Health Sciences/Physiotherapy
This course information is for local students only
Year
2010
Award
Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice
Length
4 years full-time (not available part-time)
Campuses
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo, Shepparton, Albury-Wodonga
Course description
This course prepares students to work as physiotherapists who assess and treat patients with temporary or long-term physical injuries, movement disorders or disability, aiming to achieve the highest possible degree of recovery, activity, participation and quality of life. Students may work independently or as members of healthcare teams.
Course structure
In first year, students undertake an interdisciplinary common year, focusing on basic human biosciences and factors influencing health, and on developing an understanding of the roles of health professionals in the health and welfare sectors. In second year, students develop physiotherapy skills and further explore the human biosciences of anatomy and physiology. In third and fourth years, students apply their knowledge and practical skills to the physiotherapy management of disorders across the life span, using case-based learning techniques.
There is a large focus on small-group teaching to master the practical aspects of physiotherapy skills. Students treat patients in hospitals and other clinical settings under a clinician (not necessarily during traditional semester dates). An Honours program commencing in third year is available to selected students with outstanding results.
Handbook
Major areas of study
Physiotherapy, physiology and anatomy, determinants of health and wellbeing.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
VTAC.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/prospective/uniwide/index.htmlAdditional costs (AUD)
Travel and accommodation costs for clinical placements vary depending on venue.
Students must also complete a First Aid Level II course; this costs approximately $160. La Trobe University does not conduct the course.
Other approximate costs include A$100 per year for practical books, A$8.50 for student name badge, A$30 for clinical shirt, A$100 for stethoscope, A$20 for goniometer. Textbooks are optional. Students can purchase uniforms, books and equipment from any supplier; these remain students' personal property.
Middle Band
A regional bonus applies (Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, and Shepparton) for applicants whose home postcode is from regional Australia as per the Rural Remote and Metropolitan Area Classification 3-7. Visit www.healthworkforce.com.au/main_rrma.asp to determine the RRMA classification for your locality. SEAS criteria also apply.
Selection
Melbourne (Bundoora): ENTER 97.00
Bendigo: ENTER 92.65
Albury-Wodonga: ENTER n/a (newly available)
Shepparton: ENTER N/A (newly available)
Extra requirements
Applicants with at least six months' paid, full-time (or equivalent) relevant employment experience (as a health professional or health professional assistant) must complete a Supplementary Information form and return it to the School of Physiotherapy by Friday 6 November 2009.
Applicants must have undertaken professional work experience in the last two years; voluntary work is not considered.
Applicants aged 21 or over on 1 January 2010 who have not completed a semester of tertiary level studies in the last two years must complete the STAT Multiple Choice.
All students are required to obtain a police check and Working With Children (WWC) check before undertaking a clinical placement.
For important information about clinical placements, visit www.latrobe.edu.au/health/courses/undergrad/about_courses
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: Study score of at least 25 in English (any) or 30 in English (ESL) and at least 25 in two of Biology, Chemistry, a Mathematics (any), Physical Education or Physics.
Semester starts
Semester 1 (March)
Additional information
Please note that the first year of the Albury-Wodonga, and Shepparton courses will be conducted at each campus respectively, whilst the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years will be conducted at the Bendigo campus. The first year of the course will be available at Mildura from 2011.
Prior to undertaking professional placements, students must obtain a police check (Victoria Police: $A14.50 for local students) and provide proof of immunisations.
Career opportunities
Physiotherapists are employed in a wide variety of settings, including private practice, general hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, industrial clinics and specialist centres. Opportunities also exist in physiotherapy education and in research.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the State Physiotherapists Registration Boards. Registration is an essential prerequisite for practice as a physiotherapist in Australia.
Contact information
Enquire Online
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Future Students Centre:
T 1300 135 045
W study@latrobe.edu.au
School of Physiotherapy
T (03) 9479 5815
physiotherapy@latrobe.edu.au
All students may pay a
Voluntary General Service Fee.
Most international students must pay for
Overseas Student Health Cover