Help people recover from injuries, reduce pain and improve mobility and function
At ACU, 100 per cent of our physiotherapy graduates have secured full time employment* in the profession, giving you confidence that your studies can lead to a rewarding career.
Our practical classes are intentionally small to ensure you get the support you need. You’ll learn from two experts - an ACU academic as well as a practising physiotherapist in areas such as neurology, musculoskeletal, paediatrics, hospital care, cardiorespiratory and private practice. That way, every lesson is grounded in real world insight and current clinical expertise.
You’ll gain professional confidence early, through observational experiences in your first year followed by clinical placements across metropolitan, rural, remote and international settings.
*2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey, overall employment for domestic undergraduates, four months after graduating
Change lives for a living
Idecided I wanted to be a physiotherapist when I was 13 years old. I was competing at a national level in sport and suffered a devastating foot injury that sidelined me for many months. It was my physio who helped to get me walking after surgery, then training and eventually playing sport again. It was a defining moment, and I set my mind to becoming a physiotherapist so that I could help others too.
Physiotherapy is an exciting and hugely varied career. I love that you can combine many different interest areas to create a career that is unique and rewarding. Physiotherapy is also interesting and challenging at times so you won’t get bored. There is a lot of problem solving and decision making, but at its foundation is the people you work with and the relationships that you build. Working with colleagues and clients, and seeing clients improve and reach their goals, is what gives meaning to your work.
It’s also a career that requires you to listen, understand, educate, and explain concepts to people who may be struggling with pain, illness or an injury. If you’ve got empathy and high-level communication skills, this could be a wonderful career path for you.
If you want to be a physiotherapist, there are so many benefits to starting your journey by
studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at ACU. Whether it’s state-of-the-art facilities or overseas learning experiences, I encourage you to take a closer look on pages 4-5 of this Job Kit.
During your studies, keep an open mind and you’re bound to find an area of physiotherapy that you love. It isn’t an easy degree, but it is rewarding. You’ll make lifelong friends and start a career that can take you far.
Alison Griffiths Lecturer in Physiotherapy, ACU
Alison Griffiths Lecturer in
Get the (exercise) ball rolling...
On a career that’s in demand and makes an impact
Money talk
The average annual salary for physiotherapist jobs in Australia ranges from $85,000 to $100,000, according to SEEK
Workplaces for physios
As a physiotherapist, you could get a job in:
• Rehabilitation
• Paediatrics
• Women’s health
• Sports physiotherapy
• Cardiorespiratory (hearts and lungs)
• Orthopaedics (bones and muscles)
• Gerontology and ergonomics
• Hospitals and rehabilitation units
• Community health centres
• Sporting clubs
• Private practice
• Research
Did you know?
99% of ACU physiotherapy graduates are employed four months after graduation!
• Educational, government and industrial institutions
All the opportunities
There’s been an increase in employment opportunities for physiotherapists across Australia. This is due to an aging population, an increase in chronic diseases and a growing focus on preventative healthcare.
Happy days
Hooray! Around three quarters of physiotherapists (72%) report high job satisfaction, with satisfaction increasing with experience, according to the Australian Physiotherapy Association
Physios by the numbers
68%identify as female
59%work full-time, 35% work part-time, 6% have casual working arrangements
53%work in NSW and Victoria 50%are under 35 years old
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is all about using physical techniques (like exercises, stretches and massages) to help people recover from injuries, reduce pain and improve mobility and function. A physiotherapist must be an expert on the structure of the human body and its movements to be able to assess, diagnose and treat patients.
study time
Make your mark in a physio career with a degree from ACU. Your study options include:
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Optimise movement and function working with people who have problems with their cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal or neurological systems. Gain the skills to help people overcome movement disorders that are either present at birth or associated with life-changing events or ageing.
Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy
Provides physiotherapists with the opportunity to acquire advanced theoretical, scientific and clinical knowledge of normal and pathological human movement as it relates to sports, exercise, performance, injuries, pathology and disease.
Get further details and find more courses on the ACU website or by scanning the QR code.
According to Alison Griffiths, Lecturer in Physiotherapy, ACU!
1The Bachelor of Physiotherapy runs across three campuses in North Sydney, Brisbane and Ballarat, with experts collaborating to develop teaching content.
2Incredible teaching ratios, with practical class ratios of 1:12.
3
Practical classes are staffed by physiotherapists who are still working clinically, as well as by university staff.
4State of the art facilities and equipment for students to learn in and with.
5A curriculum designed to support student’s learning and to build their knowledge and confidence to help people with real-world issues.
6Observational placements in first year, which gives a great introduction to the profession.
7Opportunities for interprofessional learning so students get an understanding of how other allied health roles will work alongside them.
8Gaining a global perspective through short-term international study experiences. Even a few weeks abroad can shift how you think, how you communicate, and how you see your own future.
9An embedded honours program that allows you to develop important skills in research, data analysis and interpretation, and project management.
10A tight-knit and supportive community, where teaching staff are approachable, helpful and invested in student success.
Moving on up
A passion for STEM + health led Owen Hainsworth to study physiotherapy and land a graduate gig at a major Sydney hospital
FUN FACT
As a teenager, Owen swam competitively at a state and national level. During his time at university, he was able to continue swimming as a recreational hobby and work part-time as a swim coach.
Owen with his two research supervisors, Dr Alison Hodges and Dr Nia Luxton
In high school, Owen loved STEM and physical education subjects. When it came time to explore university options, he found physiotherapy at ACU and it was the perfect match. “I wanted the opportunity to continue pursuing my interests,” he says. “The course gave me the opportunity to learn about the intricacies of the human body and apply this to a therapeutic setting.”
Owen enjoyed the weekly practical and tutorial classes at ACU, and the opportunity to learn from experienced academic staff. “Blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical and interpersonal skills set me up well for future patient encounters.”
After completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) in 2025, Owen secured a first-year graduate position as a physiotherapist at Westmead Hospital. He has also developed an interest in research. “In the future, I envision
Blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical and interpersonal skills set me up well for future patient encounters”
myself working both clinically, and non- clinically within a research or teaching role,” he says.
Owen’s top tip for someone considering studying physiotherapy? Enter the degree with an open mind.
“The course provides students with exposure to numerous specialty areas, including niche and emerging areas of practice,” he explains.
“Exploring the course map on ACU’s website would be a great start to familiarise yourself with content addressed throughout the program.”
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), ACU
Graduate physiotherapist, Westmead Hospital
FROM PARAMEDIC TO PHYSIO
Danielle Hollis loves the variety and connection a career in physiotherapy gives her
On the job
“Working in physiotherapy, every day is a little different. Across my work week I might be teaching practical physiotherapy skills in the classroom, treating clients in my home clinic, writing a research paper, or taking a client through their exercise program at their home.”
While working as a paramedic, Danielle realised she was interested in patients’ longer-term management and rehabilitation. After speaking with physiotherapists about their jobs and studying a functional anatomy unit at uni, she decided physiotherapy was for her.
Danielle enrolled in a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at ACU, which provided her with opportunities to explore different career pathways available. “I think people would be surprised at all the different settings in which physiotherapists work,” Danielle says. “For example, physiotherapists work in areas such as paediatrics, women’s and men’s health, research, management, and health promotion.”
danielle hollis Physiotherapist
FUN FACT
Danielle’s PhD in physiotherapy focused on sensory processing, general health, and clinical outcomes in people with persistent shoulder pain who attend public hospital orthopaedic consultation.
On studying at ACU, Danielle says there was a vibrant community feel to the campus and the staff were incredibly supportive. “As a student, you always felt like more than just a number.”
Now, she splits her time between a physiotherapy teaching and research role at ACU and working from her home clinic or in the community. Her favourite things about her job are the connections made with students and patients, as well as the variety and flexibility in her roles.
Want to be a physio? Danielle recommends speaking with physiotherapists working in different settings and finding out as much information as you can. “This will help to inform whether a career in physiotherapy is the right choice for you and might give you an idea about which area you’d like to eventually work in.”
I think people would be surprised at all the different settings in which physiotherapists work”
Get the job!
Prerequisites
For the Bachelor of Physiotherapy at ACU, choosing these subjects in Year 11 and 12 is required: ✔ English
And at least one of the following: ✔ Biology ✔ Chemistry
✔ Physics
Watch
Physiotherapy at ACU (YouTube)
This video explores ACU physiotherapy courses, placements, practical experiences and partnerships, plus exciting overseas opportunities and life on campus.
Choose this career if you want to…
✔ Help people improve their quality of life
✔ Work in a wide range of settings
✔ Pursue your interest in science, health and/or the human body
✔ Be in demand
Bookmark
Keep up to date with health science study paths and careers, plus read the stories of pros working in this area, at CareerswithSTEM.com/category/health
Listen
Deadly Physios
Proud Kamilaroi man
Cameron Edwards yarns with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander physiotherapists from around Australia.
Physios on the Mic
Hear from Australian physios about a range of health issues and how physiotherapy can make a difference.
Celebrate
World Physiotherapy Day is September 8 every year! Take the time to thank any amazing physios you know for the life changing work they do.
Build your skills
To be a great physio, you’ll need solid skills in the following areas:
• Active listening
• Attention to detail
• Communication • Critical thinking • Empathy • Problem solving • Teamwork • Time management
Read
‘Flying high in sports physio’
See how Rebecca Lang combined her love of science and sports to build an awesome career in sports physio.
‘Diving headlong into concussion research’
Read about the work of Dr Shreya McLeod, a sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapist who has treated some of the world’s leading athletes and completed a PhD on sport related concussion in the Women’s National Rugby League.
Read these above articles at: impact.acu.edu.au
‘Technical skills development for Australian physiotherapy students in Timor-Leste’ (DFAT)
Learn about the unique study placements available to ACU healthcare students in Timor-Leste through the New Colombo Plan Mobility Program.
