Published: 23rd December 2024. Last modified: 23rd December 2024.
Written by Stephen Charlton
Occupational therapists and physiotherapists are key allied health roles that make a direct and positive impact on patient welfare. If you’re interested in getting qualified and establishing a career in Australia in one of these roles, then you’re in the right place..
Today, we’ll talk to Rachael Dunne, a Sydney-based Allied Health Recruitment Consultant at the medical recruitment agency CC Medical.
Please note that CC Medical can only assist applicants registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency for occupational therapist and physiotherapist jobs..
What do occupational therapists and physiotherapists do?
Occupational therapists help patients develop, recover and maintain the skills needed to perform tasks in daily life. Physiotherapists help patients improve their movement, function and strength through physical therapy. They are both rehabilitative allied health disciplines aimed at improving quality of life through prevention, maintenance and treatment.
How to get qualified as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist
A qualification is legally required to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist in Australia. Rachael explained that you can achieve this through a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree, depending on your chosen pathway.
Be sure to check if your degree is accredited by either the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia or Australian Physiotherapy Council, as this is necessary for you to be able to practise in Australia
Bachelor’s degree pathway
The most common qualification among practitioners in Australia is a bachelor’s degree. It offers a direct pathway to becoming an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. A bachelor's typically takes 3–4 years to complete and provides a comprehensive foundation in theory and practical skills. Upon graduation, you'll meet the requirements to practice legally in Australia. This option is ideal for those leaving high school or early in their academic journey.
Postgraduate degree pathway
Many people pursue a postgraduate degree as their first step into physiotherapy. In Australia, graduate-entry master's programs in physiotherapy and occupational therapy are specifically designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in another area, often in health, science, or a related discipline. It typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete a master’s program, which includes both coursework and practical placements to meet accreditation standards.
Note that postgraduate degrees in occupational therapy or physiotherapy often require prerequisite subjects such as anatomy and physiology, which you can check on the physiotherapy and occupational therapy course pages.
Vocational education and training pathway
While physiotherapy and occupational therapy are professions that generally require a bachelor's degree, there are Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways that can serve as stepping stones or complementary careers to these fields. Here are the most popular VET courses in this field:
- HLT33021 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance - This qualification prepares you to assist physiotherapists or occupational therapists in delivering care under supervision. You’ll learn how to support patients with exercises, mobility aids, and other therapeutic treatments.
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) - While this certificate doesn’t directly lead to physiotherapy or occupational therapy, it provides a foundation for working with individuals who require support due to disability. It can complement a career in allied health and is useful for gaining experience before pursuing a degree.
Mandatory AHPRA registration
Rachael explains that in addition to completing a degree, occupational therapists and physiotherapists must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before they can practise in Australia.
AHPRA administers practitioner registration on behalf of the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. You can register via the occupational therapy or physiotherapy pages on the AHPRA website.
AHPRA registration for Australia and New Zealand-qualified practitioners
Online AHPRA registration is available for practitioners who meet any of the following conditions:
- Graduates who have completed an Australian-approved program of study
- Students who are due to complete an Australian-approved program of study within 12 weeks
- Practitioners who are currently registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand or Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand
There are also other ways to become eligible for registration, as detailed on the AHPRA webpages for occupational therapy or physiotherapy
AHPRA registration for overseas practitioners
Overseas-qualified occupational therapists and physiotherapists can register with AHPRA to become certified to practise in Australia. However, there are additional steps that overseas practitioners must complete to gain registration (excluding New Zealand-registered practitioners). The process is detailed on the AHPRA webpages for overseas practitioners of occupational therapy or physiotherapy.
Tips to get your first allied health job
Rachael suggests that as a graduate, it’s important to be flexible about your preferences in order to find your first job and get established professionally. She also notes the importance of optimising your CV to put your best foot forward.
Tips for interview success
Rachael’s advice to job seekers attending an interview is to research the service and location beforehand, and to “be ready to explain why you want to work there.” She also suggests using competency-based answers, which means “using examples of what you have done in the past to demonstrate a particular skill.” She adds, “Be prepared, be positive, take your time when answering questions and relax.”
What recruiters look for
According to Rachael, recruiters for roles in occupational therapy or physiotherapy are looking for the following attributes:
- An accredited Australian tertiary qualification in occupational therapy or physiotherapy
- AHPRA registration
- An understanding of the area of practice
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
- Sound organisational skills, time management, planning and priority-setting
- Understanding of and commitment to client and family-centred care
- Commitment to professional development and evidence-based practice
She added that, for permanent roles, a commitment to the long term and years of experience
are significant considerations. For temporary roles, she highlighted the importance of availability, relevant skill sets and the ability to hit the ground running and work with minimal supervision
Is there a high demand for occupational therapists and physiotherapists?
The requirements to become qualified to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist in Australia are quite high. However, once you have met the requirements, you can expect your skills to be in high demand.
Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List indicates the labour market had a shortage of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in most states and territories from 2022 to 2024.
Job seekers can expect both professions to be in demand moving forward as according to a 2024 Jobs and Skills Australia report, the annual employment growth for occupational therapists and physiotherapists is 2,200 and 4,100 respectively.
What role does a recruiter play?
Established recruitment agencies have direct access to employers, and can use these relationships to help you find your first job. They collate jobs nationwide, giving you more prospects, and can also offer CV assistance and interview tips. Furthermore, agencies can offer short and long-term contracts and exposure to different work settings, with travel and accommodation provided. A good agency can also place candidates in positions with rates above award wages.