Prosthetics and orthotics

Why study Prosthetics and orthotics?

Prosthetics and orthotics are clinical disciplines that deal with artificial limbs (prostheses) for people with amputations and supportive devices (orthoses) for people with musculoskeletal weakness or neurological disorders. Study anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, prosthetic and orthotic prescription, and design and fabrication. Develop strong practical skills in research methodology, clinical assessment and the application of prosthetic and orthotic techniques. Clinical placements are an important part of our program. You may combine undergraduate training in health sciences with specialised Masters-level training in prosthetics and orthotics in four years.

Prosthetics and orthotics - I made a difference

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in major hospital and private prosthetic-orthotic facilities as well as other agencies. You can gain eligibility for membership of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association and may practice in Australia and a number of overseas countries.

Courses

Local students

Prosthetics and orthotics courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics Melbourne
4 years full-time Semester 1 (March)

Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics continued…

Course description
Prosthetics and orthotics are clinical disciplines that deal with artificial limbs (prostheses) for people with amputations, and supportive devices (orthoses) for people with musculoskeletal weakness or neurological disorders. The role of the prosthetist/orthotist includes patient assessment, prescription, caseload management, design, fabrication, fitting and alignment of prostheses and orthoses, and the monitoring and review of the devices used by their patients. Students will also develop enhanced practical skills in research methodology, clinical assessment, and the application of prosthetic and orthotic techniques in various scenarios.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English, and at least 25 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (any), Physical Education, or Physics.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, form, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.

Current Year 12 applicants who have relevant work experience with a prosthetic and orthotic facility must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form. Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page.
Selection
ATAR (2013)
Melbourne: 84

Middle band
Re-ranking is based on relevant employment or work experience with a prosthetic and orthotic facility, and Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee amount
CSP contribution band 2. Indicative (2010): CSP student contribution $7,567 (per 120 credit points).
Additional costs
Please note the follwowing costs are approximate only and subject to change.

Additional costs include A$600 for tool kit, A$40 for uniform, A$10 for name tag, A$200 for student manuals. Students can purchase uniforms, books and equipment from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Student notes are also available free of charge online. All students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15.50) and Working with Children Check (no cost) before undertaking a clinical professional placement. Accommodation costs for clinical placement vary depending on venue.
Additional information
This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the Health Sciences website.

All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics will undertake education at a clinical school during the fourth year of the course over a period of 16 weeks . In addition, a professional placement program of 16 weeks full time duration will be undertaken in the final 12 months A professional education placement component of the program may need to be undertaken interstate. There is also an option for some students to undertake their placement overseas.

How to apply
VTAC
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Health Sciences/Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics Melbourne

Want to know more?

Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.

Fees and scholarships

Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.

There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students. 

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Prosthetics and orthotics international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics (062598G/ 062802G) Melbourne
4 years Semester 1 (March) $25 350

Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics continued…

Year
2013
Course description
Prosthetics and orthotics are clinical disciplines that deal with artificial limbs (prostheses) for people with amputations, and supportive devices (orthoses) for people with musculoskeletal weakness or neurological disorders. The role of the prosthetist/orthotist includes patient assessment, prescription, caseload management, design, fabrication, fitting and alignment of prostheses and orthoses, and the monitoring and review of the devices used by their patients. Students will also develop enhanced practical skills in research methodology, clinical assessment, and the application of prosthetic and orthotic techniques in various scenarios.
For more information please visit the webpage of Frequently Asked Questions
English Language Requirements
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 80 and at least an A in English
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 75.15
International Baccalaureate - 29
GCE A Levels - 13
Hong Kong A Levels - 8
HKDSE - 2x Level 5
Sri Lankan A Levels - AAB
STPM - 10.33
MICSS (UEC) - 3
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 80
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 5
Sweden Slutbetyg - VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 80
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.5
Indonesia (SMA) - 8.5
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.0
GAOKAO - see: the website

If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Special requirements
This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the Health Sciences website.

All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics study for 16 weeks at a clinical school during the fourth year of the course. This may also need to be taken in other Australian states. There is an option for some students to undertake this placement overseas.
Subject prerequisite
Two of Biology, Chemistry, Year 12 Mathematics or Physics.
Additional costs
Please note the follwowing costs are approximate only and subject to change.

Additional costs include A$600 for tool kit, A$40 for uniform, A$10 for name tag, A$200 for student manuals. Students can purchase uniforms, books and equipment from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Student notes are also available free of charge online. All students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15.50) and Working with Children Check (no cost) before undertaking a clinical professional placement. Accommodation costs for clinical placement vary depending on venue.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Health Sciences/Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics Melbourne

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

Prosthetics and orthotics placements

You will do a half-day observational placement in first year and two clinical placements totalling 12 or 16 weeks in fourth year.

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

Find out about the experiences of one of our students.

My placement at the Royal Children's Hospital was a fantastic experience. I was able to get a really good idea of what my future career would involve.

Ms Sarah Carter,

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences or focus on staff in Prosthetics and orthotics.

Prosthetics and orthotics events

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