|
Bachelor
of Health Sciences and Master of Podiatric Practice (replacing Bachelor of Podiatry)
Campus: Bundoora
Selection: ENTER 76.55 (for former Bachelor of Podiatry)
Duration: 4 years
Contact: Department of Podiatry
(03) 9479 5815
podiatry@latrobe.edu.au
www.latrobe.edu.au/podiatry/home
Introduction
This course gives students the skills and knowledge to prevent and treat disorders of the foot and ankle. As well as being taught the complex assessment and management skills used in podiatric practice, students learn to treat patients with complex medical conditions (such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis) and to work in specialised areas of podiatry, such as sports injuries, paediatrics and surgery. 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 podiatric skills and further explore the underpinning human biosciences and public health aspects. During the third-year of the course, students will undertake more extensive clinical placements in order to develop professional knowledge and skills in authentic clinical learning environments. By fourth-year, students will be able to apply their knowledge and practical skills to the management of disorders across the life span using case-based learning techniques. Students will attend clinical placement in hospitals and other clinical settings under the supervision of a clinician in years two, three and four of the course. The Honours stream offers students with high academic ability and an aptitude for research the opportunity to undertake an extensive research project within an area related to podiatry. The Department of Podiatry conducts its own clinic at the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus and students become directly involved in the treatment of patients. Additional clinical experience is gained through external placement at hospitals, health centres and private practice.
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 Podiatrist or Podiatry department and criteria associated with VTAC's Special Entry Access Scheme considered.
Extra Requirements
CY12: Form (some applicants only): Applicants with relevant experience must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form.
NONY12: Applicants must telephone 03 9479 5815 to obtain a Podiatry Supplementary Information form. Applicants must submit this form by 26 Sepember. LAte Applicants must phone before applying. Some applicants must sit the STAT Multiple Choice. Please see the 2009 VTAC Guide for further information.
Successful Applicants must comply with the Clinical and Professional Placements policy. Please see the 2009 VTAC Guide for further information.
Clinical
placements
Students complete their clinical training during the 4 years via a mixture
of internal and external clinical placements. The placements vary from
one day to six weeks.
Additional
costs
Instruments approximately $459 in first year, $24second year and safety
equipment of which prices are variable. Other costs include $50 shirts,
$12 name tag, annual police check $13.70 (2008 fee) plus students will need to purchase approved leather shoes.
Accommodation costs for clinical placement will vary according to the
venue and not all students will incur the same cost.
Professional
recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Podiatry Registration
Board (Victoria).
Further
information
If you would like to find out more about this course you can contact the Department of Podiatry. It is strongly recommended that you attend the
course information sessions held on Open
Day.
Student Profile
Kelly Franklin
Bachelor of Podiatry
Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus
After completing Year 12 in Hamilton Kelly moved into Glenn College and enrolled in the Bachelor of Podiatry. Living on campus was great introduction to university life for Kelly and made the transition of leaving home much smoother.
Why did you choose to study your course at La Trobe?
Because of the large Health Science program run at La Trobe University. The University itself is an open, inviting environment which I felt comfortable in. I also had the option of living on campus which was important to me as I have no family or friends in Melbourne and this allowed me to make friends from a similar rural background.
Have you found the La Trobe environment a supportive one in terms of helpful lecturers, good library resources, etc?
The variety of lecturers in Podiatry allows expertise in all areas so someone is always able to help you with any topic/question you have. The smaller lecture rooms make a personal relationship with lecturers and allows lots of interaction with questions, demonstrations etc. Anatomy lab rooms are especially useful for study. You become great friends with your classmates and there is always social events happening, it’s a very friend and social four years.
Tell us about your favourite area of study. What made it distinctive?
The great thing about podiatry is the diversity of patients you can experience. There are a lot of primary care patients at the La Trobe clinic so seeing paediatrics, sports patients and wound consultations are some of my highlights. This often involves more clinicians and supervisors input which simulates a ‘real’ podiatry consult and it is interesting to see what treatment/rationale is implemented based on clinical experience rather than just theory which has been learnt in classroom.
|
