Adelaide’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) will equip you to assess and manage a range of health conditions.  With many courses taught by registered practicing physiotherapists, the degree places an emphasis on real-world experience. You’ll gain high-level knowledge and skills in:

• human anatomy, biomechanics and physiology
• clinical assessment and management of patients with cardiothoracic, musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunction, and developmental disorders
• safe patient handling practices and patient education
• broad public health issues
• evidence-based, patient-centred care.

You will regularly have access Adelaide’s purpose-built training facilities and state-of-the-art simulation suites—among Australasia’s most advanced. In addition, you’ll benefit from collaborative learning with key complementary disciplines, speech pathology and occupational therapy.

What you’ll study

Adelaide’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) requires four years of full-time study, with no option for part-time study.

In your first year of study, you will be introduced to anatomy, physiology, public health and health research courses, with a focus on physiotherapy principles and body movement combined with an introduction to professional practice.

The second year includes detailed applied anatomy, the principles behind physiotherapy management, and incorporates pathophysiology and pharmacology.

The final two years of the program include specialised practice principles including gender- and age-specific needs relative to women’s health and paediatrics; while developing your knowledge of specialty content relating to the clinical assessment and management of clients with cardiothoracic, musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunction.

From late third year, you’ll choose one of two streams—research or industry— and undertake a major project. Research will hone your skills in developing new knowledge; industry focuses on integrating research into practice.

Clinical Placement

Clinical placement will happen in the final 18 months of the program.  This will provide you with an opportunity to apply learning in professional practice settings, under the supervision of qualified and registered clinical professionals.

You will complete over 900 hours of work-based training/clinical placement.   You will have the opportunity to work with children and adults of all ages in multiple metropolitan and rural settings including: public and private health organizations; schools; rehabilitation centres; sporting organizations; and aged care homes.

Entry Requirements

Students will need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 85% if in Ontario or British Columbia, or 90% if in Alberta.  Note that GPA can run higher due to the competitive nature of the program.

Prerequisites:  One of Biology, Chemistry, or Mathematics

Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) has been conditionally accredited for a period of 4 years, commencing 31/12/2020. The University of Adelaide will continue to work with the Australian Physiotherapy Council during this period.

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.