Bachelor of Physiotherapy

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy / Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) primarily prepares graduates eligible for registration and employment as physiotherapists.

CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy is a fully accredited course designed to expand the professional opportunities for students from regional and remote backgrounds, as well as addressing the shortage of health professionals in non-metropolitan areas. 

Graduates will not only have specific skills for practice in rural and remote Australia, but will also be equipped to practise in metropolitan areas and internationally.

What will I learn?

You will graduate with the knowledge to formulate physiotherapeutic diagnoses and provide appropriate programs of therapeutic exercise and treatments to those primarily with physical conditions. 

Studies in behavioural and biomedical science, as well as clinical experience will prepare you for employment as entry-level physiotherapists in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, and private practices.

You will also develop skills in learning, problem solving and decision making, which are essential for continued high-level practice as a physiotherapist.

This course includes practical experience through workplace learning.

Credit and articulation

If you are accepted into CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy and feel you have completed subjects or work experience that would be eligible for recognition, you can apply for credit after you have enrolled into the course. You will be required to submit sufficient documentation to the University for consideration. Common areas of credit are physiology and psychology. Credit may result in a reduced work load, but it is uncommon for credit to result in a reduced course duration.

CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy has been awarded full accreditation with the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC). Graduates of the course are eligible for registration in all states and territories of Australia, and may also work internationally.

Additional admission requirements

Refer to the workplace learning section for information on:

• Immunisation
• National Criminal Record Clearance  
• Senior First Aid Certificate

Learning facilities

You will learn using new state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities designed to simulate a range of clinical environments, which you will find once you are out in the workplace. These advanced facilities include:

• musculoskeletal clinic
• hospital ward
• rehabilitation gym
• movement laboratory
• state-of-the-art computer centres. 

CSU's Allied Health Clinic

CSU's Allied Health Clinic is a modern clinic housed in the historic Adams Building on Olive St in Albury city. It features:

• 10 consultation rooms
• a surgical room
• a sterilisation room
• a gait analysis area 
• the latest computerised booking system.

The Clinic is committed to providing excellence in allied health services in regional Australia and plays an important part in the education provided to CSU's allied health students. 
The Clinic provides podiatric services, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing and healthy lifestyle education. As a student of CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy, you will undertake clinical placements at the Allied Health Clinic as part of the practical component of your course and will work under the supervision of qualified practioners and alongside students of other allied health disciplines, such as podiatry.

Your course is recognised by industry

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy has been awarded full accreditation with the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC). Graduates of the course are eligible for registration in all states and territories of Australia, and may also work internationally.

Why do Honours?

Undertaking Honours gives you the opportunity to produce your own research, which will contribute to the research evidence for the physiotherapy profession. It may also be published and presented at relevant conferences to your peers.

Completing an Honours degree provides you with a stepping stone for further postgraduate study such as a PhD and healthcare research.  It offers you a wider range of employment opportunities as well as giving you an edge when presenting your CV for employment.

More about the program

You will undertake an Honours project and receive individual mentoring for two years in which time you will learn to be a critical consumer of research as well as developing the skills required to undertake research. 

Determination of the grade of Honours will depend on coursework performance in years three and four of the course as well as performance in the dissertation subject.

Eligibility

To be eligible for transfer into the Honours stream at the beginning of year three, students are required to achieve grades of Credit or above in at least 50% of first and second level subjects. Selection into the Honours stream will depend upon high academic merit and the availability of supervisors and research topics.

Course structure

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy/Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) course is of 256 points duration, as follows.

Common subjects to both pass and honours streams (21 subjects; 224 points)

BMS161 Health and Human Body – Cells, Immunity and Musculoskeletal
BMS162 Health and Human Body – Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal
BMS171 Introductory Functional Human Anatomy 1
BMS172 Functional anatomy of the vertebral column, pelvic girdle and lower limbs
BMS255 Neuroscience for Health Practice
BMS256 Exercise Science for Health Practice
BMS257 Movement Science
BMS263 Pharmacology for Allied Health Professionals
BMS271 Functional Anatomy of the head, neck, pectoral girdle and upper limbs
HIP100 Introduction to Health & Rehabilitation
HIP202 Research for Health Practice
PHS100 Introduction to Physiotherapy Clinical Practice (16)
PHS250 Evolving Physiotherapy Clinical Practice
PHS201 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice (16)
PHS300 Integrated Physiotherapy Clinical Practice (16)
PHS301 Acute Care Physiotherapy Practice
PHS302 Neurology and Paediatric Physiotherapy Practice (12)
PHS303 Fundamentals of Physiotherapy Clinical Experience (4)
PHS401 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice Competency (24)
PHS400 Transition to Physiotherapy Clinical Practice
PHS402 Advanced Preparation for Physiotherapy Practice (16)
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology for Health and Human Services

Additional compulsory subjects for Pass stream (3 subjects; 24 points)

HIP302 Understanding Healthy Communities
HIP303 Promoting Healthy Communities
IKC100 Indigenous Health

Elective subject for Pass stream (1 subject; 8 points)

Additional compulsory subjects for Honours stream (2 subjects; 32 points)

HLT333 Community Health Honours Research Preparation (16)
HLT441 Health Honours project/dissertation (16)

Enrolment pattern

By Full-time Study

Year 1
Session 1 (30)
BMS161 Health and the Human Body - Cells, Immunity, & Musculoskeletal
BMS171 Introductory Functional Human Anatomy
HIP100 Introduction to Health & Rehabilitation
PHS100 Introduction to Physiotherapy Clinical Practice (16)(commenced)
Session 2 (60)
BMS162 Health and the Human Body - Cardiovascular, Renal & Respiratory
BMS172 Functional anatomy of the vertebral column, pelvic girdle and lower limbs
PHS100 Introduction to Physiotherapy Clinical Practice (16)(completed)
PSY111 Foundations of Psychology for Health and Human Services

Year 2
Session 1 (30)
BMS257 Movement Science
BMS263 Pharmacology for Allied Health Professionals
BMS271 Functional Anatomy of the head, neck, pectoral girdle and upper limbs
HIP202 Research for Health Practice
Session 2 (60)
BMS255 Neuroscience for Health Practice
BMS256 Exercise Science for Health Practice
PHS201 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice (16) (commenced)
PHS250 Evolving Physiotherapy Clinical Practice

Pass stream
Year 3
Session 1 (30)
PHS201 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice (16)(completed)
PHS300 Integrated physiotherapy clinical practice (16)(commenced)
PHS301 Acute Care Physiotherapy Practice
[ ] Elective
Session 2 (60)
PHS300 Integrated Physiotherapy Clinical Practice (16)(completed)
PHS302 Neurology and Paediatric Physiotherapy Practice (12)
PHS303 Fundamentals of Physiotherapy Clinical Experience (4)
IKC100 Indigenous Health

Year 4
Session 1 (30)
HIP302 Understanding Healthy Communities
PHS401 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice Competency (24)
Session 2 (60)
HIP303 Promoting Healthy Communities
PHS400 Transition to Physiotherapy Clinical Practice
PHS402 Advanced Preparation for Physiotherapy Practice (16)

Honours stream
Year 3
Session 1 (30)
HLT333 Community Health Honours Research Preparation (16)(commenced)
PHS201 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice (16)(completed)
PHS300 Integrated physiotherapy clinical practice (16)(commenced)
PHS301 Acute Care Physiotherapy Practice
Session 2 (60)
HLT333 Community Health Honours Research Preparation (16)(completed)
PHS300 Integrated physiotherapy clinical practice (16)(completed)
PHS302 Neurology and Paediatric Physiotherapy Practice
PHS303 Fundamentals of Physiotherapy Clinical Experience

Year 4
Session 1 (30)
HLT441 Health Honours project/dissertation (16)(commenced)
PHS401 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice Competency (24)
Session 2 (60)
HLT441 Health Honours project/dissertation (16)(completed)
PHS400 Transition to Physiotherapy Clinical Practice
PHS402 Advanced Preparation for Physiotherapy Practice (16)

Professional recognition

The course has been developed within the guidelines set by the Australian Physiotherapy Council of (APC).

Workplace learning

To ensure you graduate as a confident and successful professional practitioner, you will start training as a physiotherapist from your first day of study, completing 1000 hours of clinical experience during your course. Practical experience is essential to assist students in developing a high level of clinical reasoning and skills ideally suited for current health and community contexts. We provide clinical education opportunities that prepare students for working in a wide range of environments, with emphasis on meeting the needs of regional, rural and remote communities. Interacting with other allied health professionals in a clinical environment is also an important aspect of your practical experience.

Clinical placement in each year constitutes the following:

• 1st year: a few half-day placements

• 2nd year: a three-week block placement at the end of the year

• 3rd year: two four-week block placements throughout the year

• 4th year: a three-week, five-week and three four-week block placements throughout the year.

You will have some input into the location of your clinical placements, but the course will ensure that you have a good variety of experiences over the four years. Opportunities for international experience also exist through CSU Global's Short Term Exchange programs.

Clinical placements complement academic coursework and meet the competencies required for registering as a Physiotherapist within Australia.

Admission requirements

CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy offers 40 places at Albury-Wodonga Campus and 40 places at Orange Campus for new students each year. These places are very popular. Competition from year to year dictates the entry score, but as an indication, the published score is usually over 90.00. This includes regional bonus points, available to eligible students who complete their schooling in regional NSW or northern Victoria.

While there are no prerequisite HSC subjects specified for admission, the course involves the study of science-based subjects. Applicants will benefit from having studied mathematics and English as well as science subjects. Successful applicants who believe they do not have an appropriate science background may consider undertaking subjects offered in CSU's STUDY LINK supplementary program prior to commencing study in the course.

The application process

The normal application process for CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy is through UAC or VTAC. CSU does take direct applications, however these applications are not considered until after the normal UAC and VTAC mechanisms have been exhausted in January/February. It should be noted that in previous years no places remained after the second round of offers, and so direct applications are not usually available.

STAT or UMAT scores are not considered for entry into CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy. For school leavers, the ATAR/ENTER is all that is considered. For applicants who have studied at tertiary level, previous Grade Point Average (GPA) is the primary indicator with their ATAR/ENTER also considered. Over the past five years, the average has been around 6.0. This constitutes a Distinction, or B or H2 average.

If you are not accepted into this course, you are advised to consider if physiotherapy is the profession you really want to pursue. To assist you with this decision, you could obtain some work experience or seek advice from a career counsellor. If you still wish to pursue physiotherapy as a career and if you have no Year 12 qualification, or if your first ATAR/ENTER was not high enough, then you may consider re-sitting Year 12. Alternatively, you could enrol in another course with the view to reapplying for the CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy in the future. You should enrol in a course that is of interest to you, that you feel you will do well in and that you will be happy to stay in should you not be accepted into the Bachelor of Physiotherapy on your following applications. All Bachelor degrees are considered equal and no preference is given to particular fields of study.

CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy offers Commonwealth Support Places (CSP), though international students may apply for full fee-paying places.

Principal's Report Entry Program (PREP)

CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy accepts applicants through the Principal's Report Entry Program (PREP). This is a very competitive process and a small number of PREP applicants receive offers each year. Completed forms must be signed by the school principal and bear the school stamp. Applicants should ensure that they have included evidence of their academic ability through school reports.

NB: As with the regional bonus scheme, the PREP scheme is only available to students from the high schools in non-metropolitan areas in NSW, ACT and Victoria.

International applicants

International applicants should apply direct to the University for admission to the Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Places are highly competitive, and students should apply by 31 July each year to commence study the following year.

First-round offers are made in August, and if places remain, second-round offers may be made in September or October. Late applications will be considered with applicants for the next intake.

International students who have already completed a Diploma or equivalent may be eligible for credit for relevant study. Credit packages may be available for some Diplomas. Applicants with a prior qualification, such as a Diploma, Advanced Diploma or equivalent, may apply at the time of application. Subject outlines are to be submitted for credit to be assessed.

Non-school leavers/mature-aged applicants

Each year, depending on the quality of applications, around 10 to 15 students are admitted who are not directly from Year 12. Some may have completed as little as one year of university study in another degree, and others may have completed degrees and have significant life experience.
Non school leavers are judged on a combination of their ATAR/ENTER and their grades at a Bachelor level (or higher) from a tertiary institution. The primary method of ranking non-school leaver applicants is according to the Grade Point Average (GPA) of previous tertiary study plus their ATAR/ENTER. The length of prior study is also taken into account, as well as the level of study, e.g. Bachelor degree versus postgraduate degree. All Bachelor degrees are considered equal - no preference is given to particular fields of study.

Physical demands

CSU's Bachelor of Physiotherapy course involves physical demands on students, particularly in clinical placements. Students will be undertaking practical classes where they will be expected to practice skills on other students as well as act as models for their colleagues. Any students who believe that they may have difficulty with these requirements are advised to contact the Course Coordinator or the Student Equity Officer through info.csu on 1800 334 733 before enrolling.

Travel away from home

You will undertake clinical placements away from your home campus and place of residence. CSU will locate and organise clinical placements for you and you will have some preference in the allocation of placements, however, these preferences can not always be met.

Please note the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate is not accepted for entry into the Bachelor of Physiotherapy.

Admission requirements

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they

1. have undertaken an academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an average score of 6.5, and with scores of 6 or higher in each of the individual skill areas within the last 12 months;  or
2. undertaken a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 577 (or computerised TOEFL score of 233), with a Test for Written English Score (where reported) of at least 5.0 or an Internet-based score of 90 with a written score of 24 within the last 12 months; or
3. undertaken other equivalent examinations, as determined by the Board of Graduate Studies;  or
4. completed a university degree where the language of assessment is in English;

The Presiding Officer of the Board of Graduate Studies may, in special circumstances, on behalf of the Board waive the above proficiency requirements after consulting the relevant Dean, Sub-Dean and nominated Supervisor.

NOTE: A Faculty may require a higher standard of proficiency than that specified above for programs deemed to be linguistically demanding.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1