Skip to main content
Start of main content.

Why I travelled from Canada to study the Doctor of Physiotherapy at Bond

Written by Doctor of Physiotherapy student Simon Murphy.

Stepping onto a flight destined to travel 9,972 miles – or 16,048 kilometres – from my hometown in Canada and taking the massive leap to move to Australia was quite an experience. But, once I sat in my first class, I knew that the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Bond was right for me. As I write this blog post, I’m approaching my final weeks as a physiotherapy student, which is exciting and scary at the same time.

One question I’m regularly asked by friends, family and local Aussies is, “why did you decide to travel across the world for university?” Here are five things that drove my choice to move to Australia, study at Bond and pursue the Doctor of Physiotherapy.

1. Emphasis on clinical placements

Bond’s Physiotherapy program takes pride in giving its students the opportunity to complete about 1,400 clinical hours at hospitals and private practices across Queensland. Along with some classmates, I was lucky enough to be placed in Cairns in tropical north Queensland. During the week in Cairns, you’d find us treating patients under the supervision of clinical educators, and on the weekends, we’d chase waterfalls and explore the beautiful locations nearby. 

I also gained hands-on experience at various hospitals and private practices on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane and in Sydney. Regardless of where I was placed, Bond always helped facilitate valuable professional experiences and chances to apply my in-class learning to real-life scenarios.

Chasing waterfalls in Cairns

2. Supportive, knowledgeable staff

Bond’s passionate teaching staff are supportive and accommodating, and prioritise helping students reach their full potential. The Doctor of Physiotherapy program is staffed with outstanding professionals who have experience in a range of clinical areas, such as paediatrics and tactical operations, to name just a few. Staff members have a wealth of knowledge and experience working in hospitals and private practice settings, so as a student, you can be sure that the teacher standing in front of your class is the right person to help guide your career.

3. The Doctor of Physiotherapy’s structure

Bond has an engaging and interactive classroom experience. Throughout the Doctor of Physiotherapy program, you’ll get involved with problem-based learning (PBLs) in small groups, using real-life scenarios to explore different physiotherapy topics and interest areas.

You’ll have access to clinical simulations, presentations from external speakers and the opportunity to practice assessment and treatment techniques on your classmates, all facilitated by the program’s incredible staff. Plus, the Doctor of Physiotherapy allows you to conduct research in different clinical areas with the support of someone experienced in that field to guide you through the process.

4. Bond’s beautiful campus

Bond University’s campus features teaching, studying and learning spaces, but there are also lots of spots to relax. The Physiotherapy program is predominantly taught in the Bond Institute of Health and Sport (BIHS), a quick bus ride from the main campus. It’s got an entire floor dedicated to physiotherapy teaching and gives students easy access to staff members. There is also space for relaxing, catching up with friends and soaking up the views of the Gold Coast in the distance.

Physiotherapy students can also use the beautiful main Bond University campus, so it’s easy to get in some study time at the multipurpose library or crush a workout at the Sports Centre.

This is the main campus. Yes, seriously

5. The opportunity to step out of my comfort zone

Bond’s Physiotherapy program has allowed me to meet people from all around the world, network with professionals in my field and experience Australia’s welcoming culture. The program also challenged my thinking, developed my reasoning skills and moulded me into a job-ready professional.

If everything is feeling up in the air and you’re having difficulty deciding if Bond is the place to kickstart your physiotherapy career, I want to assure you that the staff, classes and campus are top-notch and, in my opinion, world-class.  

Physiotherapy at Bond

Explore Bond University’s Doctor of Physiotherapy program.

Learn more

https://youtu.be/6xDB32QQE9k

More from Bond

  • Here’s everything the libraries at Bond can do for you during your studies

    Bond student Claire Hill ventures beyond the books and shares everything the libraries at Bond have to offer.

    Read article
  • 7 ways to workout at Bond: A guide for fitness novices and fanatics

    From working out in the gym, to competitive cheerleading, and beginner self-defence classes — student Claire Hill shares her favourite ways to exercise on campus.

    Read article
  • How the Master of Healthcare Innovations is helping to modernise global healthcare systems

    Bond student Amy Ignacio, reflects on her experience studying the unique Master of Healthcare Innovations and shares her aspirations to improve Philippine Coast Guard personnel's access to healthcare.

    Read article
  • Actuarial science, commerce and business data analytics: Which program is right for you?

    Actuarial science, commerce and business data analytics are all business courses, but they cover different parts of business, and we’re here to help you decode the degree name and find the right one for you.

    Read article
  • The best spots to study at Bond University

    Bachelor of Communication student Claire Hill gives her two cents on where the best study spots on campus are.

    Read article
Previous Next