Starting Blocks: Early Career Paediatric Physiotherapy

The Royal Children’s Hospital Physiotherapy Department Starting Blocks course is targeted towards early career physiotherapists. It is an introduction to paediatric physiotherapy, and will  include four main sessions over two days: 

• General paediatric principles – including approaches to paediatric physiotherapy, family centred care, introduction to equipment and understanding the paediatric services landscape; 

• Orthopaedics – including normal postural variations, common paediatric orthopaedic conditions and post-operative rehabilitation in cerebral palsy; 

• Neurosciences – including clinical problem solving for neurodevelopmental assessment and management of young children with varied causes of motor skill delays; 

• Cardiorespiratory – including common conditions seen in children, indications for intervention and case studies considering assessment and physiotherapy treatment. 

The course will be presented by clinicians currently working in each specialty area who bring a range of clinical experiences. Theoretical content delivered will be enhanced by clinical case studies and tutorials to support active learning experiences. 

Intended audience: New graduate or early career physiotherapists who are already working in, or considering, a career in paediatrics; and more experienced physiotherapists considering a career transition to paediatrics. Final year students are also welcome. 

Entry criteria: Participants should have completed or be currently undertaking a recognised physiotherapy degree in Australia or overseas. 

Date and time: Friday 13th and Saturday 14th November 2026, 8:30am – 5pm 

Venue: The Royal Children’s Hospital. 50 Flemington Road, Parkville VIC 3052 – Vernon Collins Lecture Theatre. 

Cost:  $700 (including GST) 

Catering: Lunch, morning, and afternoon tea will be provided. Please select dietary preferences with your registration. 

Mode of delivery: Face to face only.