Physiotherapist (ANZSCO 252511)
Updated
What a Physiotherapist does
Assesses, treats and prevents disorders in human movement caused by injury or disease. Registration or licensing is required.
- Also called
- Physical Therapist
- Specialisations
- Aquatic Physiotherapist, Cardiothoracic Physiotherapist, Continence and Women's Health Physiotherapist, Gerontological Physiotherapist, Māori Physiotherapist (NZ), Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Neurological Physiotherapist, Occupational Health Physiotherapist, Paediatric Physiotherapist, Sports Physiotherapist
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 252511
- Skill level
- 1Bachelor degree or higher
- Assessing authority
- APC
- National shortage
- Shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentVia MLTSSLEligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedVia MLTSSLEligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedVia MLTSSLEligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredVia MLTSSLEligible
Employer-sponsored
Main tasks
- administering muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests to identify and assess physical problems of patients
- designing treatment programs to address patients' problems
- treating patients to reduce pain, improve circulation, strengthen muscles, improve cardiothoracic, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, restore joint mobility, and improve balance and coordination
- using the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, massage, manipulation, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, ultraviolet and infra-red light and ultrasound in the treatment of patients
- reviewing, continually monitoring, assessing and evaluating programs and treatments
- consulting with other Health Professionals as required about patients' problems, needs and progress
- instructing patients and their families in procedures to be continued at home
- recording treatments given and patients' responses and progress
- developing and implementing screening and preventative health promotion programs
Shortage by state
- NationalShortage
- ACTShortage
- NSWShortage
- NTShortage
- QLDShortage
- SAShortage
- TASShortage
- VICShortage
- WAShortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does a Physiotherapist do?
Assesses, treats and prevents disorders in human movement caused by injury or disease. Registration or licensing is required. Also called: Physical Therapist. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Physiotherapist on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Physiotherapist (ANZSCO 252511) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 189, 190, 482, 491 and 494 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Physiotherapist?
252511. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Physiotherapist migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Physiotherapist for the Subclass 186, Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 482, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Who assesses Physiotherapist for an Australian visa?
APC, the skills assessing authority listed for 252511.
Is Physiotherapist in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "Shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.