Course Overview
Eligibility
Career & Study Pathways
Course Content
Semester A – Foundation Physiotherapy Skills
Students understand person-centred healthcare and are able to identify and manage impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions that are non-specific to a region of the body or disease/diagnosis.
Semester B – Managing Common Conditions
Students demonstrate knowledge and skills to assess and provide evidence-based management for patients with common relatively simple musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory conditions.
Semester C – Developing as a Clinician
Students demonstrate the ability to assess and manage patients with a range of common relatively simple conditions that present to physiotherapists in acute care, rehabilitation and primary care settings.
Semester D – Managing More Complex Conditions
Students demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills required to manage more complex conditions and a wider spectrum of patients including children, older people, athletes, workers and those with chronic disease or chronic pain and long-term disabling conditions.
Semester E – Extended Knowledge of Future Leaders
Students demonstrate extended knowledge in business management, leadership and new areas of practice, beyond that expected of a graduating physiotherapist, and demonstrate an ability to design a research project relevant to physiotherapy.
Semester F – Becoming an Independent Clinician and Researcher
Students demonstrate the ability to complete a research project relevant to physiotherapists and work as independent clinicians.
Common Questions
The DPT develops four graduate capabilities: Scientist & Scholar (advanced knowledge and skills for science- and evidence-based practice), Clinical Practitioner (effective communication and highly skilled, competent physiotherapy care), Engaged Global Citizen (socially and culturally responsive practice with awareness of local and global public health issues), and Professional (ethical, reflective practice with leadership and business skills).
The program is structured across six semesters: Semester A covers foundation physiotherapy skills; Semester B focuses on managing common conditions; Semester C develops clinical skills in acute care, rehabilitation and primary care; Semester D addresses more complex conditions including paediatric, aged, sports and chronic disease populations; Semester E builds extended knowledge in business, management and leadership; and Semester F focuses on becoming an independent clinician and completing a research project.
Yes, the program includes clinical placements. Students must meet specific compliance requirements before attending clinical placements, as outlined in Appendix C of the Induction Manual. Students are also required to register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia as a student prior to commencing placements.
Yes, the DPT includes education in business, management and leadership skills to help graduates understand economic and financial considerations in physiotherapy practice. These skills are relevant to managing a private practice, leading a public hospital department, building a business case for new equipment or overseeing a research grant, with the goal of producing leaders in healthcare.
New students are required to complete self-directed learning modules, specifically the Functional Anatomy for Physiotherapists SDL Modules, before commencing the program. Students also need to have assumed knowledge in relevant health sciences as outlined in Appendix A of the Induction Manual, and must fulfil compliance requirements for clinical placements prior to attending them.
Application
Three simple steps to get enrolled
Step 01
Enquire
Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Step 02
Submit Documents
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Step 03
Get Enrolled
Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!
Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.
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