Pros and Cons of a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at WSU

Looking into studying Physiotherapy at WSU but need some help making a decision?

Well we’re here to help you out! We’ve talked to Jing, a current Physiotherapy student at WSU, to hear all about the pros and cons of this degree.

So let’s get into it!

Why should you study a Physiotherapy degree at WSU?

Top 3 Pros of a Physiotherapy Degree

Top 3 Cons of a Physiotherapy Degree

Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make

Things to Know Before Starting WSU Physiotherapy

What Makes this Degree Different

Motivations for Studying WSU Physiotherapy

Potential Career Paths

Why should you study a Physiotherapy degree at WSU?

Generally speaking, if you’re interested in the human body, the way muscles work, and you’re quite an active person, physiotherapy is likely a suitable degree for you.

You also have work placement opportunities that count towards your degree, to give you relevant industry experience!

Top 3 Pros of a Physiotherapy degree

#1: It’s a specific course

“You choose the course and you know it’s about anatomy and being a physiotherapist. That’s why I like this course — you’re not studying anything else, just physio,” Jing pointed out.

With Physiotherapy at WSU, all your subjects have been chosen for you as the course is designed to prepare you as a physiotherapist. Therefore, the content is holistically relevant and applicable!

“It’s a very focused degree,” Jing said.

#2: The course environment!

The course culture and overall atmosphere of Physiotherapy at WSU is considered a really encouraging and friendly environment to be in.

“I like how the environment, the people there, and the staff, are all really supportive,” Jing said. 

You can find out more about the course culture in our article here!

#3: It’s an achievable course

Like with other specific or specialist courses, many students find the first few semesters incredibly difficult. And whilst a challenge is always great to keep you working hard, it can be discouraging. 

However, this isn’t the case for Physiotherapy at WSU!

Jing said, “First and second year aren’t too challenging, so you don’t feel demotivated.”

Top 3 Cons of a Physiotherapy degree

#1: Work placement is later on in the course

Unlike some Physiotherapy courses at other universities, WSU students don’t take on industry experience until the third or fourth year of the degree.

Which means that you, arguably, won’t have as much experience under your belt in comparison to other interns and future graduates in the industry.

“Especially for a degree that requires patient interaction, I think it’s quite important to have placement — instead of just learning on paper, it’s important to apply it”, Jing said.

#2: There isn’t much flexibility in the degree

As Physiotherapy is such a focused degree, you don’t get a lot of choice in terms of which subjects you want to study.

Rather than having a few core/mandatory subjects and a couple electives, like majority courses, you have to complete a strict set of units. 

#3: The workload

Although the contact hours for Physiotherapy are considerably average, sitting at around 12 to 15 hours a week, you need to also be able to make time to study for assessments, work through content, and complete assignments.

In studying Physiotherapy at WSU, you can expect a whole range of assessment types, like exams, quizzes, and assignments in the form of posters and presentations. So you really get a balance of everything!

Any regrets? 

“I wish I managed my time better — I was all over the place!” Jing said. 

Full time uni is a challenge in itself. So, trying to juggle both theory and practical components, alongside independent study, and often a casual or part-time job, can become really difficult to manage.

What do you wish you had known before starting Physiotherapy at WSU? 

Jing said, “Get all your paperwork done on time. Don’t make them chase you up.”

As Physiotherapy is a health related degree, and you will be working with other people, you have to complete relevant paperwork and police checks. So it’s really important that you stay on top of the administration side of things as well!

What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities? 

Although Physiotherapy at WSU doesn’t have work placements until third and fourth year, there are other — more positive — differentiating factors.

As Physiotherapy has a particularly high demand, it becomes quite competitive to get into at other universities. With a requirement of a 95.00 ATAR, alongside various other pathways, it’s relatively easier to get into at WSU!

Further, the workload at WSU is reasonable. 

Jing said, “I believe it’s not too ‘fluffy’ in the sense that there isn’t any irrelevant work, it’s all very focused on anatomy, and the skills you need to be a physiotherapist.”

What inspired you to choose Physiotherapy at WSU?

“I’m generally a very science-y person, and I’m quite into fitness. I always get injured myself, so I really empathise with people who go through injuries and can’t move around.

“Not just athletes, but also everyday people, because it’s quite a devastating loss of function,” Jing said. 

Essentially, if you’re interested in how the body works in physical activity, Physiotherapy is heavily intertwined with both the sport and health industries. 

It’s also a matter of being able to help patients understand their bodies, its limitations and ways to heal their injuries.

What are the possible career paths?

You might think that your only career option, after studying Physiotherapy, is to become a Physiotherapist. However, there are a whole range of specialisations that you can dive into! 

• • Musculoskeletal   
  • Respiratory  
  • Aged care  
  • Paediatric  
  • Sports  
  • Dance
  • Gymnastics 

Alongside these specialisations, you can also enter a number of health related professions such as:

• • Health service manager
  • Sports therapist 
  • Personal trainer

Of course, these are just a couple of roles, but there are so many more career options and job opportunities out there for Physiotherapy graduates!

Learn more about Physiotherapy as a career here!

Nandini Dhir is a Content Writer at Art of Smart and is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Marketing) and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Media and Communications), as a Dalyell Scholar, at Sydney University. She enjoys covering local issues in her area and writing about current events in the media. Nandini has had one of her pieces published in an article with the Sydney Morning Herald. In her free time, Nandini loves doing calligraphy, ballet, and sewing, or is otherwise found coddling her cats.