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 lecture series

Little Lungs, Big Decisions: Navigating Acute Paediatric Respiratory Care\

This lecture series will focus on physiotherapy assessment and treatment of acute respiratory presentations commonly, and not so commonly, seen in the paediatric setting.

Attendees will build their knowledge to support management of respiratory physiotherapy referrals in hospital, including key considerations for escalation and early supportive strategies for this patient population.\

Please join us at The Royal Children's Hospital for an opportunity to connect with peer and to engage in valuable discussion.

Lecture 1 - Thursday 13th August 2026, 6pm-7pm. Refreshments and networking from 5.30pm.

Trybooking Lecture 1: Navigating Acute Paediatric Respiratory Care

Lecture 1 will introduce the fundamentals of respiratory assessment and management in the paediatric population, including age-specific considerations and key clinical red flags.  This lecture will focus on developing problem solving skills for typically developing children, with brief discussion of the variations seen in common clinical conditions such as inflammatory respiratory illnesses and chronic airway disease.

Lecture 2 - Thursday 27th August 2026, 6pm-7pm.  Refreshments and networking from 5.30pm.

Trybooking Lecture 2: Navigating Acute Paediatric Respiratory Care

Lecture 2 will build on the knowledge and skills developed in Lecture 1, applying them to children with severe neurological impairment and neuromuscular disorders.  Although less commonly encountered in peripheral settings, these presentations involve significant complexity due to associated co-morbidities, requiring a more advanced and nuanced approach to respiratory assessment and management.

Intended audience:

• Physiotherapists that work in an acute paediatric environment
• Experienced clinicians working in an acute environment with limited paediatric exposure
• Clinicians working with neuro-disability and complex care needs in the community, who may be supporting these children and families in managing a suabacute respiratory illness.

Registration closes: Monday 10th August 2026

Venue: The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Victoria

Cost:  $50 (including GST), per lecture

Catering: Refreshments provided

Mode of delivery: Face to face

Contact: For any queries please contact physiotherapy.courses@rch.org.au 

Professional bodies

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