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A rehab specialist is a fitness professional who specialises in helping clients recover from sports injuries, illness or other barriers that have otherwise prohibited them from achieving their fitness goals and living their life freely. These sessions can be held in a gym or fitness centre, at a medical clinic or even in the client's home. Some rehabilitation specialists will have expertise in certain areas of the body or specific injuries and ailments.
As a rehabilitation specialist, you, potentially alongside other rehabilitation consultants or specialists, will develop and deliver a specific plan that addresses each client's needs. These programs take into account a range of factors including the client's age, physical ability, fitness goals, everyday lifestyle and from which type of injury or other issue he or she is recovering. Rehabilitation specialists have a strong knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and the ability to communicate clearly while working with a variety of clients and other healthcare professionals.
There are 2 courses available for people who want to become a Rehabilitation Specialist.
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The Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours) prepares students for a career as Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs), a rapidly expanding profession in Australia. As AEPs, students will specialise in designing and implementing exercise interventions for a range of conditions, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, cancer, and mental health issues. The course also focuses on providing health and physical activity education, advice, and support, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. This degree equips students with essential knowledge and skills for successful practice in exercise physiology. Learn more.
Are you passionate about footcare, human movement and mobility? How about becoming a qualified podiatrist with the Bachelor of Podiatry. This fantastic degree program teaches you to carry out podiatry work in hospitals, sports clinics, community health centres, rehabilitation clinics, research organisations, and private practice. The program covers: human anatomy for podiatry, biomedical science, pharmacology, podiatry clinical practice, podiatric surgery and medicine, diabetes and wound management, sports podiatry, and much more. You’ll also gain around 1,000 hours of practical experience and may be eligible for registration with the Podiatry Registration Board of Australia when you graduate. Enquire now for the full list of admissions criteria, study units, and universities that offer the Bachelor of Podiatry. Learn more.
In Australia, a full time rehabilitation specialist generally earns $1,350 per week ($70,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
As of May 2020, there were 8,412 personal trainers in Australia. In terms of overall gym instructors, there were 37,800 as of May 2019, with that number expected to grow to 43,900 by May 2024. There were also more than 118,000 sports and fitness workers and almost 32,000 physiotherapists as of May 2019. These positions can feature many of the same skills and knowledge required to be a rehabilitation specialist. The fitness and gym industry is expected to generate $2.4 billion in annual revenue by 2022.
Source: Ibis World and The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections
To become a rehabilitation specialist, you usually must hold a Diploma of Fitness. This course of study can take anywhere from 9-12 months up to 2 years to complete depending on if you study full time or part time and whether you choose to study in-person, online or via blended study. You will also often need to complete a practical placement, as well as earn first-aid and CPR certificates and obtain experience in the industry before ascending to this advanced position.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within fitness and personal training. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Fitness and Personal Training
Fitness Instructor
$1,060 weekly pay
Gym Instructor
Gym Receptionist
$960 weekly pay
Personal Trainer
$1,150 weekly pay
Yoga Instructor
Advanced Personal Trainer
$1,350 weekly pay
Fitness Centre Manager
Fitness Studio Manager
Gym Manager
Rehabilitation Specialist
Strength and Conditioning Coach
$1,500 weekly pay