s Day Like?

A physiotherapist’s day can be very varied, depending on the type of practice they work in. Physiotherapists spend most of their time working with patients in clinics and hospitals, but they also spend time teaching physiotherapy students and other health professionals.

In clinical practice, the types of patients you will see will vary depending on clinic you work in. A large part of your job will be assessing patients to find out what the problem is and how best to treat it. You will also be carrying out treatment such as massages and exercises that may help your patient recover from their injury or condition more quickly.

You will often need to liaise with other members of staff such as doctors or nurses so that they know what is happening with each patient, especially if there are any changes to their condition. At the end of each day, physiotherapists are expected to write reports on each patient’s progress.

The Challenges of a Physiotherapy Career

No career is without any challenges, and physio jobs are no exception. Here are some of the challenges that most physiotherapists in Australia face:

Emotionally Demanding

Dealing with patients who are in pain on a daily basis can be emotionally demanding. Physiotherapists need to have empathy and compassion for their patients.

Deal with Challenging Behaviour

Dealing with challenging behaviour from patients, as well as their families and carers, is a common challenge that physiotherapists face which is why it is important to have excellent communication and people skills.

Repetitive Work

The work that physiotherapists do can be quite repetitive as they often carry out the same treatments and exercises with their patients. This can lead to boredom and burnout if not managed properly.

Physically Demanding

Of course, being a physiotherapist requires a great deal of physical fitness. They need to be able to lift and move patients, as well as carry out treatments that require them to be on their feet for long periods of time.

Keep Up with New Research and Developments in the Field

To be a successful physiotherapist, it is important to keep up with new research and developments in the field. This means regularly attending conferences and learning about the latest in machinery that are very essential to physiotherapy, such as the TENS machine. The TENS machine is used to relieve pain by sending electrical impulses to the affected area. In order to use this machine, physiotherapists need to have a good understanding of human anatomy and physiology. They also need to be able to troubleshoot any problems that may arise during treatments.

Physiotherapists play a very important role in the healthcare system. They help people recover from injuries and illnesses, and they also teach other health professionals about physiotherapy. If you are thinking about becoming a physiotherapist, then it is important to consider the challenges that come with the job. However, if you are up for the challenge, then a career in physiotherapy can be very rewarding.