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

Starting Blocks: Early Career Paediatric Physiotherapy Course - 22nd and 23rd November, 2024

Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/1273805

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 Starting Blocks course will provide an introduction to paediatric physiotherapy, focusing on key principles of paediatric physiotherapy and understanding the paediatric services landscape. Stream specific sessions will focus on paediatric assessment, common conditions and use case studies and tutorials to understand physiotherapy management and the other services involved. It will be of benefit to physiotherapists working across a wide range of settings including private practice, community health, schools and acute paediatric health services. The course will be presented by clinicians working currently in each specialty area who have a range of experience in tertiary hospitals and other settings.

The course is comprised of four sessions over the two days:

• General paediatric physiotherapy principles including approaches to paediatric physiotherapy, family centred care, introduction to equipment and understanding referrals and paediatric services
• Orthopaedic session including normal postural variations, post-operative rehab for cerebral palsy and tutorial with case studies of common orthopaedic conditions seen in children
• Neurosciences session on clinical problem solving to optimise the neurodevelopmental assessment and management of young children with varied causes of motor skill delays
• Cardiorespiratory session including common conditions seen in children, when to treat and not to treat and case studies considering assessment and physiotherapy treatment of children at different ages

The course will utilise clinical examples and videos to optimise clinical relevance of theoretical content.

• Intended audience: This course is targeted at new graduate or early career physiotherapists who are already working in or considering a career in paediatrics and more experienced physiotherapists considering a career transition to paediatrics. Final year students are also welcome.
• Entry criteria: Participants should have completed or be currently undertaking a recognised physiotherapy degree in Australia or overseas.
• Date and time: 22-23rd November, 2024, 8:30- 5pm
• Registration closes: 10th November 2024 or earlier if tickets are sold out
• Venue: Vernon Collins Lecture Theatre, HELP Precinct, Level 1 West Building, Royal Children’s Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville 3052, Victoria
• Cost:  $660 (includes GST)
• More information: Morning and afternoon tea and lunch will be provided. Please select dietary preferences with your registration.
• Mode of delivery: Face to face only
• Venue: Vernon Collins Lecture Theatre, Level 1 West Building, Royal Children’s Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Victoria
• 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: Kari Steer, Fiona Fenton

Professional bodies

The main professional body for Physiotherapy in Australia is the Australian Physiotherapy Association.