Bachelor of Health Science - Physiotherapy

Summary

AUT offers one of the largest physiotherapy programmes in the Southern Hemisphere, and the only one in the North Island. Our physiotherapy graduates are recognised throughout the world for their knowledge and leadership in healthcare.

Physiotherapists help people improve their quality of life. As a physiotherapist you work with a wide range of people, helping them overcome physical problems due to ageing, injury, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors. Most New Zealand physiotherapists work privately, treating acute sport and accidental injuries, chronic pain, back and neck problems. You also find physiotherapists in most hospitals and general practices.

The Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy) has a strong focus on clinical practice, and you complete about 1,000 hours of clinical experience as part of your studies.

Career opportunities:

Physiotherapists specialise in:

• Acupuncture
• Cardiothoracic illness
• Hand therapy
• Health promotion and primary healthcare
• Manual therapy (including acute and chronic pain, injury, back and neck problems)
• Mental health
• Neurology (for spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis)
• Occupational health
• Older adults
• Paediatrics
• Sports