Doctor of Physiotherapy

The Doctor of Physiotherapy program offers an innovative problem- and case-based learning model of physiotherapy education to prepare entry-level physiotherapists for their roles and responsibilities as first-contact practitioners.

The program integrates the clinical, pathological and related basic sciences with the physiotherapy knowledge, skills and professional behaviours and attitudes required to examine, diagnose and treat physiotherapy clients.

The Doctor of Physiotherapy assists students to progressively develop and apply their knowledge, skills and professional attitudes and behaviours to undertake physiotherapy practice and places a strong emphasis on clinical experiential learning with up to 1440 hours of learning in a clinical environment.

Clinical practice experiences are designed to produce work-ready, entry-level graduates who are competent to practise across the lifespan in a range of environments and settings.

Variable experiences across the lifespan are sought in the clinical areas of:Orthopaedics;

Cardiorespiratory practice;

outpatient musculoskeletal practice (hospital or private practice settings);

neurological and ortho-geriatric rehabilitation (hospital and community settings);

community rehabilitation across the lifespan - chronic disease or disability;

and paediatrics or women’s / men’s health, or private / sports practice.

In the final semester, students complete a research project and an elective placement or elective coursework subject, both of which are designed to extend the skills and knowledge of the student beyond commonly encountered clinical experiences.

These extending clinical / research and coursework opportunities are designed to ensure graduates are well prepared for entry into the physiotherapy workforce.

Please note that the following structure is for the 2020 May intake. Students of the Doctor of Physiotherapy program must complete the following 20 subjects. 

• Foundations of Physiotherapy (20 CP) (PHTY71-401)
• Physiotherapy: Musculoskeletal 1 (20 CP) (PHTY71-402)
• Physiotherapy: Cardiorespiratory (15CP) (PHTY71-403)
• Physiotherapy: Musculoskeletal 2 (10CP) (PHTY71-404)
• Physiotherapy: Neurological and Rehabilitation (15CP) (PHTY71-405)
• Transition to Professional Practice (5CP) (PHTY71-406)
• Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 1 (10CP) (PHTY71-407)
• Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 2 (10CP) (PHTY71-408)
• Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 3 (10CP) (PHTY71-409)
• Health Research: Literacy, Planning and Design (5CP) (PHTY71-410)
• Healthcare: Leadership, Management and Advocacy (10CP) (PHTY71-411)
• Community Physiotherapy Across the Lifespan (15CP) (PHTY71-412)
• Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 4(10CP) (PHTY71-413)
• Maximising Human Potential and Performance (10CP) (PHTY71-414)
• Evidence Based Practice Research 1 (15CP) (PHTY71-415)
• Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 5 (10CP) (PHTY71-416)
• Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 6 (10CP) (PHTY71-417)
• The Work Ready Physiotherapist (10CP) (PHTY71-418)
• Evidence Based Practice Research 2 (20CP) (PHTY71-419) 
• Elective subjects - complete (1) of the following options:Physiotherapy: Clinical Internship (10CP) (PHTY71-420)Physiotherapy: Innovation and Global Practice (10CP) (PHTY71-421)

This program list is for the existing Doctor of Physiotherapy students pre-2020, May intake. Students of the Doctor of Physiotherapy program must complete the following 20 subjects. 

• Principles of Physiotherapy (20CP) (PHTY91-410)
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy I (20CP) (PHTY91-408)
• Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy (20CP) (PHTY91-409)
• Physiotherapy Clinical Practice Unit 1 (10CP) (PHTY91-413)
• Physiotherapy Clinical Practice Unit 2 (10CP) (PHTY91-414)
• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy II (10CP) (PHTY92-415)
• Neurological Physiotherapy (10CP) (PHTY92-416)
• Physiotherapy Clinical Practice Unit 3 (10CP) (PHTY92-422)
• Physiotherapy Clinical Practice Unit 4 (10CP) (PHTY92-423)
• Physiotherapy Leadership, Management and Advocacy (15CP) (PHTY92-419)
• Physiotherapy for Chronic Disease and Disability (15CP) (PHTY92-420)
• Physiotherapy Clinical Practice Unit 5 (10CP) (PHTY92-424)
• Maximising Human Potential (15CP) (PHTY93-423)
• Physiotherapy Clinical Practice Unit 6 (10CP) (PHTY93-428)
• Evidence Based Practice Research (Part A) (15CP) (PHTY93-421)
• Evidence Based Practice Research (Part B) (15CP) (PHTY93-422)
• The Well Rounded Physiotherapist (5CP) (PHTY93-426) 
• Elective subjects - complete (1) of the following options:Clinical Internship (20CP) (PHTY93-425)Innovation and Global Practice in Physiotherapy (20CP) (PHTY93-427)

Teaching methodology

The Doctor of Physiotherapy program uses a problem-based learning (PBL) model for education. Resource teaching sessions (lectures and practical problem-solving classes), along with seminars and assignments support and extend the PBL mode of learning. Examination formats include objective structure clinical examinations (OSCEs), theory papers, assignments and oral presentations.

Recommended study structure

Please visit Recommended Program Structures for guidance on study plans.

Academic requirements

1. Successful completion of a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree from Bond University, or equivalent degree from a recognised institution with a cumulative GPA 2/4 or 5/7 or better.
2. Evidence of the following tertiary subject prerequisites:Two semesters of Human Anatomy OR equivalentTwo semesters of Human Physiology OR equivalentOne semester of Biomechanics OR equivalentOne semester of Research Design/Statistics OR equivalentOne semester of Physiology of Exercise OR equivalentOne semester of Exercise Prescription OR equivalent
3. Successful performance at a selection interview.

Application

Please lodge a Direct Entry Application Form for Postgraduate Study form online. To find out more about the application process please refer to How to Apply.

1. Applications must be lodged online by Monday, 3 August 2020 and should include all accompanying documentation, including your academic transcript and subject outlines (if they are not listed on the Doctor Physiotherapy Prerequisites page).
2. Applications will then be assessed by the Faculty to determine your eligibility based on an assessment of academic performance.
3. Short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview to be preferably held on-campus (at the expense of the applicant). Interviews are offered in person or utilising video calling software.

2020 application process for international students

Please lodge a Direct Entry Application Form for Postgraduate Study form online.  To find out more about the application process please refer to How to Apply.

1. Applications must be lodged online by Monday, 3 August 2020 and should include all accompanying documentation, including your academic transcript, subject outlines (if they are not listed on Doctor Physiotherapy Prerequisites page) and documented proof of your English language proficiency.
2. Applications will then be assessed by the Faculty to determine your eligibility based on an assessment of academic performance.
3. Short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview to be conducted remotely utilising video calling software.

English language proficiency requirements

As tuition is delivered in English, all students will be required to provide documented evidence of the required level of proficiency in the English language. Read more detailed information on English Language Proficiency Requirements for university study.

The Doctor of Physiotherapy produces work-ready graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes and behaviours to be eligible for registration as a physiotherapist in Australia.