
Introduction to Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps people recover from injury, manage pain and improve mobility, restoring their confidence and quality of life. With the right training, you can play a vital role in that journey.
Through Open Universities Australia, you can explore online physiotherapy courses from leading universities, designed to fit around your life. You’ll build knowledge in anatomy, movement science and practical approaches to patient care.
See what's available below, and connect with our student advisors if you need guidance along the way.
Explore physiotherapy courses
Discover physiotherapy courses
Online physiotherapy degrees
Graduate Certificate in Exercise Rehabilitation for Sports Injuries
Postgraduate
ACU-ERS-GCEAdd rehab to your health science skillset
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Diploma of Exercise and Sport Science
Undergraduate
UND-ESS-DIPBuild foundations in movement and healthy living
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy
Postgraduate
ACU-SEP-MASKeep athletes healthy and safe through your career in sports
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy/Master of High Performance Sport
Postgraduate
ACU-EXP-MASHelp athletes reach peak performance
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
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Physiotherapy study FAQs
What physiotherapy courses can I study online?
Through Open Universities Australia, you can find online courses that focus on areas like anatomy, movement science, rehabilitation and exercise physiology, which are all essential foundations for a career in physiotherapy or related fields.
Options range from single subjects to full qualifications in allied health and rehabilitation, all delivered by leading Australian universities.
Some courses are designed as pathways into the field, while others are intended for qualified physiotherapists and health professionals looking to upskill or specialise further.
What are the entry requirements? Do I need prior healthcare experience?
Entry requirements vary. Many undergraduate subjects or introductory courses have open entry, so you don’t need previous healthcare experience.
Postgraduate pathways or more advanced study will require a related bachelor degree or relevant professional experience.
What will I learn in an online physiotherapy course?
You’ll gain a strong understanding of how the body moves, heals and functions.
Topics often include anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, movement science, injury prevention and rehabilitation techniques.
You’ll also learn evidence-based approaches to improve mobility, manage pain and support long-term recovery.
Are there opportunities for hands-on learning, simulations or workshops?
Some online courses include virtual simulations, case studies and interactive learning to help you build practical skills.
If you choose a qualification that leads toward clinical practice, like a Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy for example, you may be required to attend on-campus workshops or supervised placements.
Keep this in mind if you're eyeing courses that are delivered interstate.
What jobs can I get after completing an online physiotherapy course?
Online physiotherapy courses can prepare you for roles in allied health, rehabilitation support, exercise physiology, or as a pathway toward further physiotherapy study.
They’re also valuable for professionals in health, fitness or community services who want to expand their expertise.
Can I become a registered physiotherapist by studying online?
To become a fully registered physiotherapist in Australia, you’ll need an accredited physiotherapy degree that includes clinical placements.
While some study can be completed online, practical on-campus learning and supervised clinical experience are essential for registration. Online courses can be a great first step toward this pathway.
How do I enrol?
Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:
1. Find your course
Browse the options on this page.
Use our comparison tool to explore the different choices.
Need help? Book a free phone consultation with a student advisor for personalised guidance.
2. Start your enrolment
When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.
Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.
You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:
Proof of identity
Your tax file number
3. Wait for confirmation
Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.
Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.
For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.
I’m not sure physiotherapy is for me. What other study areas should I consider?
If you’re unsure about committing to physiotherapy, there are plenty of related fields where you can still make a difference in people’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Here are some options to explore based on your interests:
If you’re interested in: | You could explore: |
---|---|
Helping people stay active, preventing injuries and improving performance | |
Supporting recovery and wellbeing through non-clinical roles | |
Promoting general health and wellbeing in communities | |
Working in a health-related field without clinical practice | |
A broader introduction to healthcare pathways |
These areas still allow you to work in healthcare and improve lives, but may not require the same level of clinical training as physiotherapy.
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