Curriculum Reform
Undergraduate
Information for the Community
The Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University introduced a new set of more flexible and integrated professional degrees in 2009. The Faculty’s new Bachelor/Master degrees build on the excellent programs that have been provided in the past.
There has been significant change in the last few years in the health care environment both in Australia and internationally. Internationally, there is a trend towards Graduate Entry Master and Doctoral degrees being the entry point into professional practice. The Faculty of Health Sciences has a long history of being at the forefront of health science education in Australia. The Faculty has taken the next step in health education and developed an innovative Bachelor/Master program structure which leads to higher quality health professionals.
Previously the Faculty’s Bachelor degrees in health information management, occupational therapy, orthoptics, physiotherapy, podiatry, prosthetics and orthotics, speech pathology and social work took between three and a half to four years to complete. From 2009 these programs became Bachelor/Master degrees leading to the same professional qualifications and registration. Students can enrol into a single Bachelor/Master program which, are available as Commonwealth Supported Places.
Students will be able to complete these double degrees in four years or opt out after three years with a non-accredited Bachelor degree. The difference between the previous structure and the new structure is an increased emphasis on professional practice in interdisciplinary settings and independence in the workforce.
The curriculum for all courses has been designed to produce Graduates, who will be job ready; who are able to work independently or as part of an interdisciplinary team; and who will have a strong understanding of their role and that of other health professionals in the health care system. The Faculty of Health Sciences’ Bachelor/Master graduate will be well prepared to provide leadership within their discipline and across other health sectors. Each course has been based on the graduate attributes expected of an entry level health professional.
In first year, students undertake common units and are introduced to the concepts of being a health professional through units in interprofessional practice. The second year will build on the foundation laid in first year and provide the student with the theoretical basis of their chosen profession as well as equip the students with basic clinical skills. The final two years will provide accelerated learning with the focus on professional practice and independent learning. These final years comprising the Master degree will enable graduates to contextualise theory and practice producing a highly developed health professional. The Faculty will build on its partnerships with industry such that the experts in the workplace assist in the provision of the skills required for entry into the workplace.
Applicants who already have a relevant degree which meets eligibility requirements will be able to do the Graduate Entry Masters programs that will qualify them for professional practice. In 2009 the programs are Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy. 2010 will see the introduction of Social Work and Health Information Management while 2011, pending approval, will include Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics.
