Physiotherapy | New Graduate Rotational

• New Graduate Rotational Physiotherapist, full time permanent role
• 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

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, trauma acute and rehabilitation
• Acute Trauma – including burns and plastics
• Paediatrics - Assessment and treatment of infants, children and adolescents

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Why You'll Love This Role

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.

What We Offer:

• 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
• A region offering an amazing lifestyle
  

For more information on living and working in Canterbury click here

About You

You will have:

• 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

This role is suitable for New Graduate Physiotherapists, with an anticipated start date of 25^th January 2027.

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” on our careers page. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 13/09/2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Courtney Bell at Courtney.bell@cdhb.health.nz

To be eligible for this role you must hold the legal right to work and live in New Zealand you do not hold the legal right to live and work in New Zealand your application will be declined. 

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Position description Apply now

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