Graduate Certificate in Continence and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

The Graduate Certificate in Continence and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy at Curtin University is a 26-week qualification for physiotherapists who want to specialise in pelvic floor dysfunction and continence care. You will study the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor, bladder and bowel function, and the assessment and treatment of conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, faecal incontinence and pelvic pain. The course is delivered part-time and online, so you can keep working while you study.

What you will study

As a graduate certificate, this course sits at AQF level 8. It is made up of units of study, each with a set credit point value, and you will typically complete four units over two trimesters. The curriculum covers evidence-based assessment techniques, including real-time ultrasound and surface electromyography, and treatment approaches such as pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, electrical stimulation and behavioural therapy. You will also look at how to work with specific groups, including women during and after pregnancy, men before and after prostate surgery, children with bedwetting and older adults in residential care. A capstone unit may involve a case-based project or a clinical portfolio where you apply your learning to real patients.

How it fits together

Curtin runs this course through its School of Allied Health. The teaching is online with some intensive workshops or clinical placements depending on the unit. You will need to complete a certain number of credit points to graduate. The course is designed for physiotherapists who already hold a bachelor degree and are registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia through AHPRA. It is not an entry-level qualification. If you are an international student, you must meet Curtin's English language requirements, which for this course are likely to be an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or an equivalent test. The Department of Home Affairs also sets its own English threshold for the Student visa. While you study in Australia, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the trimester and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

Who it suits

This certificate suits physiotherapists already working in musculoskeletal, women's health, men's health or aged care who want to add continence and pelvic health to their scope of practice. It also suits those returning to work after a career break or looking to move into a specialised pelvic health clinic. The skills you gain are in demand across public hospitals, private practices, community health centres and aged care facilities. The course gives you a formal qualification in a growing area of physiotherapy, and it can be a stepping stone to a master's degree if you want to go further. You should confirm the exact unit list, fees and intake dates on the official Curtin page or the CRICOS register before you apply.

• Continence and pelvic health physiotherapist in private practice, treating patients with bladder and bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain and prolapse.
• Women's health physiotherapist in hospitals and clinics, supporting patients through pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal recovery.
• Men's health physiotherapist working with patients before and after prostate surgery or managing pelvic pain.
• Aged care physiotherapist in residential facilities or community settings, helping older adults manage incontinence and maintain mobility.
• Hospital outpatient physiotherapist in urology, gynaecology or colorectal clinics.
• Rehabilitation physiotherapist in inpatient or day programmes for neurological or post-surgical recovery.
• Private practice owner or clinical lead in a pelvic health clinic.