Master of Physiotherapy

Overview

The Master of Physiotherapy program at Swinburne will produce entry to practice with physiotherapists who are confident and enterprising health professionals who will lead practice, innovation and business creation in healthcare. They will have immediate workforce value with competency in Physiotherapy skills that are informed by research and evidence, literacy in digital health, skills in business and entrepreneurship. Graduates will be agile, resilient and engage in community and global contexts within health.

Aims and objectives

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• Exhibit contemporary knowledge, critical thinking, skills and behaviours that meet the professional threshold standards for autonomous entry-level physiotherapy practice in a range of contexts across the lifespan
• Critically analyse and apply an ethical and evidence-based approach to inform sound clinical reasoning for safe and effective person centred practice in local, national and global contexts
• Communicate appropriately and responsively across oral, written and digital modalities to develop therapeutic and professional relationships with individuals and within and across teams
• Adopt a commitment to lifelong learning including the ability to critically evaluate own and peers’ skills to continually develop as reflective physiotherapists prepared to adapt within emerging and rapidly changing local, national and global healthcare environments
• Employ an inclusive, person centred approach to practice through appropriately and effectively collaborating with culturally and linguistically diverse clients, families, the community and interprofessional colleagues
• Professionally articulate cultural capability, including respect, communication, reflection, advocacy, safety and quality that is inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diversity
• Educate and empower others, including clients, families, communities and interprofessional colleagues, to promote and optimise health and wellbeing
• Organise and prioritise workload and resources using critical thinking skills to provide safe, effective and efficient autonomous entry-level healthcare

Career opportunities

Professional recognition

The Master of Physiotherapy is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. Graduates of the Master of Physiotherapy may be eligible to apply for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Professional registration may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Physiotherapy is 100 credit points (normally eight units)

Accreditation placements

Accredited placements are structured opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience in their chosen fields. These placements are part of academic programs and are recognised by educational institutions, enhancing the credibility of the experience. They provide a valuable bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, allowing participants to develop essential skills, network with industry professionals, and enhance their employability. 

Students undertaking the Master of Physiotherapy accreditation placement are subject to fees requirements and must obtain the following:

• uniform
• police check
• working with children check (WWCC)
• NDIS screening check^*
• immunisation form
• COVID-19 vaccination
• hand hygine certificate (yearly)
• N95 mask fit testing

Note: 
* This document may be required by the placement organisation