This course is an entry level physiotherapy program designed to allow students with a first degree to obtain a professional qualification in physiotherapy.

This two year physiotherapy masters degree course is offered on a full-time basis. The course uses an enquiry-based learning approach that emphasizes client-centred, inter-professional and evidence-based practice. Students will be able to apply their knowledge and practical skills to the physiotherapy management of disorders across the life span. During the preclinical semesters, students develop the practical aspects of physiotherapy, through simulated learning environments and by practising on each other.

Following a preparatory subject in the summer semester (Jan-Feb), in the first semester you will develop clinical reasoning, assessment and treatment skills in the core areas of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy across a lifespan. This is followed by 18 months of integrated theory and clinical practice subjects, when you will be primarily located in the clinical environment.

The clinical practice and theory subjects extend outside official University semester dates. The course fosters small-group learning to master the practical aspects of physiotherapy practice. You will be given the opportunity to assess and treat patients in hospitals and other clinical settings under the supervision of a qualified clinician.

Clinical Work Experience

In the final 18 months of the graduate-entry Physiotherapy program, students will be allocated to a clinical school and will undertake, in each semester, two 5-week full-time clinical placements, and two theory subjects in a five-week theory block.

Students are required to undertake placements in a variety of health care settings in the areas of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy practice.  In the second year, students have the opportunity to undertake placements in more specialized areas of clinical practice such as women’s health, paediatrics, sports, oncology and spinal cord injury.

Entry Requirements

Prospective applicants require a relevant bachelor degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 65% (may run higher).

Applicants will also be required to show that they have completed the following prerequisite courses:

• Musculoskeletal Anatomy  (upper and lower limb, pelvis, spine, thorax, head and neck) **
• Neuroanatomy (anatomy of the brain, central nervous system and cranial nerves)
• Human / Exercise Physiology

**Satisfying this subject prerequisite generally requires between two (2) and four (4) subjects – The La Trobe University Physiology and Anatomy Bridging Course does NOT satisfy this prerequisite.

Professional Recognition

La Trobe University’s Master of Physiotherapy program is accredited by the Australian Council of Physiotherapy Regulating Authorities. Graduates are eligible for physiotherapy registration in any State or Territory of Australia.

Students wishing to license as a physiotherapist in Canada should contact the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators for procedures and accreditation procedures. The CAPR is the national federation of provincial/territorial regulators in Canada.

KOM Consultants understands the process and requirements needed to enter the Physiotherapy profession in Canada.

Contact KOM Consultants for more information.  All students applying directly through KOM Consultants will be supported with the latest information on the accreditation process.

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The Golden Age category applies to universities that are more than 50 years old, but less than 80, and recognises universities created during an extraordinary post war era of higher education expansion.

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said he was pleased at how well La Trobe had performed in its first year of inclusion in the Golden Age rankings. …