Key Points to Note
Here are some key facts you must be aware of if you plan on working as a physiotherapist in Australia.
#1 Average Salary
The average annual salary of a physiotherapist in Australia is AUD 93,000, which is around 50 Lakh INR.
#2 Job Openings
Currently, there are around 6,500+ job openings for physiotherapists in Australia for different roles and in different locations.
#3 How to Get a Visa?
The Australian government is offering over 190,000 visas to healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists. Here are the steps to get a work visa in Australia as a physiotherapy professional.
- Get Required Marks in the English Proficiency Test
- Complete the Interim Certificate: Eligibility Assessment and Cultural Safety Training
- Clear the APC Written Assessment
- Ace the APC Clinical Assessment
- Get Registered With AHPRA
- Get an Internship with Sponsorship
- Acquire Your Work Visa
Famous Physiotherapist Jobs in Australia
What can you expect in different physiotherapy jobs in Australia? Let’s find out!
- Clinical Physiotherapists: These professionals work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, providing direct patient care. They assess patients' physical conditions, develop treatment plans, and implement therapies to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall physical function.
- Sports Physiotherapist: With Australia's passion for sports, sports physiotherapists play a crucial role in preventing and treating sports-related injuries. They work with athletes of all levels to optimise performance, manage injuries, and aid in rehabilitation.
- Research Physiotherapist: Research physiotherapists work in academic institutions, research centres, or healthcare organisations, conducting studies to advance knowledge in the field of physiotherapy. Their research may focus on developing new treatment methods, assessing the effectiveness of interventions, or exploring the underlying mechanisms of various conditions.
- Geriatric Physiotherapist: With an aging population, there's a growing need for physiotherapists specialising in geriatric care. These professionals work with older adults to improve their mobility, independence, and overall quality of life, often in settings such as aged care facilities or home care services.
- Occupational Physiotherapist: Occupational physiotherapists focus on helping individuals overcome physical barriers in the workplace. They assess ergonomic issues, provide workplace rehabilitation programs, and offer advice on injury prevention to promote a safe and healthy work environment.
- Pediatric Physiotherapist: Pediatric physiotherapists specialise in treating infants, children, and adolescents with various developmental, neuromuscular, or orthopedic conditions. They work closely with families and other healthcare professionals to support children in achieving their physical milestones and optimising their functional abilities.
- Academic/Teaching Positions: Some experienced physiotherapists pursue careers in academia, teaching aspiring physiotherapy students and conducting research in university settings.
Role of a Physiotherapist in Australia
This section elaborates on the roles and responsibilities physiotherapists in Australia are expected to perform.
- Assessment: Physiotherapists assess patients' physical conditions, including their range of motion, strength, flexibility, and overall functional abilities. They use various assessment techniques to identify impairments, disabilities, or areas of dysfunction.
- Treatment Planning: Based on their assessments, physiotherapists develop individualised treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs and goals. These plans may include exercises, manual therapy techniques, electrotherapy modalities, and other interventions aimed at improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring function.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Physiotherapists administer a wide range of therapeutic interventions to address physical impairments and promote recovery. This may involve hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and manipulation, as well as prescribing exercises and functional activities to improve strength, balance, and coordination.
- Pain Management: Physiotherapists play a crucial role in managing pain, whether it's acute or chronic. They employ various pain management techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, modalities such as heat or cold therapy, and education on pain coping strategies.
- Rehabilitation: Physiotherapists work with patients undergoing rehabilitation following surgery, injury, illness, or disability. They help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence through progressive exercise programs, gait training, functional retraining, and other rehabilitation strategies.
- Education and Advice: Physiotherapists educate patients and their families about their condition, treatment options, and strategies for self-management and injury prevention. They provide advice on posture, ergonomics, exercise techniques, and lifestyle modifications to optimise health and well-being.
- Preventive Care: Physiotherapists are involved in promoting preventive care and injury prevention initiatives. They assess risk factors, design injury prevention programs, and provide education and training to individuals, athletes, and workplaces to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries and promote overall health.
- Collaboration: Physiotherapists often work as part of interdisciplinary healthcare teams, collaborating with physicians, surgeons, nurses, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients. They participate in case conferences, contribute to treatment planning, and communicate effectively to ensure coordinated care.
Final Words
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of physiotherapists in promoting health, preventing injury, and optimising performance will only become more vital. So, whether you're just starting your journey or are already on the path, remember that becoming a physiotherapist is not just about passing exams—it's about embracing a profession that empowers individuals to move beyond limitations and live life to the fullest.
With the help of Academically, you can navigate the process of not only clearing the APC exam, but also getting a job and visa in Australia. Sign up for a free counselling session to kickstart your journey today!
