This week’s spotlight features Cherry Pereira. Cherry moved to Australia to pursue her Masters from La Trobe university. In this spotlight cherry has answered all the questions thoroughly to make this article informative. Go ahead and read her spotlight to get an overview of the process of pursuing higher education in Australia.
What is your name, job title and workplace?
Hi! My name is Cherry Rudolf Pereira. I work as a Physiotherapist for HealthStrong. HealthStrong is Australia’s leading provider of allied health services. I work across various Residential Aged Care Facilities in Melbourne.
What is your educational background?
– Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, India).
– Master of Physiotherapy Practice (La Trobe University, Australia).
Why did you decide to pursue a Masters in Australia?
When I was in my 3rd year of Bachelor’s of Physiotherapy, I had decided I wanted to complete my Master’s degree abroad. I was very keen to explore a new country, new culture and challenge myself as a Physiotherapist. Through the many opportunities I had in my homeland India, I had realized that to grow professionally as well as personally one needs to step out of their comfort zone and experience all that the world has to offer.
I shortlisted a few countries like Canada, Singapore and the UK. Later, I conducted a thorough research on the scope of physiotherapy in these countries, before deciding on Australia.
In an ever advancing field of physiotherapy, a career built on intricate and minute details for the sharp eyes and brains. I wanted to update myself to the highest attainable standard of knowledge and skills which I believe forms the backbone of medical services provided in Australia. A country where various physiotherapy techniques originated. Also, Australia is the second-highest paying country for physiotherapists. The Department of Education, Skills and Employment included physiotherapists in the list of occupations having skill shortage in Australia. In addition, universities in Australia offer scholarships for international students based on merit.
Also, with its diverse cultural groups, rich heritage and breathtaking scenic beauty, an opportunity to study in Australia would make for a unique dynamic experience.
What were the universities you considered?
- La Trobe University
- University of Sydney
- University of Technology, Sydney
- Flinders University
- Griffith University
- Macquarie University
Why did you choose La Trobe University?
Imagine finishing each day knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. Studying at La Trobe helped me to learn skills to change lives and make a difference.
Few reasons why I selected La Trobe University as my Alma mater are:
- La Trobe University is ranked in the world’s top 250 by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021. It is also ranked #2 in the world for health and wellbeing. Also, ranked in the world’s top 50 for sports-related subjects.
- La Trobe’s clinical, preclinical and health subjects are ranked in the world’s top 200.
- It offers opportunities to learn in Victoria’s leading hospitals through their on-site clinical schools and work placements.
- It has a splendid infrastructure, experienced faculty, advanced technology and student friendly environment.
Tell us more about the application process for your course
Requirements and eligibility may change with different universities, courses and year of intake. However, all the steps for the application process are explained in detail on the University websites.
La Trobe University has just 1 intake for the Master of Physiotherapy program, which is in January. Therefore, I had to start my application process around May. The course application closing date is around September. They send offer letters by November.
A handy tip is to start collecting all the documents required as soon as you complete your Bachelor’s internship program. The process is very competitive, and at times may be stressful and prolonged. But in the end it is worth it.
Did you go through any counselor?
I had been to a couple of agencies, but found the appropriate guidance and help from the counselors at The Abroad Campus.
What was the process to apply for the visa?
If you have all the required documents, have done the health examination and can show financial security, the VISA process is quite straightforward. Also, the counselors do help with this process as they are aware of any timely changes in the rules & regulations.
The list of documents include, but is not limited to:
- 10th + 12th statement of marks.
- 10th + 12th passing certificate.
- Mark sheets (1st – 4th year of Bachelor’s degree).
- Bachelor’s passing certificate.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate.
- Internship completion certificate.
- Transcript.
- IELTS/ PTE results (check the university’s website for minimum cut off score).
- Statement of Purpose.
- Letter of Reference.
- Work experience letter, if any.
- Passport.
- Bank documents to show financial security for at least 1 year.
Tell us more about your course (duration, module, teaching environment etc).
Master of Physiotherapy Practice is a 2 years full-time course.
Following a preparatory subject in the summer semester (Jan-Feb), in the first semester you will develop clinical reasoning, assessment and treatment skills in the core areas of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy across a lifespan. This is followed by 18 months of integrated theory and clinical practice subjects, when you will be primarily located in the clinical environment.
The course fosters small-group learning to master the practical aspects of physiotherapy practice. You will be given the opportunity to assess and treat patients in hospitals and other clinical settings under the supervision of a qualified clinician.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognized in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9.
What did you like about your course? What you did not like?
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire 2 years of my course. I was always challenged as a Physiotherapist. Although, for me the highlight of the course were the practical placements. 30 weeks (6 placements, including 2 electives) of full-time clinical experience in a range of healthcare settings. The placements are quite intense and nerve wracking. But, placements helped me learn a lot and improve my practical skills.
How difficult was it for you to complete the course?
The grading system for the course is very strict, especially the placements. During the placements your performance and learning curve is noted on an everyday basis. However, with the guidance of the professors and dedication to learning the journey is amazing.
How much were overall expenses? (Tuition + Cost of living)
Around 60 – 70 lakhs INR (might vary with the tuition fees of different universities).
What are the job prospects in Australia after your course.
As I mentioned earlier, the Department of Education, Skills and Employment included physiotherapists in the list of occupations having skill shortage in Australia.
As per the Australian Job Outlook report, there will be 2,600 job openings per year for physiotherapists in Australia, till 2023.
Physiotherapists are employed in a wide variety of settings, including private practice, general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community health centers, industrial clinics and specialist centers. Physiotherapists are also involved in movement rehabilitation, ergonomics and the management of healthcare organizations. You may also work in education and clinical research. Therefore, the opportunities are endless if you keep exploring.
How difficult is it to obtain a work permit/license?
The Master of Physiotherapy Practice course I completed is conditionally accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. Graduates of the Master of Physiotherapy Practice are eligible to apply for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
Therefore, immediately after I completed the degree I applied for the license. The processing period is almost 6 to 8 weeks if all the documentation is correct and certified as required by the council.
What are you doing presently?
Currently, I am working as a full-time Physiotherapist in a residential aged care facility in Melbourne.
What are your future plans?
I have a keen interest in Neurological & Geriatric Physiotherapy, especially in the field of Dementia. I recently completed a few courses to advance my knowledge about Dementia. Therefore, after gaining some work experience, I would like to further advance my skills in these electives.
What is the advice you would give to PT students who want to pursue higher education in Australia?
I firmly believe that education is not a destination, it is a never ending journey. So all the PT students who want to study abroad be it in Australia or any other country the opportunities are endless.
Make sure you start early, plan ahead, do your own research before making any decision. Most importantly never give up, because all the tassel is worth the hassle.
Where can people reach you?
They can reach me on LinkedIn.
Related articles:
CORU Registered Physiotherapist, Ireland | Oshin Amberkar
FCP Physiotherapist, UK | Nikita Joshi
Hello, My name is Tejashree Limaye. I am a physiotherapist with 10+ years of experience. I help you go from being stuck in your career to finding a job you love! I provide career guidance about clinical and non clinical PT career in India. I also help you with US PT licensing process. Welcome to my blog, I hope you find the exact guidance you have been looking for!