The Department of Physiotherapy recently celebrated 25 years of excellence in physiotherapy education. The Doctor of Physiotherapy draws on the University of Melbourne's reputation for excellence in teaching and research to inspire and enable students to become outstanding physiotherapists ready to excel as world-class leaders in their chosen field.

Graduates will be work-ready and immediately employable following registration having gained diverse clinical experience in major hospitals and knowledge of primary healthcare and community engagement.

Led by highly credentialed and networked lecturers and mentors, as well as connections with leading hospitals, research institutes and the private sector, the Doctor of Physiotherapy is designed to meet the current and future needs of students, patients and the changing nature of the health workforce.

Graduates have the opportunity to pursue careers in a range of health settings including hospitals, private practice, sporting and rehabilitation facilities, community organisations, in public health advocacy or industry bodies.

The course prepares students for the current needs and changing roles of the physiotherapist in areas such as chronic disease management, health promotion and prevention, as well as acute care, rehabilitation, and sports and private practice. The clinical program builds progressively to independent practice, with approximately 37 weeks of clinical practice.

The program also features include advanced theoretical knowledge in areas such as pharmacology, leadership and management, and  including a student conference.

The program includes:

• Clinical placements in major metropolitan teaching hospitals, primary care, rural and international settings
• Innovative teaching methods and an extensive clinical program that offers advanced skills that will create work-ready and highly employable graduates
• Being part of one of the largest health sciences faculties in Australia
• Being part of Australia's strongest research university

Graduates from the Doctor of Physiotherapy emerge as strong leaders in their field.

Graduates from the program are also able to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority (AHPRA) and work as a physiotherapist in Australia and New Zealand. Previous graduates have ventured around the world with their practice, including the UK, Canada, and the United States. Doctor of Physiotherapy graduates who wish to practice overseas should check with their local physiotherapy registration board to confirm registration requirements.