My name is Shaun Lynch and I am a fourth year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) student who studies at CQUniversity Bundaberg.
In 2010, I was in grade eleven and participated in a weeklong work experience opportunity at a local Physiotherapy clinic. By the end of the week, I had fallen in love with the idea of becoming a Physiotherapist and helping people who may present with a diverse range of conditions. After studying to become a teacher with CQUniversity during 2012, I applied for the new CQUni Physiotherapy program in hope of achieving my ‘dream job.’ I can honestly say I have not looked back!
The program has been a great experience and has showed me different avenues both in the public and private healthcare sectors where Physiotherapists play an integral part in optimising health outcomes. Studying The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) through CQUniversity over the past four years has also given me the opportunity to travel as I completed clinical and hospital placements in beautiful locations such as Brisbane, Cairns and the Sunshine Coast. As a physiotherapy student, this is also appealing to local sporting clubs, which I was given the chance to work with a local A-Grade Rugby League team for a season.
One of the biggest advantages of studying the program through CQUniversity is that it is a personal experience where you are taught by a diverse range of lecturers who have, or still are practicing therapists themselves. The lecturer to student ratio is low so you are known on a first name basis, which optimises your learning especially when practicing hands-on techniques. I always enjoy my classes but I think my favorite part of the degree was the clinical placements where you get to implement what you are taught at university to real life patients. I think one experience I will never forget is working on stroke rehabilitation ward in Caloundra, where I worked closely with a patient for over five weeks. I was able to significantly improve their function and mobility within this time and I walked away with a great sense of self-achievement.
From working in an Intensive Care Unit to helping a rugby team, studying with CQUniversity has given me a lot of opportunities. In 2014, half way through the degree, I also met a local physiotherapist and clinic owner Ben Heidenreich through CQUni. Ben has previously worked with the Broncos and this year was the under 16’s Queensland State of Origin Physio. I have been working as a physiotherapy assistant within his business and he has become a personal mentor to me. With graduation in sight, he has set up extra-curricular study through the Australian Physiotherapy Association for me in preparation for next year to enhance my skills, where I will hopefully become a Physiotherapist in his clinic in Bargara.
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) with CQUniversity Australia has opened a lot of opportunities and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of studying to be a Physiotherapist and to take advantage of every opportunity along the way.
>> Thinking of a career in health? The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) is one of the many programs available to study on-campus in Bundaberg. Head to our CQUniversity Bundaberg Open Day on today from 9 am - 1 pm.
