Physiotherapy: an expanding sector with long-term stability

• Overview of physiotherapy
• Job growth projections over the next five years: 28.7 per cent
• 46,600 employed physiotherapists in Australia
• Average annual salary: $95,000
• Annual employment growth: 2,000

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists help people improve their movement, manage pain and recover from musculoskeletal injuries. They treat a wide range of issues, from back pain and arthritis to sports injuries and post-surgery rehabilitation. Physios also play an important role in client education and injury prevention.

What is the current state of physiotherapy and what’s driving workforce growth?

Physiotherapy has a workforce of 46,600 employed professionals and is currently in a phase of rapid growth throughout the country.

While a widespread shortage of physiotherapists exists, the Australian Physiotherapy Association reveals that rural, regional and remote communities are in the highest need and face limited availability of services compared to metropolitan areas. This imbalance highlights a gap in access, meaning many Australians outside major cities may struggle to receive adequate physiotherapy care.

SEEK data projects a job growth of 28.7 per cent over the next five years, while Jobs and Skills Australia data shows that physiotherapists can expect a 33.6 per cent workforce increase over the next decade.

There are many factors that contribute to the recent and future expansion of physiotherapy in Australia. A key contributor is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which provides funding for therapy services and support for people with disabilities. Through NDIS-funded physiotherapy, participants can improve their mobility, gain more independence and experience better function in their everyday lives.

With nearly one in six Australians expected to be over 65 by 2031, the country’s ageing population is another driving force behind the increased demand for qualified physiotherapists. Older adults seeking care from a physiotherapist may need mobility support, targeted strengthening exercises and support for independent living.

Rising rates of chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and chronic back pain are also increasing the need for physiotherapists to provide long-term, evidence- based care. There is also an upward trend in preventative care, giving physiotherapists opportunities to help people prevent injuries, improve overall health and promote long-term wellbeing through holistic health improvement strategies.

Broad career prospects for physiotherapists

For anyone thinking about becoming a physiotherapist in Australia, the outlook is promising. As mentioned, expanding the workforce to improve the distribution of physios across in-need regions and demographics is vital to meet the needs of ageing populations and people living with chronic conditions or disabilities.

Physios can also explore career opportunities in a variety of niche health areas. Many physios choose to complete further training to become specialist physiotherapists and practice in one of the nine physiotherapy specialisations. Examples of these include sports and exercise, women’s health and occupational health physiotherapy. Obtaining a specialist credential can also help boost your professional credibility, increase your overall job satisfaction and open the door to a higher earning potential.

Whether in hospitals, private clinics, sports teams, home care, aged care or community health services, physiotherapists have a broad spectrum of settings within which to apply their skills.

How can you be a part of this expanding field?

To become a physiotherapist in Australia, you need to complete an undergraduate degree in physiotherapy, such as a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, which is offered at various universities. These courses typically take four years to complete full-time.

An alternative pathway involves completing a graduate-entry master’s degree in physiotherapy, such as the Master of Physiotherapy Practice from La Trobe University, the Master of Physiotherapy from the University of Tasmania or the Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry) from Adelaide University.

The above postgraduate courses take around two years to complete full-time and are designed for those with a prior undergraduate degree in a related health-science field or are open to those pivoting from a different field, depending on the specific program and institution.

Once qualified, physiotherapists must register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) to practice.

Kick-start your physiotherapy career today

Physiotherapy offers unique career opportunities, from private practice to professional sports and community healthcare. If physiotherapy sounds like a compelling path to you, explore the graduate-entry physiotherapy degrees above and find a program to help you become qualified.

GlobalHealth Education also lists a variety of healthcare courses from many reputable Australian universities, including our university partners. These courses are flexible and designed to fit in with your busy work and lifestyle needs. You’ll find courses offered online, on campus or a blend of both so you can advance your healthcare career sooner.