Southern Cross University will introduce a Bachelor of Physiotherapy* for the first time in 2025, with an initial cohort of students at the Coffs Harbour campus.
Chair of Human Sciences and Rehabilitation at Southern Cross University, Associate Professor Chris Stevens, says there is high demand for physiotherapists in the Coffs Harbour region.
"This degree will create an opportunity for those living in these regions to become a physiotherapist and help to meet this need in the community," he says.
"The course develops graduates as physiotherapy practitioners who implement a person-centred, evidence-based approach in their practice, with a focus on care of patients and protection of the public.
"Cultural capability is an important component of the degree and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework will be incorporated, enabling graduates to work in diverse health care settings, with people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds.
"This is an important new degree that complements our existing suite of rehabilitation courses in clinical exercise physiology, osteopathy and occupational therapy."
The new Bachelor of Physiotherapy is being led by Professor Maria Constantinou, who brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge.
"Being able to design a course and to work with local communities to develop health professionals who will service that community is a legacy that I am proud to be part of," says Maria.
"In my career, it has been important to look at how we can make a difference. It's all about the power of education."
Her mission at Southern Cross is to help students see the gift they can give to people in their own community and around the world – the gift of remaining active and living their best lives.
"I tell students, it's important to learn to give because quite often you will get more back," she says.
"Wherever you go as a physiotherapist, you need empathy, an ability to communicate and a desire to help."
The four-year full-time degree will give students an understanding of functional human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, pain sciences, therapeutic exercise, psychology, pharmacology and will explore acute, chronic, acquired and developmental diseases and injury across the lifespan.
With one year of professional placements ensuring competency of practice is met, students will graduate job-ready.
Southern Cross University is ranked number one in Australia for full-time employment in Health Services and Support (Good Universities Guide 2024).
