“Physiotherapy is such a rewarding career and has endless opportunities after graduation. It is an ever-evolving field that will keep you on your toes (literally and figuratively)”
After studying a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology and Life Sciences) in Canada, Cameron was keen to pursue his passion for sport and health by studying physiotherapy. The Doctor of Physiotherapy attracted him because of the comprehensive nature of the Doctorate program, combined with the experience of studying and travelling abroad, setting him up for a successful career back in Canada.
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Why did you decide to study the Doctor of Physiotherapy?
I had always had a keen interest in physiotherapy due to my passion for sport and health. It was a natural progression toward this career path. Prior to starting the course, I was working part-time for a couple of years while taking additional coursework.
I was interested in this course due to it being a 3 year Doctorate program as opposed to the standard 2 year Master degree offered by most universities.
I chose to attend Melbourne as it allowed me to travel abroad while pursuing a career that I was very passionate about.
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What did you like most about your course?
The coursework was intensive but presented in a comprehensive manner. As someone who did not come from a human kinetics background, I found it easy to catch up to my peers due to the good foundations the program sets from the start.
There are also a lot of opportunities to get hands on experience in the course. As someone who learns by doing, this was very helpful in preparing me for the workplace. What was also particularly helpful were the 6 placements completed in years 2 and 3.
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What kind of work-integrated learning or practical experiences are part of the degree, and how did that impact your development?
There were a total of 6 placements throughout the program. One in each of the core: musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and neurological physiotherapy which were all in a hospital. I also completed geriatric health, paediatric health, and private clinical settings. The variety provided me a wealth of experience in different settings and environments and helped tailor the direction in which I wanted to take my career following graduation.
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Where are you currently working? How did the course prepare you for this role?
I am currently working as a physiotherapist and clinic manager at Strength Through Motion, a clinic in Richmond, BC, Canada. I most Enjoy being able to form meaningful relationships with my colleagues and patients. Clinical placements through the course were helpful to prepare me for the job.
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What advice do you have for someone considering the Doctor of Physiotherapy?
If you are still exploring options in healthcare, I would highly recommend volunteering at a clinic or two and see if physiotherapy is truly right for you. It is a big commitment after all (grad school) and getting into the thick of it can help you decide if this is the right career path for you.
But once you decide that you are interested in applying…
Do it!