Physio unlocking health – and careers – at every age

By Mary Bolling
Physiotherapists support people to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle at every age – and the career is attracting Queenslanders with passion for changing lives. 

To mark World Physiotherapy Day on Monday 8 September, CQUniversity Physiotherapy students are sharing their pathways into physio.

In 2025, the day focuses on healthy ageing – and physiotherapy students are taking on the career at every stage of life.

Bundaberg medical scientist and mum Janet Hunt had aspired to be a physio in her teens, and finally made the leap into her Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) with CQUniversity five years ago. 

Now about to graduate, and turning 52 in November, she said she’s passionate about bringing her life experience to her practice. 

“When I was at school, I was very sporty, so at that stage I would have wanted to focus on sports physio,” Janet explained.

“But now, physio has been something that’s made a big difference for me recovering from childbirth, and managing workplace injuries – I have seen the value across different life stages.”

With 25 weeks of placement completed across Queensland, Janet hopes to focus her new career in pediatric physiotherapy.

“It’s been really enjoyable working with young people, they’re open to doing the rehab and making the changes that we recommend in clinic – whereas an older person might sometimes put up more of a fight!” she laughed. 

“But I do get that, a lot of people haven’t been exposed to physio – so I think as an older graduate, I’ve got that ability to establish rapport, and I’m passionate about explaining things, and helping patients really understand reasons why we recommend particular exercises or interventions.”

In his 40s and a dad of two young kids, Rockhampton’s Josh Mason was ready for a career change – and physiotherapy made sense. 

“I’d been inspired by the physios I worked with as a rugby player and coach – and I wanted to help people live longer and live healthier,” he explained. 

Now in second year of CQU’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), Josh is juggling the study with a physio assistant role at Rockhampton Base Hospital – and says he’s passionate about getting qualified, and the broad opportunities for physiotherapists.  

“There’s growing need for physios, and I can especially see that working on the orthopedics ward, with age-related illnesses,” he said.  

“Especially as they age, people need to realise that your health is more important than your job, or how fancy your house or your car is – the longer you look after your body, the longer you’ll have it work for you.”

With two more years of his degree, Josh is determined to grow a career that’s making a difference. 

“And I’ve already got a long list of family and friends who want me to look at sore knees and sore backs!” he laughed.

In the Australian Government’s Skills Priority List, physiotherapist shortages were reported nationally and especially in rural and regional areas, exacerbated by the ageing population and strains on the health sector since the pandemic.

CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) is available fulltime over four years in Bundaberg, Cairns, or Rockhampton. 

Learn more at CQUniversity’s Physiotherapy course page.