REHA 1002 Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 400906
Coordinator Daniel Thomson Opens in new window
Description This subject introduces students to the concept of physiotherapy as a profession, including regulatory, ethical and legal frameworks underpinning practice within the context of the changing health environment. In addition, students will be introduced to fundamental aspects of physiotherapy practice, including gathering, analysing and problem-solving information through a process of clinical reasoning. Students will also develop practical skills in relation to assessment of movement, patient manual handling and transfers, and patient education regarding gait and use of assistive devices.
School Health Sciences
Discipline Physiotherapy
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp
Check your fees via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject
Restrictions
Students must be enrolled in 4662 Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Describe the regulatory requirements for physiotherapy in Australia
- Describe physiotherapy with respect to its purpose, role and contribution to health care using the International Classification of Functioning framework
- Develop sound clinical reasoning commensurate with level of training
- Apply basic communication skills to effectively communicate with clients, peers and academic staff in physiotherapy contexts
- Perform introductory physiotherapy skills, including movement analysis, manual handling and patient gait training, in a safe and effective manner
- Develop critical reflection skills in physiotherapy contexts
Subject Content
1. The scope and practice of physiotherapy, including regulatory, ethical and legal frameworks
2. The International Classification of Functioning and physiotherapy
3. Clinical reasoning
4. Effective communication in physiotherapy
5. Critical reflection in physiotherapy
6. Analysis and assessment of human movement
7. Analysis and assessment of gait
8. Clinical case scenarios relevant to physiotherapy practice
Special Requirements
Legislative pre-requisites
Special Requirements - NSW Health Legislative Prerequisites Pre-requisites
Student Compliance Information for all Health-Related Placements
Prior to enrolling in this subject, students must have submitted a Student Undertaking Form and undertake to apply for a National Police Check, which is required to be submitted before placement, and a Working with Children Check Student Declaration. Use the link to the Special Requirements webpage below for more information.
To be eligible to enrol in this subject and complete any required health-related placements or experiences, students must meet Western Sydney University program requirements as well as any special, legislated, or policy-mandated requirements.
Western Program Requirements
Visit the Special Requirements webpage for details about your program.
Mandatory NSW Health student placement policy requirements
To be able to undertake placement in any NSW Health facility you must be assessed as compliant with NSW Health student placement policy in the first year of your program, regardless of when you expect to go on your first placement. Access and read the NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet.
NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet
Please ensure that you
- Find your existing National Police Check or apply for one
- Gather documentary evidence of your vaccination history
- Print and compete all relevant NSW Health forms relevant to the campus you are enrolled at or online enrolment requirements
- Follow booklet instructions on how to have your compliance documents assessed by NSW health staff.
International students have additional requirements; the link to the booklet will inform you of these requirements.
School Requirements
Contact your School for further details regarding your School’s requirements, if any, such as
- If you live outside of NSW or Australia and need to meet your state, territory or country’s compliance requirements
- If you need to meet different state, territory or country compliance requirements.
- NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) or other state equivalent, valid for your entire program.
- Current approved first aid certificate valid for your entire program - approved program providers can be found at the Government Training website
- http://training.gov.au
- Other non-health related requirements.
Student Compliance Resources are also available on the Placements Hub web page (NSW students only)
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
| Type | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Exam | 10 minutes | 30 | N | Individual | N |
| Practical Exam | 20 minutes | 30 | Y | Individual | Y |
| Intra-session Exam | 2 hours | 40 | Y | Individual | Y |
| Professional Task | N/A | S/U | Y | Individual | Y |
Teaching Periods
Autumn (2024)
Campbelltown
On-site
Subject Contact Daniel Thomson Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Autumn (2025)
Campbelltown
On-site
Subject Contact Daniel Thomson Opens in new window