Andrew Said:

Paramedic, Physiotherapist or nurse?

We Answered:

Wow, well I've got to say Im in a very similar predicament.

I finished a Bachelor of Biomedical Science last year and now have to decide between being a paramedic or a physiotherapist (I have received offers for both a Bachelor of Emergency Health (paramedic) and Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy Practice).

Firstly, as a school leaver, it is quite hard to get into both of these courses. Paramedic courses don't tend to release a clearly in ATAR but they say to be competitive you need to score 80+. The physiotherapy course I just got accepted in required an ATAR of 96.4 this year. While you would have to check specific prerequisites and requirements, I would recommend that to boost your chances (particularly in Emergency Health) try looking at also gaining experience is such things as St Johns volunteer first aiders or similar volunteer organisations. Im currently in the SES and Im sure this would have helped my application. I also found Care Support work and work with the disabled was a good help to get into these courses.

In terms of the highest salary/earnings it really depends. What I would hazard a guess to say that a paramedic may be just as well payed and a physio is some circumstances, however it would require many additional overtime hours compared with a regular working day roster of a physio.

My primary fear with paramedics has always been that it may not be a long term career. I know that many people simply cannot keep working in such a demanding and stressful career (hence my desire to complete a Bachelor in Biomed first). That being said, options are of course open to further schooling and positions in education and research etc.

As a physio, the schooling required is arguably more demanding, however it is something that can turn into a lifelong career. It provides the ability to specialise, work in a hospital setting or private practice, move into research fields, be recognised and qualified worldwide and many more.

Working environments too differ significantly. Paramedics work in the field and many different environments. Their job will involve long days of shift work, some overtime, working on holidays and more physical challenges. However the work is very rewarding. A typical physio will have regular working hours, more facetime with clients of whom you can develop a rapport with and the rewards of seeing long term improvements.

Long story short: Paramedics = short term health outcome focused, Physio - long term health outcome focused.

I havn't touched on nursing as I can't say I know enough about this field to valuably contribute. Good luck with whatever you decide to do though.

Ben Said:

how much would an average salary for a physiotherapist in australia be?

We Answered:

Like all pay rates, it depends on how long you've been working as a Physio since you left your studies, what experience you've had in terms of level of responsibility in previous jobs etc. According to Workplace Relations Regulations 2006, the basic pay rate for Grade 1 (straight out of studies) is $17.84.

There are 7 grades in total, and the highest award rate for Grade 7 is $29.84/hour.

If you want to work as a "casual", add 20% to the hourly rates.

Here's a link to the rates - http://www.workplaceauthority.gov.au/docs/Payconditions/2007ePSS/AP829781.pdf