Physiotherapists
Palliative Care Career Pathways for Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists interested in a career in palliative care have a variety of opportunities for professional development. These include:
- Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) membership. Although there are no special interest palliative care groups, many courses are appropriate to the palliative care population.
- Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA) provides a broad range of health care professionals with the opportunity to increase their experience, knowledge and skills in palliative care. More information is available at PEPA.
- A Post Graduate Course that aims to become the industry standard for all professionals working in palliative care, the Specialist Certificate in Palliative Care, is available through the University of Melbourne. For more information visit the University of Melbourne.
- ‘Palliative Care: The Essentials’. A two-day program designed for all health professionals who currently work, in or are seeking to work, in palliative care. The program is an ideal orientation to palliative care. For more information click here.
- An online resource for professional development and evidence-based palliative care can provide additional information on education opportunities. Further information is available at Caresearch.
- Short courses and further education opportunities are also available through Palliative Care Victoria, Palliative Care Australia and Cancer Council of Victoria.
- The care and management of patients with lymphoedema can be an area of interest for physiotherapists working in palliative care. The Lymphoedema Association of Australia and Lymphoedema Association of Victoria can provide further information.
Further discussion regarding the professional development opportunities available is welcomed by contacting the physiotherapist at Caritas Christi Hospice.
Clare Whitehall
Physiotherapist
Caritas Christi Hospice, St Vincent’s Health Melbourne
Email: clare.whitehall@svhm.org.au
