Allied Health

What is the difference between an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist?

Occupational therapists help patients perform tasks in daily life, while physiotherapists help patients improve their movement, strength and function. The term occupation refers to everyday life tasks, while physiotherapy refers to physical therapy. Both are science-based allied health roles that aim to improve quality of life through prevention, maintenance and treatment.

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Which courses qualify you to work as an occupational therapist?

You can become qualified to work as an occupational therapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:

• Master of Occupational Therapy (postgraduate degree)
  Average duration: 24 months
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
  Average duration: 4 years
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
  Average duration: 4 years

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Which courses qualify you to work as a physiotherapist?

You can become qualified to work as a physiotherapist by completing one of the following degrees, depending on your educational pathway:

• Doctor of Physiotherapy (postgraduate degree)
  Average duration: 3 years
• Master of Physiotherapy (postgraduate degree)
  Average duration: 24 months
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
  Average duration: 4 years
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy
  Average duration: 4 years

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Do you need a degree to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist?

Yes, you need to complete an accredited degree to work legally as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist in Australia. The two core pathways are completing a bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate degree. The Occupational Therapy Council of Australia and Australian Physiotherapy Council are responsible for accrediting such courses.

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Can overseas candidates have their qualifications recognised in Australia?

Yes, overseas-qualified practitioners can work in Australia by registering with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia or Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Practitioners who are currently registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand or Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand can apply directly for Australian registration. Other overseas-qualified practitioners have to fulfil the requirements listed on the relevant webpages of the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

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How can a postgraduate degree qualify you to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist?

If you have already completed an approved degree in a different discipline, you can gain an accredited postgraduate degree to become qualified to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Examples of such degrees are a Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Physiotherapy and Doctor of Physiotherapy. Postgraduate degrees in these fields may have additional entry requirements, including but not limited to health-related prerequisite subjects.

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What can I do if I don’t meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or physiotherapy?

In some cases, completing vocational education and training (VET) in a related discipline can allow you to meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree in these fields. Entry requirements vary between educational providers. Some providers offer a VET entry pathway with a minimum of a Certificate IV, but others require a minimum of a diploma or advanced diploma. Some providers do not offer a VET pathway for these courses at all. Therefore, it’s wise to confirm the entry requirements for your desired bachelor’s degree before starting a VET course.

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Are there additional entry requirements to work as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist?

In addition to completing an accredited degree, occupational therapists and physiotherapists will need to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia or Physiotherapy Board of Australia to work in Australia. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) administers practitioner registration on behalf of these boards. There are different requirements to gain registration for Australian-qualified practitioners, New Zealand-registered practitioners, and other overseas-qualified practitioners.

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What career paths are available for occupational therapists or physiotherapists?

Career paths for these professions include independent contracting, starting a practice, working in community care, paediatrics, mental health, rehabilitation, disability, medical or aged care sectors).

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How much do occupational therapists and physiotherapists earn in Australia?

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for occupational therapists and physiotherapists in 2024 are $1,526 and $1,710, respectively. These figures can be contrasted with Australian workers of all occupations, who earn a median full-time weekly income of $1,697.

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How much labour market demand is there for occupational therapists?

There is a significant demand for occupational therapists across Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List indicates that the labour market had a shortage of occupational therapists across all states and territories from 2022 to 2024.

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How much labour market demand is there for physiotherapists?

There is substantial demand for physiotherapists in Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia’s Occupation Shortage List indicates that the labour market experienced a shortage of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in most states and territories from 2022 to 2024.

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What are the advantages of a career in occupational therapy or physiotherapy?

Working as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist comes with the satisfaction of directly helping to improve patients’ quality of life. Furthermore, the job market is promising, as Jobs and Skills Australia reports there is significant labour market demand for both professions. The future outlook is also positive, as Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the annual employment growth in 2024 for occupational therapists and physiotherapists is 2,200 and 4,100, respectively.

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