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Rehabilitation Specialist

Rehabilitation Specialists help clients recover from injuries or illnesses by creating tailored fitness plans, often collaborating with other health professionals.

How do I become a rehabilitation specialist

Get qualified to work as a rehabilitation specialist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time rehabilitation specialist generally earns $1,923 per week ($99,996 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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As of May 2020, there were 8,412 personal trainers in Australia. In terms of overall gym instructors, there were 37,800 as of May 2019, with that number expected to grow to 43,900 by May 2024. There were also more than 118,000 sports and fitness workers and almost 32,000 physiotherapists as of May 2019. These positions can feature many of the same skills and knowledge required to be a rehabilitation specialist. The fitness and gym industry is expected to generate $2.4 billion in annual revenue by 2022.

Source: Ibis World and The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections

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To become a rehabilitation specialist, you usually must hold a Diploma of Fitness. This course of study can take anywhere from 9-12 months up to 2 years to complete depending on if you study full time or part time and whether you choose to study in-person, online or via blended study. You will also often need to complete a practical placement, as well as earn first-aid and CPR certificates and obtain experience in the industry before ascending to this advanced position.

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Further reading

Most popular sport courses

21st July 2022

What can you do with a Certificate IV in Fitness?

15th October 2020

How to become a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist in Australia

23rd December 2024

Rehabilitation Specialist careers

A rehab specialist is a fitness professional who specialises in helping clients recover from sports injuries, illness or other barriers that have otherwise prohibited them from achieving their fitness goals and living their life freely. These sessions can be held in a gym or fitness centre, at a medical clinic or even in the client's home. Some rehabilitation specialists will have expertise in certain areas of the body or specific injuries and ailments.

As a rehabilitation specialist, you, potentially alongside other rehabilitation consultants or specialists, will develop and deliver a specific plan that addresses each client's needs. These programs take into account a range of factors including the client's age, physical ability, fitness goals, everyday lifestyle and from which type of injury or other issue he or she is recovering. Rehabilitation specialists have a strong knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and the ability to communicate clearly while working with a variety of clients and other healthcare professionals.