Prosthetics and orthotics

Why study Prosthetics and orthotics?

Our National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics offers the only course of this type in Australia. It is highly regarded internationally and accredited as a Category 1 course by the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics. Our postgraduate coursework program is for students with a relevant first degree and offers you a professional qualification in prosthetics and orthotics. Prosthetist-orthotists are integral members of healthcare teams with a clinical, technical, advisory and educational role.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in major hospitals, commercial companies and other agencies. You can gain eligibilityfor membership of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association and qualified to practise in Australia and a number of overseas countries.

Courses

Local students

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

Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics continued…

Course description
Prosthetics and orthotics is the clinical discipline related to the provision of prostheses (artificial limbs) to people with amputations, and orthoses (supportive devices), to people with musculoskeletal weakness or neurological disorders. Students in this course acquire theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and prosthetic and orthotic prescription, design and fabrication, enhanced by strong practical skills in research methodology, clinical assessment, and the application of prosthetic and orthotic techniques.

For more information about this course, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions
Prerequisite
Bachelor degree completed within the last seven years. Highly recommended prerequisites are tertiary-level subjects in anatomy and physiology, including regional muskuloskeletal anatomy. Desirable prerequisites are tertiary-level subjects in biomechanics, clinical assessment, psychology, pathology, materials technology, evidence-based practice, research methods or statistics, and human movement.

Students without a background in prosthetics and orthotics fabrication skills will be required to complete the bridging course in P&O Fabrication skills and occupational health & safety. The cost for the course is $900 (2012 fee, subject to change).
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Places subject to competitive selection; full fee places are also available
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $22,480 per 120 credit points.
Some Commonwealth Supported Places may be available.
Additional costs
Approximate costs include: A$600 for tool kit, A$40 for uniform, A$10 for name tag, and A$200 for student notes and manuals. Students can buy books, uniforms and equipment from any supplier; these remain the students' personal property. Student notes are also available free of charge online. Prior to commencing clinical or community placements, students must provide proof of immunisation. National Police Check - A$15.50, immunisations - approximately A$500, Working with Children Check (no cost). Accommodation for any clinical placements may vary according to the venue and location. The bridging course, for students without a background in prosthetics and orthotics - Prosthetics and Orthotics Fabrication Skills and Occupational Health and Safety - A$900 (2012 fee, subject to change).
Additional information
In some subjects, students are expected to practise on each other during practical classes. A police record clearance and Working With Children Check are required for all clinical subjects. Students must also adhere to the Australian Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) Ethical Code and Professional Conduct.
How to apply
Apply through VTAC by end of September 2012.

Please download the Supplementary Form..


Professional recognition
Graduates are qualified to practise in Australia and a number of overseas countries, and eligible for membership of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Prosthetics and Orthotics (Master)Melbourne
2013 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
Melbourne (City)
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. Semester 1 (March)

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology continued…

Course description
This course aims to give graduates without substantial previous research experience the necessary preparation for higher degree studies. It is expected that graduates will proceed to a higher degree by research, provided they meet minimum average grade requirements. However, the course also aims to facilitate professional advancement and progression to further postgraduate coursework studies after full or partial completion.
Prerequisite
Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline. In certain circumstances, consideration is given to relevant clinical or academic experience, and demonstrated potential to undertake research.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $25,880 per 120 credit points.
Commonwealth Supported Places also available.
How to apply
Apply by 4 January 2013. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form . Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Melbourne
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Bendigo
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Albury-Wodonga

How to apply?

Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.

Fees and scholarships

Postgraduate coursework programs are either:

  • Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
  • CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.

Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.

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 Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics (062802G) Melbourne
2 years Semester 1 (March) $28 360

Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics continued…

Year
2013
Course description
Prosthetics and orthotics is the clinical discipline related to the provision of prostheses (artificial limbs) to people with amputations, and orthoses (supportive devices), to people with musculoskeletal weakness or neurological disorders. Students in this course acquire theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and prosthetic and orthotic prescription, design and fabrication, enhanced by strong practical skills in research methodology, clinical assessment, and the application of prosthetic and orthotic techniques.

For more information about this course, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0;

TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or more in the Test of Written English;

TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 94 with a minimum for SLR 24; W27;

Satisfactory completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B (EFS PG2A 75 per cent) which is available from La Trobe Melbourne. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website;

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 72 with no communicative skill score less than 68.

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

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): A grade of B or higher.

or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree completed within the past seven years. Highly-recommended prerequisites are completion of tertiary-level subjects in anatomy and physiology - these subjects should include regional musculoskeletal anatomy. Desirable prerequisites include some of the following: biomechanics, clinical assessment, psychology, pathology, materials technology, evidence-based practice, research methods or statistics, human movement.
Students without a background in prosthetics and orthotics fabrication skills will be required to complete a bridging course, Prosthetics and Orthotics Fabrication Skills and Occupational Health and Safety.
Special requirements
This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the: Health Sciences website for important information.

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. Note the quoted costs are approximate only and subject to change.

Applicants for this course must also complete Supplementary Application Form from the website
Additional costs
Approximate costs include: A$600 for tool kit, A$40 for uniform, A$10 for name tag, and A$200 for student notes and manuals. Students can buy books, uniforms and equipment from any supplier; these remain the students' personal property. Student notes are also available free of charge online. Prior to commencing clinical or community placements, students must provide proof of immunisation. National Police Check - A$15.50, immunisations - approximately A$500, Working with Children Check (no cost). Accommodation for any clinical placements may vary according to the venue and location. The bridging course, for students without a background in prosthetics and orthotics - Prosthetics and Orthotics Fabrication Skills and Occupational Health and Safety - A$900 (2012 fee, subject to change).
Professional recognition
Graduates of the course are eligible for membership to the Australian Orthotic and Prosthetic Association.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Prosthetics and Orthotics (Master)Melbourne
2013 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology (072025F/072024G/072008G/072007G/072026E/072005K) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
1 year Semester 1 (March) $26 300

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methodology continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course aims to give graduates without substantial previous research experience the necessary preparation for higher degree studies. It is expected that graduates will proceed to a higher degree by research, provided they meet minimum average grade requirements. However, the course also aims to facilitate professional advancement and progression to further postgraduate coursework studies after full or partial completion.
English Language Requirements
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 (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

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
A relevant Australian Bachelor's degree or approved international equivalent in health sciences or related area. Entry requirements also vary based on the chosen major - please contact the faculty for more information.
Special requirements
Students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15.50) and a Working with Children (WWC) Check (no cost) before undertaking professional placement. This course has a clinical component.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Melbourne
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Bendigo
Health Research Methodology (Postgraduate Diploma)Albury-Wodonga

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 two clinical placements totalling at least 12 weeks.

Alternative pathways

We consider relevant work experience and prior learning. These may include paid work as a health professional, in the health or fitness industry, other relevant personal or professional experience and volunteer work. If you do not have the prerequisites for the course, you may do relevant single subjects at any appropriate institution. This does not guarantee entry, but will improve your chance of acceptance.

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.

Find out about the experiences of one of our students.

Lina Ng

La Trobe University is the only institution in Asia-Pacific that offers Prosthetics and Orthotics training at a postgraduate level.

Ms Lina Ng, Health Sciences

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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