Curriculum Reform
New Bachelor and Master Double Degree Programs
The Faculty of Health Sciences introduced eight (8) new combined Bachelor and Masters degree programs in 2009.
These innovative double degree programs enable students to obtain both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in only four years.
Existing courses which have changedfrom Bachelor’s only degrees to a combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree package are listed below:
| Exisiting Course | New Course |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Health Information Management | Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Health Information Management |
| Bachelor of Occupational Therapy | Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice |
| Bachelor of Orthoptic and Ophthalmic Sciences | Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy | Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice |
| Bachelor of Podiatry | Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Podiatric Practice |
| Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics | Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics |
| Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Human Services | Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work |
| Bachelor of Speech Pathology | Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Speech Pathology |
The new programs lead to the same professional qualifications and registrations as the University’s existing Bachelor degrees as listed above and will take you four years to complete.
As part of this exciting curriculum development, all new double degree programs also share a common first year. This enables maximum flexibility for suitably qualified students to transfer between these programs, following first year and where places are available.*
Not only do La Trobe’s Health Sciences’ courses have a long and distinguished history in Victoria, but in some of the disciplines have the distinct advantage of being the only course or one of a small few offered in either Victoria and/or Australia.
Over recent years, governments have increasingly recognised the essential role of allied health in Australia’s primary care and acute health services. Allied health professionals play a critical role in the nation’s hospitals, in primary care, in preventative health care and in community and aged care services.
Working collaboratively with doctors and nurses, allied health clinicians diagnose and treat a range of conditions in multi-disciplinary teams and offer their unique contribution. In recognition of this, particularly in relation to chronic disease management, many allied health services are now subsidised under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
Australia’s 90,000 allied health professionals play a crucial role in strengthening health policies and programs, and addressing the critical workforce demands. Greater access to allied health services by all Australians would strengthen preventative as well as remedial health care, and so assist in limiting health costs in the longer term.
A career in Allied Health is a global career. Allied Health professionals have the opportunity to work in parts of the world where their skills are highly desired and valued. Countries ravaged by natural disasters, famine, poverty and disease are just some places where Allied professionals can make a difference.
There are significant shortages in the primary care health professional workforce right around Australia. It is evident not just in rural and remote areas, where health professionals from many disciplines tend to be in short supply. In metropolitan hospitals, in private sector clinics and in community health services, difficulties in recruiting are being widely reported.The rise in chronic disease, the emphasis on lifestyle prescriptions and the need for a whole of population approach are all increasing the demand for allied health services.
Professor Hal Swerissen - Dean Health Sciences
We're proud of Health Sciences education and research at La Trobe. We think our health professional courses are innovative and exciting. Come and explore the possibilities they offer for you!”
Natalie Sullivan - General Manager - Yarra Ranges and Angliss Hospital
“As an employer of a large workforce of Allied Health professionals, it is very exciting to see the innovations in curriculum development at La Trobe University. In the public health system allied health professionals practice as part of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams. The key to the success of these teams is twofold, firstly mutual respect and understanding of the individual disciplines roles, expertise and skills; and secondly acknowledgement of both the individual and collective contributions allied health professionals make to the improved health status of the patients we care for. Allied health students learning together will no doubt provide a sound foundation to effective team work in the future. I am confident this new curriculum will prepare students more adequately for the real world of team based health care which will mean graduates are ‘work ready’ and ripe for employment.”
Associate Professor Kerry Fitzmaurice - Associate Dean Academic
“As of 2009, we join the University of Sydney in offering the only four-year Bachelor and Master programs in Australia. We offer a wider variety of professional health qualification choices with flexible entry and exit points. We look forward to being at the forefront in offering an innovative curriculum and clinical experiences and welcoming you into these courses.”
