Student placements and observation requests
The Physiotherapy Department has a busy clinical education program with over 100 undergraduate students and several postgraduate students undertaking placements from four different universities each year.
Requests for student placements must be received directly from the University. Requests received from individual students are unable to be considered.
Our ability to support observational requests from qualified physiotherapists is limited, but those seeking this support should contact us (email - physiotherapy.department@rch.org.au) to obtain an Observation Request Form.
Work experience policy
RCH is unable to accommodate requests for work experience. Tertiary institutions offer a range of open days which provide a great opportunity to learn about the different Allied Health Professions.
Courses
The Physiotherapy Department offers regular opportunities for physiotherapists to attend courses and further expand their paediatric physiotherapy knowledge. All courses are advertised through this webpage when they are open for registration.
Our courses are targeted at two levels of paediatric experience:
- Starting Blocks - For early career physiotherapists or experienced physiotherapists considering a move into paediatrics.
- Building Blocks - For physiotherapists with experience working in paediatrics with a desire to further their knowledge in a specific area of practice.
We occasionally host courses that are delivered by an external provider.
If you have any enquiries or would like to join our mailing list to be notified of future courses please email physiotherapy.courses@rch.org.au.
Upcoming courses
Building Blocks: Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
Course - 3rd and 4th October 2025
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DCHYT
Cost: $700 (including GST)
About: The
Royal Children’s Hospital Physiotherapy Department run two types of courses. 'Starting Blocks' is a general paediatric physiotherapy course targeting early
career physiotherapists. 'Building Blocks' courses focus on specific areas of
paediatric physiotherapy and target early, mid-career and more experienced
physiotherapists who are looking to upskill or refresh their knowledge in that
area.
The 'Building Blocks: Orthopaedics' course will focus on common paediatric orthopaedic conditions encountered in physiotherapy practice. It will benefit physiotherapists working across a wide range of settings including private practice, community health, schools and hospitals. The course will guide you through differential diagnosis, medical and physiotherapy management and when to refer on for further investigations.
The course will be presented by clinicians working in each specialty area. The course will be delivered via presentations supported by case studies. There will also be an expert panel to provide you the opportunity to discuss your own clinical questions.
The course will occur over two days and include sessions on:
- Plagiocephaly and Torticollis
- Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV)
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
- Brachial Plexus Palsy
- Normal Postural Variations
- Hypermobility and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
- Perthes Disease, Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE) and Hip Salvage
- Lower Limb Difference
- Scoliosis, Spondylolisthesis and Spinal Surgery
- Cerebral Palsy Multi-Level Surgery
- Toe-walking Differential Diagnosis
Entry criteria: Participants
should have completed or be currently undertaking a recognised
physiotherapy degree in Australia or overseas.
Registration closes: 21st September 2025, or
earlier if tickets are sold out
Venue: The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Victoria. Vernon Collins Lecture Theatre, Level 1 West Building.
Catering: Lunch, Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please contact the course convenor when you register if you require vegetarian or gluten free diet options.
Mode of delivery: Face to face only
Other: We are aiming to
reduce paper use at this event. Resources for the event will be provided
electronically prior to the event.
Contact: For any queries
please contact: physiotherapy.courses@rch.org.au
Course administrators: Alana Randall and Fiona Fenton
Professional bodies
The main professional body for Physiotherapy in Australia is the Australian Physiotherapy Association.