Physiotherapist
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work weekends and be on call
- Usually work in hospitals and health clinics and may travel locally
- May do physically demanding work
- Need to be accurate, safety conscious and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Develop medical treatment plans
- Examine patients to assess general physical condition
- Analyse patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals
- Record patient medical histories
- Enter patient or treatment data into computers
- Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments
- Evaluate patient outcomes to determine effectiveness of treatments
- Collaborate with health care professionals to plan or provide treatment
- Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses
- Treat patients using physical therapy techniques
Outlook
Physiotherapy is evolving as healthcare places greater emphasis on rehabilitation, injury prevention and helping people stay active throughout their lives. In New Zealand, an ageing population and growing focus on recovery and long-term wellbeing are influencing the profession. Digital health tools, telehealth and data-informed care are also changing how services are delivered, while new models of care are creating opportunities across the health sector.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong communication and people skills
- Empathy and understanding of different needs
- Problem-solving and clinical reasoning ability
- Ability to motivate and support others
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
- Strong organisation and attention to detail
Professional registration
Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand
registration@physioboard.org.nz
04 471 2610
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Tips from AUT graduates
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.