Physiotherapy

Why study Physiotherapy?

A degree in physiotherapy can lead to a rewarding career working with people of all ages. You will be able to help your clients achieve the highest possible degree of physical activity, participation and quality of life. Develop the knowledge and skills to formulate physiotherapeutic diagnoses and design appropriate programs of prevention, treatment and exercise. Studies in science, clinical experience and skills in problem solving and decision making will prepare you for employment in a variety of healthcare settings.

Career opportunities

There is a strong demand for physiotherapists and you can expect to work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, rehabilitation and community health centres, private practice, industrial clinics and specialist facilities. You may also work in education and research.

Courses

Local students

Physiotherapy courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Mildura
Shepparton
4 years full-time Semester 1 (February)

Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice continued…

Course description
Physiotherapists assess and treat patients with temporary or long-term physical injuries, movement disorders or disabilities, helping them achieve the highest possible degree of recovery, activity, and quality of life. This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to formulate physiotherapeutic diagnoses and design appropriate programs of prevention, treatment and exercise. Providing studies in science, clinical experience, and methods of problem-solving and decision-making, it is designed to prepare graduates for professional roles in various healthcare settings.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 25 in English (any) or 30 in English (ESL), and at least 25 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (any), Physical Education or Physics.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page.
Selection
ATARs (2013)
Melbourne: 96
Bendigo: 95.9
Albury-Wodonga: 95.3
Mildura: 94.95
Shepparton: 95.05
Middle band
Consideration is given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Additional costs
Students are required to complete a National Police Check (A$15.50) annually and a Working with Children Check (no cost) at the commencement of the degree. It is recommended students complete a First Aid Level II course, which is not conducted by La Trobe University, approximately A$160. Other approximate costs include: A$100 per year for practical books, A$10 for student name badge (purchased from official LaTrobe supplier), A$42 for clinical shirt (purchased from official La Trobe supplier), A$120 for stethoscope, A$45 for cardiorespiratory medial equipment, A$20 for goniometer. Text books and cardiorespiratory medical equipment are optional. Books and equipment (other than the name badge and uniform) may be purchased from any supplier; all items remain students' personal property. Accommodation and travel costs for clinical placement may also be incurred and vary according to the venue. Students maybe required to get various immunisations prior to starting clinical placements at their own cost, approximately A$250 $470. Please note costs are approximate and subject to change.
Additional information
NOTE: students at Albury-Wodonga, Mildura and Shepparton campuses must transfer to Bendigo after first year (regional students cannot transfer to the Melbourne campus).

Students must obtain a police check and Working With Children (WWC) check before undertaking clinical placements, and will be registered with the Physiotherapy Registration Board of Australia.

This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the Health Sciences website.
How to apply
VTAC.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and The Australian Physiotherapy Council. Registration is an essential legal prerequisite for practice as a physiotherapist in Australia.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Health Sciences/Physiotherapy Melbourne
Health Sciences/Physiotherapy Bendigo

Want to know more?

Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.

Fees and scholarships

Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.

There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students. 

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Physiotherapy international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice (062598G/ 062798K) Bendigo
Melbourne
4 years Semester 1 (March) $32 600

Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice continued…

Year
2013
Course description
Physiotherapists assess and treat patients with temporary or long-term physical injuries, movement disorders or disabilities, helping them achieve the highest possible degree of recovery, activity, and quality of life. This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to formulate physiotherapeutic diagnoses and design appropriate programs of prevention, treatment and exercise. Providing studies in science, clinical experience, and methods of problem-solving and decision-making, it is designed to prepare graduates for professional roles in various healthcare settings.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions
English Language Requirements
Completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B certificate at postgraduate (EFS PG2a (75%) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0;

TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or more in the Test of Written English;

TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 94 with a minimum for SLR 24; W27;

La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 85 per cent final result in a course;

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 72 with no communicative skill score less than 68.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of A or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A grade of B or higher.

or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 85 and at least four A's, including an A in English and two As in Science
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 95.20
International Baccalaureate - 34
GCE A Levels - 14
Hong Kong A Levels - 9
HKDSE - 2 x Level 5
Sri Lankan A Levels - AAA
STPM - 11
MICSS (UEC) - 2
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 85
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate -
5.5

Sweden Slutbetyg - MVG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 85
Vietnam (Year 12) - 9
Indonesia (SMA) - 9
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.6
GAOKAO - see: the website

If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Special requirements
This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the Health Sciences website.

To enable clinical placements, students will be registered as students, at no cost, with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Subject prerequisite
Two of Biology, Physical Education, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics (any).
Additional costs
Students are required to complete a National Police Check (A$15.50) annually and a Working with Children Check (no cost) at the commencement of the degree. It is recommended students complete a First Aid Level II course, which is not conducted by La Trobe University, approximately A$160. Other approximate costs include: A$100 per year for practical books, A$10 for student name badge (purchased from official LaTrobe supplier), A$42 for clinical shirt (purchased from official La Trobe supplier), A$120 for stethoscope, A$45 for cardiorespiratory medial equipment, A$20 for goniometer. Text books and cardiorespiratory medical equipment are optional. Books and equipment (other than the name badge and uniform) may be purchased from any supplier; all items remain students' personal property. Accommodation and travel costs for clinical placement may also be incurred and vary according to the venue. Students maybe required to get various immunisations prior to starting clinical placements at their own cost, approximately A$250 $470. Please note costs are approximate and subject to change.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Registration is an essential legal prerequisite for practice as a physiotherapist in Australia.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Health Sciences/Physiotherapy Melbourne
Health Sciences/Physiotherapy Bendigo

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

Downloads

Pre-Requisite Waiver Form [PDF 113KB]

Alternative pathways

There are a small number of places available if you wish to transfer into the second year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy Practice degree and have completed common first-year Health Sciences subjects as part of your enrolment in another degree at La Trobe University.

A two-year graduate entry Master of Physiotherapy Practice is available if you hold a relevant undergraduate degree and meet the entry prerequisites.

See Physiotherapy postgraduate information.

Physiotherapy placements

Practical placements are an important part of our program. You will complete 30 weeks of full-time clinical experience in a range of healthcare settings. Placements happen throughout the year and are not limited to standard semester weeks.

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

Overseas clinical placements may be available in your final semester of study.

Regional campus transfer

Students at Albury-Wodonga, Mildura and Shepparton campuses must transfer to the Bendigo campus for second year, and parts of third and fourth years.

Student profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences or focus on staff in Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy events

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