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Bachelor
of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics (replacing Bachelor of Prosthethics and Orthotics)
Campus:
Bundoora
Selection:
ENTER 78.00 (for former Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics)
Duration:
4 years
Contact:
National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics
(03) 9479 5815
ncpo@latrobe.edu.au
www.latrobe.edu.au/ncpo
Introduction
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. The majority of units undertaken in this course are core units.In first-year, students will undertake an interdisciplinary common year in which students enrol in units with peers across the Faculty of Health Sciences. The focus of this year is 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.
The second year of study will see students begin to develop skills specific to the discipline and further explore the underpinning human biosciences and public health aspects. During the third year of the course, students will expand on their theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology,biomechanics, and prosthetic and orthotic manufacturing. Learning will be enhanced by strong practical skills in research methodology, clinical assessment, and the application of prosthetic and orthotic techniques. By fourth-year, students will be able to apply their knowledge and practical skills to the management of disorders across the lifespan using case based learning techniques. Clinical placements at prosthetic and orthotic facilities in years two, three and
four are a key feature of the course. Students benefit from time spent at the Health Sciences Clinic located on the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus. Students utilise the wide variety of equipment available for the manufacture of devices as well as develop their clinical skills.
Applicants should ensure they check the 2009 VTAC Guide for all requirements regarding applying.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English and
in two of biology, chemistry, a mathematics (any), physical education
or physics.
Middle Band
Relevant work experience with a prosthetic and orthotic facility, and criteria associated with VTAC's Special Entry Access Scheme considered.
Extra Requirements
CY12: Form (some applicants only): Applicants who have relevant work experience in a ptosthetic and orthotic facility must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form.
NONY12: Form: Applicants must telephone (03) 9479 5815 to request a Prosthetics and Orthotics Supplementary Information form. Applicants must complete and submit the form by 26 September 2008. Late applicants must telephone before applying. Test(some applicants only): Some applicants must sit the STAT Multiple Choice. Please see the 2009 VTAC Guide for more information.
Clinical
placements
Students complete placements at Prosthetic and Orthotic facilities. The
first year placement (1 week) and the second year placement (3 weeks)
take place outside of semester times. The fourth year placement involves
16 weeks of clinical practice from January to late June, eight weeks of which is usually taken outside Victoria.
Additional
costs
Approximate costs include $550 tool kit, $60 uniform, $8.50 name tag, $13.70 (2008 fee) annual police check plus
recommended immunisations $250-$470. Accommodation costs for clinical placement
will vary according to the venue and not all students will incur the same
cost.
Professional
recognition
Graduates are qualified to practise in Australia and a number of overseas
countries. Prosthetics and Orthotics graduates are eligible for membership
of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association.
Further
information
If you would like to find out more about this course you can contact the
National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics. It is strongly recommended that you attend the
course information sessions held on Open
Day. Interstate applicants are encouraged to visit a prosthetic
and orthotic facility in lieu of attending a course information session.
Student Profile
Michael Storey
Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics
Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus
Michael completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science before undertaking prosthetics and orthotics. Michael balances his study by joining the La Trobe golf team.
Have you been on clinical placement? How did you find it?
I have been on clinical placement, it occurred during the break between first and second semester. It was very beneficial as it allowed me to see what is actually involved in being a prosthestist/orthotist during a typical day. It allowed for both observation and some hands on activities which allowed me to get the most of the placement.
Tell us about your favourite area of study. What made it distinctive?
The specific prosthetics and orthotic subjects are very practically based subjects which allow for a nice change of pace to the other subjects in first year. The hands on projects help to understand how the devices are designed to work thus giving a greater insight to learning.
Do you think this course has prepared you for your chosen career path?
I think this course will have me well prepared for work as a prosthestist/orthotist both nationally and internationally as it combines both the theoretical aspect of the profession with a high amount of practical experience which allows for a greater depth of learning. The clinical placements during 1st, 2nd and 4th years means that experience in working as a clinician can be obtained upon completion of the course.
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