The University of Melbourne

Program

The Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) at University of Melbourne is a 3-year, full-time entry-to-practice graduate degree. Building on prior learning at an undergraduate level, the Doctor of Physiotherapy provides you with a comprehensive, integrated course in the theory and practice of physiotherapy.

As a physio student, you will experience the inner workings of the clinical schools and world-renowned facilities of the Melbourne medical precinct. Throughout your training, you will have access to unrivalled opportunities across a range of specialist areas such as cardio respiratory, pediatrics, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy practice.

The Melbourne DPT is a mix of individual and group work assessments, written and oral presentations, and skills-based assessments. Desired graduate attributes have been carefully defined, developed and mapped to every component of the course and have been collated into six domains:

• Self
• Knowledge
• Patient
• Physiotherapy profession
• Systems of health care
• Society

In addition, students will complete a “Critical perspectives in physiotherapy” portfolio that will explicitly and cumulatively build on your ability to reflect on your learning experiences and understanding of the physiotherapy graduate attributes.

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.

Clinical Placements
As a student in the Doctor of Physiotherapy, there will be many opportunities to explore clinical practice, research, and advocacy. Throughout the program, you can partake in clinical and research opportunities that will enhance your overall learning experience and increase your professional skills. If you have hospital work in mind, cardiorespiratory components and other dedicated areas in physiotherapy are offered throughout clinical practice rotations. This assists graduates to enter the industry well-equipped to handle the rigors that medical professionals face.

The clinical program builds progressively to independent practice, with approximately 37 weeks of clinical practice.

The opportunities for students range from private and sporting facility practice, through to community health and major hospitals. The university’s relationships with its clinical partners such as Melbourne Health, Austin Health, Western Health, St. Vincent’s and Royal Children’s Hospital will allow you to experience exclusive clinical experience in the country’s leading institutions.

Through contact with established physiotherapists, you can develop your leadership and management skills. You will witness how successful physiotherapists structure and run their own businesses. You will also learn how to future-proof your work with a greater understanding of new and innovative practices, which will equip you to better serve patients now and beyond.