CQU Physiotherapy students celebrate community connection on World Physiotherapy Day, and throughout their degrees

Think physiotherapy only happens in clinic?

CQUniversity's Physiotherapy team knows better' and on World Physiotherapy Day (Thursday 8 September 2022) staff and students are celebrating all the ways that they are driving health and wellbeing in the community.

The passionate group' based across Rockhampton and Bundaberg' can be found everywhere from the beach to primary school classrooms' in nursing homes and at the gym' in their quest to improve how we all take care of our bodies.

Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy Dr Luke Heales said community engagement was a crucial part of learning within CQU's Physiotherapy degree' and that students relished the opportunity to get practical experience.

"Whether it's supporting people with disabilities to get access to the beach' or conducting research and physical testing in our gyms' and even supporting older people to practice modified fitness regimes in nursing homes' this is all vital experience that our community-engaged learning and teaching provides for our students'" he said.

Earlier this year' CQU's Physio academics were recognised in the Australian Awards for University Teaching' for developing a simulation experience to help students prepare for their transition from classroom to clinic.

The unique experience simulates the hectic world of a hospital or private practice with role-play actors and educators' to help students grow confidence and reduce stress for their clinical placements.

Physiotherapy lecturer Sasha Job said practical and community-connected immersions helped students appreciate and grow the impact their work has for patients.

"For instance' within our mobility aids session' suppliers demonstrate the equipment that can transform how patients access the world around them'" she said.

"Students get to see all the possibilities first-hand' and how they're used by people experiencing limited mobility - it is very powerful.".

Available to study on campus in Rockhampton and Bundaberg' the four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at CQUniversity is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.

The degree features extensive real-world learning in purpose-built labs' and professional practice placements.

September 8 has been World Physiotherapy Day since 1996' instituted by the peak body World Physiotherapy to support physiotherapists from all over the world to raise awareness about the profession's crucial contribution to health and wellbeing.

Visit cqu.edu.au/courses/physiotherapy to learn more' and register your interest to study in 2023.