Physiotherapy Lab
We're co-creating a new Physiotherapy Lab to expand capacity for the growing study area attracting students from across the globe
Under construction
Construction is underway on our new Physiotherapy Lab on Level 1 of the SPW building at our Hawthorn campus. Work is expected to be completed by June 2024.
Physiotherapy students will soon have access to a cutting-edge lab space with enhanced tech capability as part of Swinburne University of Technology’s next gen_campus transformation.
The large program of work to transform our physical environment and deliver a better student experience will ensure our students have access to the latest technology and advanced facilities here at Swinburne, including a new Physiotherapy Lab in Hawthorn’s SPW building.
Construction is set to begin this month and the space is expected to be ready for students to use in Semester 2, 2024. Get a sneak peak in the artists' impression below!
A 3D render shows an animated artist impression of Swinburne’s new physiotherapy lab.
The video depicts students using the two lab spaces including physiotherapy pliths and stools, as well as storage and lab space. Students are depicted using the space to engage in practical physiotherapy exercises.
The video then pans into a small kitchen space, change rooms then back out to the main physiotherapy lab.
New facilities to deliver a next gen_experience
The new Physiotherapy Lab has been designed to extend the capacity of our current facilities and ensure we can meet future growth for this in-demand teaching area.
The refurbished space will provide new digital tools to enhance teaching capability, particularly hybrid and blended modes of delivery, and include space separation for examinations.
The design will strengthen SPW's unique identity and provide students with a welcoming environment to learn and grow.
Co-created with students and staff, it will be fit for purpose and meet the needs and expectations of a contemporary Swinburne physiotherapy student.
The new space will provide the opportunity for students to access lab space to practice their skills outside designated class time, and use video filming technology to replay and refine their technique.
Cultural inclusiveness will be improved with additional privacy components within the labs, ensuring students are more comfortable removing items of clothing during practical exercises which simulate real-world physiotherapy consultations.
Designing a culturally inclusive space that enhances and supports the success of Indigenous students has also been incorporated into the design aesthetic.
This aims to enhance the educational experience of Indigenous students and encourage broader conversation around Indigenous health between staff and students while immersed in the teaching space.
-
“The new facility will ensure our students are better prepared to develop and demonstrate their skills when they reach placement, and therefore will be more competitive when securing jobs. There is huge opportunity in the physiotherapy industry globally right now, so we are delivering on our responsibility to give our students all the resources they need to leverage that opportunity.”
Professor Rebecca Lane , Discipline Lead
Meeting the demands of a burgeoning industry
An ageing population and a society more focused on wellbeing means physiotherapists are more sought after than ever to provide quality care.
It was in response to this demand that Swinburne launched the Master of Physiotherapy in 2019 as a two-year graduate entry program.
Five years and three graduating classes later, enrolments have tripled, with 90 students commencing the degree in 2023.
Strong relationships developed with placement and industry partners in recent years is fast making Swinburne a leading choice for physiotherapy training globally, with 20 per cent of enrolements now coming from international students.
-
“Building on Swinburne’s commitment to work-integrated learning, we’ve developed a course that delivers accelerated and immersive learning on campus during the first year and practical training during the industry placements in the second year.
Our industry partners are thrilled to take on Swinburne students because they know they will get job-ready graduates, and that in turn provides significant opportunities for our students to make connections and build their own networks.”
Rebecca Lane , Discipline Lead
Artist impression of Swinburne's new Physiotherapy Lab
Related articles
-
- University
Your new Latelab and student hub is on the way!
We’ve worked with students to co-create a bigger and better 24/7 Latelab and student hub. And now we’re starting to build!
Tuesday 05 March 2024 -
Celebrating our new Indigenous Learning Circles
Hundreds of Swinburne University of Technology students, staff, and industry partners have gathered to celebrate the launch of the new Indigenous Learning Circles.
Thursday 21 March 2024 -
Your next gen_campus Indigenous Learning Circles are complete!
Swinburne University of Technology is celebrating connection to Country and cultural exchange with new Indigenous Learning Circles at our three Melbourne campuses.
Tuesday 30 January 2024 -
- University
Your next gen_campus on the way as construction begins!
Swinburne’s next gen_campus transformation is under way, with construction beginning on Indigenous Learning Circles at our three campuses
Wednesday 01 November 2023 -
- University
Industry connections and experience
Swinburne students are gaining valuable work-integrated learning experiences through the transformative next gen_campus revitalisation
Monday 20 November 2023
