Acute Care in Physiotherapy Practice

Postgraduate | 2026

Course page banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
REHB 5013
Course ID icon
Course ID
204844
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of AH & HP
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Julie Walters
Course level icon
Course level
5
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
Yes
Work Integrated Learning type
Work Integrated Learning type
Clinical Placement
Work Integrated Learning hours
Work Integrated Learning hours
175 hours
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

The aim of this course is to apply evidence based clinical knowledge of pathology and mastery of skills of assessment, analysis of findings, planning, intervention and evaluation required for client centred physiotherapy practice in acute care environments. Implementation of the knowledge (e.g. basic pharmacology, medical terminology, occupational health and safety), and skills required for safe and effective physiotherapy practice in acute care environments.

Experience in the assessment and management of cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and orthopaedic condition pathologies and other clinical presentations likely to require physiotherapy input in an acute care environment.

Clinical reasoning and the application and interpretation of appropriate assessments (outcome measures, investigations e.g. chest x-ray, monitoring) and treatments.

Knowledge to enable safe and effective physiotherapy practice in the acute care setting.

Implementation of evidence based practice, needs of the older patient, culturally responsive care and communication within interprofessional practice.

Course learning outcomes

  • Integrate advanced knowledge of functional anatomy and both applied and exercise physiology as relevant to selected pathological cardiorespiratory condition in the acute care clinical setting.
  • Apply knowledge of the clinical presentation of acute cardiorespiratory, orthopaedic and neurological conditions in terms of impairment, activity and participation restrictions in acute care.
  • Demonstrate safe and effective practice of physiotherapy assessments and interventions in the acute care setting.
  • Accurately interpret physiotherapy assessment findings and use clinical reasoning with a high level of autonomy to inform the planning, modification and progression of interventions in acute care.
  • Critically evaluate and reflect on the evidence-base for physiotherapy assessments and interventions in the acute care setting and integrate these reflections into their clinical practice.
  • Evaluate the efficacy of both physiotherapy interventions (including the use of outcome measures) and students own performance.
  • Demonstrate professional, culturally responsive and ethical behaviour required at entry level physiotherapist in the acute setting that is consistent with Australian Physiotherapy Association's and Physiotherapy Board of Australia's codes, policies and guidelines.

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 27339
Section
Section CL01
Size
Size 10
Available
Available 10
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Jan - 27 Feb Monday 9:10am - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East ,
Notes:
Block 1
Class number
Class number 27340
Section
Section CL02
Size
Size 10
Available
Available 10
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
2 Mar - 3 Apr Monday 9:10am - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East ,
Notes:
Block 2
Class number
Class number 27341
Section
Section CL03
Size
Size 10
Available
Available 10
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
6 Apr - 8 May Monday 9:10am - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East ,
Notes:
Block 3
Class number
Class number 27342
Section
Section CL04
Size
Size 10
Available
Available 10
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
11 May - 12 Jun Monday 9:10am - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East ,
Notes:
Block 4

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed all of REHB5000 Physiotherapy Professional Practice/REHB5012 Acute Care Skills in Physiotherapy

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed REHB5132 Acute Care in Physiotherapy Practice at the University of South Australia

Fee calculator

To display course fees, please select your status and program below:

We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.