James Cook University Bachelor of Physiotherapy Overview

Today’s healthcare employers are looking for motivated, passionate people ready to be the best professionals they can be. Be ready to reach your full potential and make an impact in the world around you. Your world-class education with JCU’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy course will give you the training you need to succeed.  The Bachelor of Physiotherapy has a focus on ethical and professional practice alongside extensive clinical placements to be prepared for every aspect of the job.   You will be able to provide appropriate, sustainable and clinically relevant services to address the issues found in rural, remote, Indigenous and tropical communities.

While you study physiotherapy in Queensland, will work alongside students in related disciplines, building the network of connections you need for a lifetime of professional success.  You will learn from JCU’s dedicated lecturers and join a supportive learning environment.  JCU lecturers are leaders in their fields. They will be with you at every step to help you set and meet your goals, master the skills necessary for success, and excel in your physio courses.  As you work alongside JCU’s physiotherapy school professionals, you will master effective strategies for planning and executing treatment plans that improve outcomes for your patients.

JCU’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy program is a 4 years program.  On successful completion of the course, graduates will be able to:

• Integrate and adapt a broad and coherent body of theoretical knowledge and technical competencies in diverse contexts as an entry level physiotherapist

• Review professional and ethical frameworks, and underlying principles and concepts, to inform professional behaviours and responsibilities

• Retrieve, critically evaluate and apply established and evolving evidence and concepts to physiotherapy practice

• Formulate, implement and evaluate physiotherapy management plans, across the lifespan, for culturally and demographically diverse peoples, especially in tropical, rural, remote and Indigenous communities

• Demonstrate effective oral and written English language and numerical skills that enable clear, coherent and appropriate communication of theoretical or therapy concepts, treatment options and professional decisions, with clients, families, communities and other professionals

• Apply physiotherapy-based health assessment, promotion, prevention and self-management strategies to individuals and populations

• Deliver and facilitate safe, sustainable and effective collaborative client-centred healthcare within a clearly defined and accepted scope of practice for a physiotherapist

• Reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes to determine future professional development requirements.

Clinical Work Experience

Students will be required to take part in clinical placements in urban, rural, and remote locations.  Over the course of 30 weeks of supervised placements, you will learn how to take your classroom knowledge into the real world.  Gain experience with a diverse range of patients from a variety of backgrounds at the JCU Health Physiotherapy Clinic where you build practical skills throughout your degree.

Entry Requirements

Complete high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 75%.  With applications being very competitive GPA may run higher.  Required Prerequisites are:

• English and Mathematics B plus any one of the following;
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Health Education
  • Physical Education
  • Physics

Professional Recognition

James Cook University’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy program is accredited by the Australian Council of Physiotherapy.  Graduates are eligible for physiotherapy registration in any State or Territory of Australia through the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.  Graduates applying to licensing in Canada will be required to provide details of their program of studies to the relevant bodies and sit a licensing examination.

Students wishing to license as a physiotherapist in Canada should contact the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy for procedures and accreditation procedures. The CAP 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.