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Campus: Melbourne (Bundoora) and Rural Health School - Bendigo
Selection: Melbourne (Bundoora) and Rural Health School - Bendigo:

A Bachelor degree other than physiotherapy completed within the past 5 years with a minimum 5.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) out of 7 (minimum 65%).  Applicants with a completed bachelor degree more than 5 years ago may be considered on the basis of recent postgraduate study and/or relevant work experience.

Applicants must also have completed tertiary-level subjects in regional musculoskeletal anatomy (upper and lower limb, pelvis, spine, thorax, head and neck), neuro-anatomy, physiology (including exercise physiology) and biomechanics.

Completed tertiary-level subjects in pathophysiology, psychology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, research methods or statistics, determinants of health, human movement, communication or education are also desirable.

Course Description

The Master of Physiotherapy Practice enables students with a first degree, other than physiotherapy, to obtain a professional qualification in physiotherapy.

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 employed in a wide variety of settings including private practice, general hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, industrial clinics and specialist centres.  Opportunities also exist in physiotherapy education and in research.

Due to the demand and popularity of the course, preassessment of applications is not possible.  Please attend OPEN DAY on Sunday 26 August 2012 to obtain information about the 2013 program Visit: www.latrobe.edu.au/openday to find out more.

Duration: 2 years

Contact: Faculty of Health Sciences
(03) 9479 5815
health@latrobe.edu.au

2013 Application Information

Applicants apply directly to La Trobe University. Applications open in August and close on 31st October 2012.

Evidence of completed pre-requisites (handbook entries for essential and desirable pre-requisite subjects) and supplementary information must be submitted with your application.

The Master of Physiotherapy Practice degree commences with a Preparatory Program in the summer semester of 2013 (W04-W09, Monday 21st January – 22nd February 2013). Direct contact sessions are scheduled on Wednesday through to Friday of the 5- week program. In addition, students are expected to complete a significant quantity of self directed study.

It is strongly recommended that all GEM physiotherapy students attend and successfully complete this program as it aims to help students develop foundation knowledge and skills which will serve as a basis for their physiotherapy studies. Students who feel they already have the outlined knowledge and skills may apply for an exemption for those aspects.

Content will include an introduction to:

• evidence based practice in physiotherapy, including literature searching and appraisal
• observational analysis of movement, with a particular focus on gait
• soft tissue injury management within a physiotherapy context
• select physiotherapy practical skills, including palpation, active, passive and accessory movements, goniometry
• diagnostic reasoning skills within a physiotherapy context
• electrotherapy modalities relevant to physiotherapy practice
• student assessment of physiotherapy practical skills
  

The program is being held at the Melbourne (Bundoora campus) and is only open to students who are successful with their application for entry and offered a place for 2013.

Further information about the Preparatory Program will be available after enrolment into the Master of Physiotherapy Practice degree.

To assist in your application process a Self-Assessment Check-List [PDF 194KB] available. For further information please see the Frequently Asked Questions sheet.

2013 Master of Physiotherapy Practice Frequently Asked Questions [PDF 208KB] available

Additional Information for International Applicants

All international applicants must download the following forms:

Complete the La Trobe International Application Form which is available via http://www.latrobe.edu.au/international/apply

Supplementary Information Form (available from the link above)

Evidence of completed pre-requisites (handbook entries for essential and desirable pre-requisite subjects) and supplementary information must be submitted with your application.

International applicants are also required to provide a score of not less than 7 on IELTS (International English language Testing System)

For further information please contact: health@latrobe.edu.au

Course Structure

In the first semester students develop clinical reasoning, assessment and treatment skills in the core areas of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy across the lifespan. This is followed by 18 months of integrated theory and clinical practice units, during which time students are primarily located in the clinical environment.

Clinical practice and theory subjects extend outside of normal university semesters. A police record clearance, working with children check, and student registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia is required for all clinical subjects. Adherence to the Australian Physiotherapy Association Code of Conduct is required.

First Year

Teaching period	Subject	Title	Credit points
TE-SEM-1	PTY4MUP	Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY4NEP	Neurological Physiotherapy	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY4CAP	Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY4PCP	Person Centred Physiotherapy	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5MCP	Managing Complexity in Practice	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5ELG	Physiotherapy for Early Lifespan & Gender-Specific Conditions	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5PPA	Professional Practice in Physiotherapy A	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5PPB	Professional Practice in Physiotherapy B	15

Second year (Melbourne (Bundoora) campus only)

Teaching period	Subject	Title	Credit points
TE-SEM-1	PTY5EBP	Evidence Based Practice	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY5CDM	Chronic Disease Management	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY5PPC	Professional Practice in Physiotherapy C	15
TE-SEM-1	PTY5PPD	Professional Practice in Physiotherapy D	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5APA	Advanced Physiotherapy A	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5APB	Advanced Physiotherapy B	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5PPE	Professional Practice in Physiotherapy E	15
TE-SEM-2	PTY5PPF	Professional Practice in Physiotherapy F	15