With many physiotherapy students choosing to work in private practice upon graduation (up to 70 per cent), universities have been working with the private practice community to identify challenges that may limit student placements in the sector.

In 2018, the Clinical Education Managers of Australia and New Zealand committee developed the resource Physiotherapy student clinical placements: a guide for private practice providers in order to assist private practitioners and universities navigate some of the perceived barriers.

APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Sam Suke has developed and trialled a model of education within his private practice environment (‘The perfect blend for thinking and learning’, InMotion July 2021).

While Monash University and the University of Melbourne were not consulted in the development process, students from a range of Victorian universities undertook clinical placements in this ‘hybrid model’, which incorporates a blend of physical and virtual attendance.

Many clinical providers (both public and private) included virtual student placement experiences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

In parallel, universities carefully considered adapted experiences within the context of their individual clinical placement programs and maintained close communication with the accrediting body, the Australian Physiotherapy Council, to seek guidance for 2020.

Many clinical providers (both public and private) included virtual student placement experiences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

In parallel, universities carefully considered adapted experiences within the context of their individual clinical placement programs and maintained close communication with the accrediting body, the Australian Physiotherapy Council, to seek guidance for 2020.

Similarly, as with any clinical placement, new clinical supervision models will need to consider the placement timing and sequence within entry-to-practice physiotherapy education programs.

While we applaud the willingness to explore alternative ways to enhance the work readiness of physiotherapy students for private practice, we equally would expect a careful, objective and academically rigorous evaluation to follow now, before the program is expanded and promoted.

Head to australian.physio/inmotion to catch up on previously published articles.

>> Professor Prue Morgan, APAM, Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2008), Head of Physiotherapy, Monash University.

>> Professor Jenny McGinley, APAM, Head of Physiotherapy, the University of Melbourne.