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Physiotherapy

Bachelor of Physiotherapy/Bachelor of Ergonomics – Melbourne (Bundoora) (HZPHE)

From 2009 this course will only be available for continuing students.

Physiotherapists 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. They may work independently or as members of health care teams. Physiotherapists are active in the prevention of illness and injury and in the promotion of health. Physiotherapists are also involved in clinical research-movement rehabilitation, ergonomics and the management of health care organisations. Subjects include general and health sciences, professional, clinical and research related studies.

The Physiotherapy/Ergonomics double degree was established to provide students with a course to broaden their knowledge base and work opportunities within the fields of physiotherapy and ergonomics. Ergonomics is an applied science in which basic knowledge is drawn from both psychological and biological sciences and is then applied via professions such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, engineering and organisational psychology.

Course structure

The course involves pre-clinical and clinical study over five years and is offered on a full-time basis. The first two years of the double degree are the same as those for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy course. Students are required to complete all of the subjects listed in the course structure and are expected to complete all of one year’s work before enrolling in a later-year subject. In each year, the physiotherapy subjects are usually co-requisites for each other. Earlier year physiotherapy subjects are prerequisites for study in later years.

Students are required to reach a satisfactory standard in both the theoretical/written and practical/clinical components of all physiotherapy subjects in the course.

Students are admitted to the course after satisfactory completion of first and second year of the Bundoora Bachelor of Physiotherapy course. Students in the Bendigo program are not eligible. Applicants will be selected on the basis of their academic results in this course. Eligible students must have a minimum C-grade average, with no fails in any subject.

During the first part of the course, students study basic biological, medical and behavioural sciences, including anatomy, physiology, psychology and research methods, and the theory and application of specific physiotherapy techniques, and the clinical reasoning process is introduced. In the third and fourth years, students build on and apply their knowledge and skills to the physiotherapy management of specific disorders, and acquire skills in health promotion, evidence-based practice and outcomes measurement. Also, there will be an increasing emphasis on ergonomics, with students studying the biological and psychological basis of ergonomics, the relationship between ergonomics and ageing, ergonomics in the workplace, and ergonomics analysis and evaluation methods. Students will also complete projects in ergonomic practice. Students treat patients under supervision in hospitals and other clinical settings in order to gain a sound basis for clinical practice. Lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions are held at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus. Students attend a variety of clinical settings in a number of hospitals and special centres for observation and practice both in metropolitan and rural settings.

Assessment is conducted by means of written, practical and clinical examinations as well as web-based assignments. Details for each subject are available at the beginning of the semester. Attendance requirements for practical classes and clinics must be met in order to be eligible for assessment in these subjects.

Clinical practicals are often undertaken outside standard teaching periods. Students must undertake at least one 5-week clinical practicum in a rural setting. All travel and accommodation costs are at students’ expense.

On successful completion of all physiotherapy subjects in fourth year, students will be eligible to register to practice with the Physiotherapist Registration Board of Victoria. The fifth year is comprised entirely of subjects in the Bachelor of Ergonomics.

First year (no new intake in 2010)

Second year (for continuing students only)

Third year (for continuing students only)

Fourth year (for continuing students only)

Fifth year (for continuing students only)

Core clinical practica

Four 5-week, full-time clinical placements are undertaken between the middle of third year to the middle of fourth year in the course. All travel and accommodation costs are at students’ expense. Students undertake three clinics in third year, and one in fourth year. Students must gain experience in the areas of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, neurological physiotherapy, and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. The subject codes and titles are as follows:

Elective Professional practica

The clinical elective comprises one full-time, 5-week professional placement. The specific areas of practice are selected to complement and build on the students prior clinical experiences and/or to develop an area of particular interest.

The electives require completion of all four core clinical subjects as a prerequisite.

Professional recognition

Students are required to register with the Physiotherapists Registration Board of Victoria.

Graduates are eligible for registration with the Physiotherapists Registration Board in any state or territory. Registration is an essential prerequisite for clinical practice in Australia.