Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a health profession concerned with the prevention, assessment and treatment of human movement disorders. Clinical problems encountered by the physiotherapist are wide-ranging and often challenging, but usually involve musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiorespiratory disorders.

Clinical placements start in your first year of study and continue throughout your degree providing you with substantial clinical experience. This ensures you are continually putting into practice the theory and hands-on skills you learn throughout the program.

The program involves the learning of professional physiotherapy knowledge and skills underpinned by the relevant biomedical and behavioural sciences. A case-based learning approach and innovative educational strategies are used to integrate the clinical and basic sciences. Clinical experience is undertaken in a variety of health settings, which may include private practices, hospital wards, rehabilitation units, community health centres, and hospital outpatient clinics.

Physiotherapists may work as members of multi-professional health-care teams, in general hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community clinics and private practice. They are also active in the development of preventive health projects and are frequently attached to sporting bodies, schools and industries. There is a recognised national shortage of physiotherapists so graduate career prospects are excellent.

Current Australian Year 12 Students:

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on ATAR or equivalent.

Non school leavers and previous Australian Year 12 students:

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on:

• Previous Year 12 studies and/or
• Higher education, tertiary, post-secondary qualifications and/or
• Overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications.

International Students

International students currently undertaking:

• an Australian Year 12 in Australia
• an Australian Year 12 outside Australia
• an International Baccalaureat (IB) in Australia

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on ATAR or equivalent.

All other international students:

Apply direct to International Admissions. Entry based on overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications, as well as satisfying English language requirement.

Students who completed their education in a non-English speaking country must have an IELTS of 7.0 on admission in line with University policy.

English Advanced, Chemistry, and either Biology or Physics Applicants who have not studied these courses should consider taking relevant bridging courses before the commencement of the University year.

Chemistry and/or Physics and/or Biology and English Advanced

• National Police Certificate
• Prohibited Employment Declaration

• Students are required to complete a NSW Department of Health Vaccination Card in order to undertake professional placements in a NSW Department of Health facility. First Aid Certificate.

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to new program go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on How to apply for credit.

Students who have achieved a Grade Point Average of 5.5 or more over the program by the completion of year 3, will be invited to undertake HLSC4310 (Research Project) and, where the candidate's research project outcomes are of a sufficient standard, the degree may be awarded with Honours.

Students will complete substantial supervised clinical practice in a variety of settings both locally and nationally as part of the program. Rural placements will be mandatory. Travel, accommodation and related expenses for professional experience will be the responsibility of the student.

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy program has full accreditation awarded by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.

Graduates apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

The current standard English Language Competency for registration as a practitioner in your chose health discipline in most states of Australia is an IELTS of 7.0.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Please be aware that the current standard English language competency for registration as a practitioner in your discipline in most states of Australia is IELTS 7.0.

Students who have impaired function in their hands or arms, or a visual impairment will have difficulty pursuing this program. It is highly advisable for any prospective student with such a disability to contact the Faculty to discuss the issue.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity or professional practice. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

The Physiotherapy program requires students to undertake extensive practical learning and clinical fieldwork. Prospective students requiring further information should contact the Student Hub.

Students must obtain a WorkCover approved First Aid Certificate before their first clinical fieldwork placement.

Students in this program may also be required to spend a period of time in the University's Department of Rural Health based in Tamworth in rural NSW or in the Central Coast Clinical Unit based in Gosford or other locations outside the Hunter Region. While attending one of these placements, students are responsible for all travel, accommodation and related expenses. Applicants should be aware of this requirement when applying for entry to the B Physiotherapy program.

Except with the permission of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, a candidate shall complete the program within six years of study from the date of commencement.