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Allied Health Courses in Canberra

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Allied Health courses in Canberra

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Common questions

Occupational therapists help patients perform tasks in daily life, while physiotherapists help patients improve their movement, strength and function. The term occupation refers to everyday life tasks, while physiotherapy refers to physical therapy. Both are science-based allied health roles that aim to improve quality of life through prevention, maintenance and treatment.

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You can become qualified to work as an occupational therapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:

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You can become qualified to work as a physiotherapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:

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Yes, you need to complete an accredited degree to work legally as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist in Australia. The two core pathways are completing a bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate degree. The Occupational Therapy Council of Australia and Australian Physiotherapy Council are responsible for accrediting such courses.

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Yes, overseas-qualified practitioners can work in Australia by registering with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia or Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Practitioners who are currently registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand or Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand can apply directly for Australian registration. Other overseas-qualified practitioners have to fulfil the requirements listed on the relevant webpages of the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

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If you have already completed an approved degree in a different discipline, you can gain an accredited postgraduate degree to become qualified to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Examples of such degrees are a Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Physiotherapy and Doctor of Physiotherapy. Postgraduate degrees in these fields may have additional entry requirements, including but not limited to health-related prerequisite subjects.

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In some cases, completing vocational education and training (VET) in a related discipline can allow you to meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree in these fields. Entry requirements vary between educational providers. Some providers offer a VET entry pathway with a minimum of a Certificate IV, but others require a minimum of a diploma or advanced diploma. Some providers do not offer a VET pathway for these courses at all. Therefore, it’s wise to confirm the entry requirements for your desired bachelor’s degree before starting a VET course.

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In addition to completing an accredited degree, occupational therapists and physiotherapists will need to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia or Physiotherapy Board of Australia to work in Australia. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) administers practitioner registration on behalf of these boards. There are different requirements to gain registration for Australian-qualified practitioners, New Zealand-registered practitioners, and other overseas-qualified practitioners.

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Career paths for these professions include independent contracting, starting a practice, working in community care, paediatrics, mental health, rehabilitation, disability, medical or aged care sectors).

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Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for occupational therapists and physiotherapists in 2024 are $1,526 and $1,710, respectively. These figures can be contrasted with Australian workers of all occupations, who earn a median full-time weekly income of $1,697.

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There is a significant demand for occupational therapists across Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List indicates that the labour market had a shortage of occupational therapists across all states and territories from 2022 to 2024.

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There is substantial demand for physiotherapists in Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List indicates that the labour market experienced a shortage of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in most states and territories from 2022 to 2024.

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Working as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist comes with the satisfaction of directly helping to improve patients’ quality of life. Furthermore, the job market is promising, as Jobs and Skills Australia reports there is significant labour market demand for both professions. The future outlook is also positive, as Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the annual employment growth in 2024 for occupational therapists and physiotherapists is 2,200 and 4,100, respectively.

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Further reading

What can you do with a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance?

31st August 2021

What can you do with a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy)?

3rd March 2022

What can you do with a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance?

8th January 2020

More about Allied Health courses

If you're looking to advance your career in the healthcare industry, the Allied Health Courses in Canberra page offers an extensive range of options to suit experienced learners. With 15 Allied Health courses available, you'll be well-equipped to explore various specialisations within this vital field. Our comprehensive list includes advanced training such as the Certificate IV in Mental Health and the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, both of which are delivered by reputable training institutions located right in Canberra.

Canberra boasts several recognised training providers offering quality education in Allied Health. Institutions like the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and the University of Canberra (UC) are well-situated for those who prefer a campus-based learning experience. For instance, the UC offers the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, providing students with the necessary skills needed for a successful career in this essential sector.

Students can also explore a variety of specialised areas within Allied Health, including Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Nursing. Each of these categories offers a range of courses tailored for those who aim to develop specific skill sets that address contemporary health challenges. For example, the Master of Physiotherapy prepares students for advanced practice in various therapeutic settings across Canberra.

In addition to excellent course offerings, training providers such as Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Australian National University (ANU) have established a strong presence in the region, delivering high-quality education in various allied health disciplines. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in Medical Administration or further enhancing your skills in Psychology, Canberra's Allied Health courses offer a supportive environment for your educational journey. Take the first steps toward advancing your career by exploring the diverse opportunities available today!