Please read this page fully before
contacting La Trobe University regarding applications for the Bachelor
of Health Sciences/Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics course.
What is prosthetics and orthotics?
Prosthetics and orthotics is a clinical discipline related to the provision of prostheses (artificial limbs) to people with amputations and orthoses (supportive devices) to those with musculoskeletal disabilities.
The role of the prosthetist/orthotist is a clinical one, with responsibilities including: patient assessment, prescription, caseload management, design, fabrication, fitting and alignment of prostheses and orthoses, and the monitoring and review of the devices used by their clients.
The prosthetist/orthotist is an integral member of the health care team who has a clinical, technical, advisory and educational role.
The prosthetist/orthotist combines knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology and materials science with skills such in patient assessment, casting, measurement and alignment to maximize the function and comfort.
How academic is the content of the course?
The course is a combination of lectures, practical classes and clinical placements. There is a substantial theoretical component in Prosthetics and Orthotics units and in the units from other discipline areas including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology and sociology.
Course Structure:
Click on the weblink below and scroll down to view the list of subjects and then click twice on the subject to view the details of the subject
www.latrobe.edu.au/handbook/2009/undergraduate/health-sciences/single-degrees/hzhpo.htm
Course Finder:
www.latrobe.edu.au/coursefinder/local/2010/Bachelor-of-Health-Sciences-and-Master-of-Clinical-Prosthetics-and-Orthotics.5090.html
How many years is the course?
Four year full time course.
Can the course be done part-time?
Provision may be made for part-time study. Depending on the demand for places, restrictions may apply. Even with a part-time load, students can expect lectures to be scheduled across all five days of the week.
How many contact hours in the week is the course?
Like similar courses, a full-time study load is equivalent to approximately 40 hours per week which includes class contact (lectures, seminars and tutorials), study and assessment.
What practical/clinical experience is provided? When is it completed and how is it organised?
Most of the practical/clinical work is done on campus during normal course hours.
In addition, students complete clinical placements at Prosthetic and Orthotic facilities. All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics will complete approximately 31 weeks within a clinical school in the last 18 months of the course. A professional education placement component of the program may need to be undertaken interstate. The student will be expected to meet the travel and accommodation expenses in this situation. There is also an option for some students to undertake their placement overseas.
Other than textbooks, what extra purchases would I need to make?
A toolkit costing approximately $650 and a National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics clinical uniform, costing approximately $55 per shirt are required. Purchase of reference material in the form of books, manuals and photocopied lecture notes is required. Proof of current immunization and police checks may be required for some placements.
Can I do the course by correspondence or distance education?
No.
Is there a mid-year intake?
No.
How do I apply for the course?
All applicants must apply to the Victoria Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC – www.vtac.edu.au), except students currently enrolled at La Trobe University who can apply for a Course Transfer directly to the Selection Officer, National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics, Health Sciences Reception. All applicants should also complete the Pi form on the VTAC website.
When do applications for 2010 open?
The VTAC online system opened on 3 August, 2009.
What are the closing dates?
25 September 2009 (5 pm) Timely applications
13 November 2009 (5 pm) Late applications VTAC will apply a late fee
11 December 2009 (5 pm) Final closing date VTAC will apply a late fee
After the final closing date you will need to contact the Selection Officer, National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics directly to inquire about Late Direct Applications. These will only be considered subject to available places. A late fee will apply.
What is the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics Course Code?
VTAC Commonwealth Supported Place: 21401
International Fee: 21403
What is the course intake each year?
The course admits approximately 30 to 40 students made up of both VCE and non-VCE applicants.
What was the Clear-in ENTER for 2009 entry?
Bundoora Campus: 2009 – 84.40 (subject to change for 2010)
You are encouraged to apply regardless of your ENTER score as the score fluctuates from year to year depending on demand.
What prerequisites do I need for 2010?
VCE Units 3 & 4, a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English, and at least 25 in two of Biology, Chemistry, a Maths (any), Physical Education or Physics.
Are there any extra requirements that I need to fulfil when applying for the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics?
ALL Year 12 and Non-Year 12 Applicants:
- Attendance at Open Day and/or a course information session is strongly advised.
- It is also recommended that you spend some time observing the activities of a prosthetist/orthotist. Details regarding this activity and other relevant information may be recorded on the PI (Personal Information) form available on the VTAC website. (www.vtac.edu.au)
All Non-Year 12 applicants must also complete a Supplementary Information form and the Pi form on the VTAC website. These forms allow applicants to provide additional information regarding personal skills, additional studies and or relevant work experience previously undertaken. You may also list any extenuating circumstances, which may be relevant to your application. The Supplementary Information form and accompanying documentation must be lodged with the by Friday, 11 December 2009. These forms are available from the Faculty of Health Sciences Reception. The Supplementary Information form is available on the www.latrobe.edu.au/ncpo
Are mature age applicants and tertiary transfers considered?
Yes. Applicants must meet VCE prerequisite requirements (or equivalent). Attendance at a course information session and or Open Day is strongly advised. All non year 12 applicants must also complete a “Supplementary Information” form available on the www.latrobe.edu.au/ncpo. The “Supplementary Information” form allows applicants to enhance their chances of selection by providing additional information to the Student Selection Officer regarding their personal skills, additional studies and/or work experience previously undertaken. Further information is available on the Mature Age website at: www.latrobe.edu.au/study/mature.
How do I apply if I am already a student at La Trobe?
Current La Trobe University students wanting to transfer course need to lodge an “Application for Course Transfer” form available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/current/webforms.html and a “Supplementary Information” form available on the www.latrobe.edu.au/ncpo. The completed forms must be returned to the Student Selection Officer by Monday, 14th December 2009. Copies of these forms are available from the Faculty of Health Sciences Reception.
Are Interstate applicants considered?
Yes. The applicant's Year 12 score and prerequisite equivalents as well as additional information are taken into account. Where it is not possible to attend a course information session it is strongly recommended that applicants contact and visit a Prosthetics and Orthotics facility in their local area. Apply through VTAC website at: www.vtac.edu.au.
What if I do not satisfy tertiary entry requirements or have special circumstances?
VTAC has established, in coordination with the tertiary institutions, a variety of Special Equity and Access Schemes (SEAS). Consult the VTAC website for SEAS information as relates to La Trobe University and follow the instructions regarding the submission of documentation. (www.vtac.edu.au)
ALL Mature Age applicants, as defined in SEAS criteria, must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice and complete the “Supplementary Information” form available on the www.latrobe.edu.au/ncpowhen applying for the Prosthetics and Orthotics course. STAT information is available on the VTAC website www.vtac.edu.au. Further information is available on the Mature Age website www.latrobe.edu.au/study/mature. The Pi form on the VTAC website should also be completed.
What other avenues are there which can help gain entry in the next year if the applicant is not successful?
If you are interested in a career in health you should consider the other health professional courses available at La Trobe. If you enrol in a La Trobe health course that takes the Common First Year subjects, you can apply for a transfer to another course at the end of first year and transfer directly into the second year of your chosen course. Transfers are dependent on available places, and selection is on academic merit.
Alternatively, you may enrol in any other course and reapply as a tertiary transfer applicant, as an internal transfer for La Trobe students complete “Application for Course Transfer” form available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/current/webforms.html, or for non-La Trobe students via VTAC at: www.vtac.edu.au.
Is a science course preferred over other courses for transferring after first year?
Applicants are usually advised that their own choice of an alternative course is preferable because they are more likely to maximise achievement. Common alternative study years include Health Sciences related courses.
International Applicants
The information on this page is intended for applicants who are Australian citizens or permanent residents only. International applicants must obtain a copy of the International Prospectus and information about enrolling.
La Trobe International
La Trobe University
Victoria AUSTRALIA 3086
Telephone: +61 3 9479 1199 (From within Australia: 03 9479 1199)
Email: International@latrobe.edu.au
Website: www.latrobe.edu.au/international
I have a disability, can I still do the course?
While the University and the National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics aim to encourage and accommodate students with disabilities, there are certain requirements of the profession and the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics that require specific physical abilities. These are summarised in the document www.latrobe.edu.au/ncpo/docs/inherent_CR.html.
What fees do I have to pay for the course?
The course is funded under the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) scheme (previously known as HECS) and is predominately charged at the Band 2 rate. Further information is available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/study/fees-scholarships.
How do I know if I’m eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)?
To determine eligibility for a CSP please refer to website www.goingtouni.gov.au/
Am I eligible for Centrelink payments?
The course meets eligibility requirements for Austudy or Youth Allowance, providing other Centrelink criteria is met.
Can I defer my offer?
Yes, a 12-month deferral with be automatically granted. An application for deferral must be completed.
Does the degree have professional recognition?
Graduates are eligible for registration of the Australian Orthotic and Prosthetic Association and are qualified to practice in Australia.
What are the career prospects on graduating from the course?
There is a strong demand for Prosthetic and Orthotic clinicians in Australia and internationally. Graduates work in major hospitals and private prosthetic and orthotic facilities within Australia and overseas.
What salary does a Prosthetist/Orthotist earn?
New graduates begin on approximately $50,000 while experienced clinicians can earn above $90,000.
Are there any scholarships available?
Information on University scholarships can be obtained from www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships. Up-to-date information on scholarships will be posted on this website in August 2009. Applications for 2010 will close on 31 January, 2010.
Do you offer a graduate entry program?
The Faculty of Health Sciences intends to offer a two-year Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics graduate entry program (GEM) in 2011 for students who have already undertaken an undergraduate qualification in Health Sciences or another relevant discipline. The program is currently being developed. There may be additional requirements for graduates with a non-relevant undergraduate qualification.
Are there opportunities for further study as a postgraduate student?
Yes. The National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics offers: Masters (by research), PhD and professional doctorate programs.
Are there many Prosthetic/Orthotic training programs in Australia?
This is the only training program offered in Australia and the only program offered at this level in the Asia-Pacific region.
Where can I get more information?
To find out more about the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics refer below:
Current Course Brochure: www.latrobe.edu.au/ncpo/docs/MCPO_brochure10.pdf
Applicants may seek further information and advice by telephoning:
Student Services Officer
Faculty of Health Sciences
La Trobe University
Victoria, 3086
Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9479 5815
Fax: +61 3 9479 5257
Email: ncpo@latrobe.edu.au
For more information...
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