Aquatic Physiotherapy Level 3
This course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to enable them to provide an advanced standard of aquatic physiotherapy.
Aquatic Physiotherapy Level 3 includes two online self-paced learning units to be completed before attending the face to face course: Evidence-based practice and Research and Pool Management and 8 days of in-house lectures and advanced practical skills.
Major topics covered in the course include trunk control, upper and lower limb rehabilitation and cardiovascular exercise. The course will also cover pain management and low back pain, paediatrics, gerontology, balance training, neurology, obesity and diabetes management, rheumatology, sports aquatic physiotherapy and women's health.
Aquatic Physiotherapy Level 3 includes two online self-paced learning units to be completed before attending the face to face course: Evidence-based practice and Research and Pool Management and 8 days of in-house lectures and advanced practical skills.
Major topics covered in the course include trunk control, upper and lower limb rehabilitation and cardiovascular exercise. The course will also cover pain management and low back pain, paediatrics, gerontology, balance training, neurology, obesity and diabetes management, rheumatology, sports aquatic physiotherapy and women's health.
Before you register, please complete the Prior Learning Form. If you completed Aquatic Physiotherapy Level 2 in 2026 you do not need to complete the form.
For further detailed information please have a read through the Information Booklet
Learning outcomes
- Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic principles relevant to immersion of a body in water
- Be able to evaluate the use of body balance and control of rotation in water to develop, monitor and progress an Aquatic Physiotherapy program for complex clients
- Be able to relate the physiological changes associated with immersion to rationalise current precautions and complete comprehensive client screening prior to initiation of aquatic physiotherapy
- Apply knowledge and understanding of immersion physiology in treatment planning and monitoring over a wide range of patient conditions, including complex clients with multiple co-morbidities
- Have a comprehensive and advanced level of clinical reasoning in Aquatic Physiotherapy to manage and provide advice on the care of complex clients Be able to understand the principles of a range of aquatic techniques and modify techniques and exercises to provide an integrated aquatic physiotherapy treatment plan for complex clients
- Be up to date with Aquatic Physiotherapy Evidence Based Practice
- Understand the role of clinical reasoning, evidence based practice and clinical justification in autonomous professional health care practice with complex clients
- Demonstrate understanding of effective literature searching, review and critical appraisal and the role of quality improvement and research in advancing practice in aquatic physiotherapy effectiveness
- Lead and develop educational materials and opportunities, mentoring other staff
- Show leadership in leading and developing aquatic physiotherapy services, professional development, service delivery
- Have knowledge of design principles relating to hydrotherapy pools and appropriate facilities in relation to specific population needs to manage risk
- Be competent in maintenance of water purification; have a working knowledge of pool plant and equipment and the ability to monitor its function
- Using Health and Safety legislation, the Australian Physiotherapy Association Standards and other appropriate standards and guidelines to be able to review and develop policies and procedures for your Aquatic Physiotherapy service in relation to developing the strategies to run an efficient and cost-effective service
Prerequisites
- This course is only available to AHPRA registered physiotherapists, or qualified physiotherapists outside Australia, who's national physiotherapy association is a member of World Physiotherapy.
- Completion of all units of Aquatic Physiotherapy Level 2.
- Prior learning application required.
Event location
We've noticed you're not a physiotherapist.
Please note, if a course or event is for registered physiotherapists only, this will be indicated in the event description.
Please make sure you are attending an event that is open to everyone.
Close
