Physiotherapist - Rotational

• Full time Permanent role, 1.0FTE
• Great range of core and specialist rotations across Christchurch, Burwood and Hillmorton Campuses
• Build a broad, high-quality foundation in physiotherapy through a supported rotational role

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated Physiotherapists to join our Rotational Physiotherapy Programme at Canterbury. This role offers structured exposure across a wide range of acute, rehabilitation, and specialist services, supporting the development of strong clinical foundations and future career pathways.

Rotations are designed to provide breadth, depth, and progressive skill development, and may include:

• Musculoskeletal – assessment and management of acute and complex musculoskeletal conditions
• General Surgical – abdominal, colorectal, urology, and other surgical pathways
• General Medicine – management of complex medical presentations and functional decline
• Older Persons Health – rehabilitation and mobility support for older adults with frailty, falls, delirium, and multi‑morbidities
• Specialist Mental Health Services – supporting physical health, mobility, and rehabilitation within mental health inpatient settings
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – respiratory physiotherapy, early mobilisation, and complex critical care
• Cardiothoracic & Cardiology – post‑operative cardiac and thoracic surgery, cardiology admissions, and respiratory care
• Stroke Ward & Stroke Rehabilitation – acute stroke management and neuro‑rehabilitation
• Neurosurgery – post‑operative neurosurgical care and neurological rehabilitation
• Spinal Services – acute and rehabilitative care for spinal surgery and spinal cord injury patients
• Hand Therapy – specialist post‑operative and trauma rehabilitation
• Orthopaedics – post‑operative and trauma rehabilitation

Rotations are allocated according to service requirements and individual development goals, with flexibility built into the programme. Depending on the complexity of clinical area, rotations are either 4 or 8 months.

Across your rotations, you will:

• Deliver physiotherapy assessment and evidence‑based intervention
• Provide early mobilisation, rehabilitation, and respiratory physiotherapy appropriate to each clinical area
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to support patient recovery and discharge planning
• Educate patients and whānau to promote safety, independence, and self‑management
• Participate in supervision, mentoring, in‑service training, and ongoing professional development
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and service development
• Support physiotherapy students where appropriate

You will be required to contribute to the weekend and on-call rosters.

About Us

The rotational team consists of 21 roles across three sites, with each role embedded within a supportive group of physiotherapists working in clinically focused clusters. Working across multiple sites and specialties offers variety and challenge, while providing the opportunity to develop a truly well‑rounded physiotherapy skillset and remain part of a connected and inclusive service.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• A well‑established rotational programme across tertiary and specialist services
• Regular supervision, mentorship, and senior clinician support
• Structured new graduate and early‑career development frameworks
• Ongoing professional development and in‑service education
• A supportive, collaborative physiotherapy team with strong clinical leadership
• Excellent career development opportunities within Te Whatu Ora
• Live in a region offering an amazing lifestyle
  

For more information on living and working in Canterbury click here

About You

This role is suitable for early career physiotherapists, or clinicians seeking broad rotational experience.

Your qualifications and skills will include:

• Registration with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand and a current Annual Practising Certificate (or eligibility)
• Strong communication, organisation, and clinical reasoning skills
• A flexible, proactive approach and enthusiasm for learning across multiple specialties
• The ability to work effectively in a fast paced hospital environment
• A commitment to patient centred, equitable care

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 25th February2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay at Alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz