About Prosthetics and Orthotics About the Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics Characteristics of P & O Graduates Detailed Course Information Contact Details

 

About The Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics The Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics is available full-time over three-and-a-half years duration. Some provision is made for those students who wish to undertake part-time study. On completion of the course, the student will have gained knowledge and skill in assessment, prescription, design and fabrication, as well as relevant communication skills. The student will have demonstrated proficiency in a range of essential health and social science subjects.

Professional recognition Graduates are qualified to practise in Australia and a number of overseas countries and are eligible for membership of the Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association. Graduate Attributes The following is a Faculty of Health Sciences document outlining the generic key characteristics of Prosthetics and Orthotics graduates: 1. Professional competencies relating to Prosthetics and Orthotics and, where appropriate, related disciplines Graduates are expected to have acquired a conceptual, theoretical and practical knowledge of the Prosthetic and Orthotic discipline with the ability to apply knowledge and skills to a standard appropriate to the requirements of the Prosthetic and Orthotic profession in a changing environment. They should: 1.1 Have acquired knowledge of the Prosthetic and Orthotic field of practice at a level required for an entry level practitioner; 1.2 Be able to integrate theory and practice; 1.3 Be able to critically reflect on current theory and practice; 1.4 Be technically competent in the application of skills required for practice in Prosthetic and Orthotics; 1.5 Be aware of developments and research in Prosthetics and Orthotics and related fields; 1.6 Display competency in the use of information technology related to the Prosthetic and Orthotic field; 1.7 Practise in accordance with professional values and ethics; 1.8 Be safe practitioners in relation to themselves, their clients and the community; 1.9 Be aware of how Prosthetics and Orthotics relates to similar fields of study in local and international environments. 2. Communication skills Graduates are expected to be able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and to communicate with a range of people in a variety of settings. They should be able: 2.1 To communicate competently and sensitively with colleagues, clients and the public; 2.2 To display appropriate oral, written, numerical and information technology skills, with the ability to use a range of appropriate supporting media; 2.3 To work independently or as part of a team, and to practise in a multidisciplinary environment with appreciation of the roles of professionals in related fields; 2.4 To negotiate effectively and present rational arguments appropriate to the given situation. 2.5 To adopt current and relevant technologies to identify, analyse, interpret and present information. 3. Sense of enquiry and commitment to life-long learning Graduates are expected to have acquired the capacity to learn independently and effectively, assess evidence about innovations in the Prosthetic and Orthotic profession, and display a commitment to continuous learning and intellectual curiosity throughout their lives. They should: 3.1 Have well developed analytical, problem solving and evaluation skills; 3.2 Display intellectual curiosity, creativity and critical thinking skills; 3.3 Be able to appraise new ideas, developments and opportunities; 3.4 Recognise their own learning needs and take responsibility for developing effective learning strategies. 4. Ethical and socially responsible decision making Graduates are expected to have an understanding of ethical and social responsibilities. They should: 4.1 Maintain high ethical standards, be aware of social and ethical implications of professional and personal activities, and be able to deal with ethical dilemmas appropriately; 4.2 Be aware of social and environmental issues (within Australia and internationally) and their impact on health, health care, and the community. 4.3 Have acquired knowledge of relevant public policy and the systems in which they work; 4.4 Be able to practise appropriately in a socially diverse community. 5. Specific attributes of Prosthetic and Orthotic graduates 5.1 Graduates are required to acquire and demonstrate appropriate theoretical and applied skills in all subjects throughout the duration of the course. These skills are applied and assessed specifically within the subject of study and must be successfully demonstrated to allow progression throughout the course. Course Information Use the following links to find information about the Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics and other related courses Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Students All prospective B. P & O students should read this document Course Outline and Subject Descriptions (Click on Subject Codes to see the subject descriptions) From the online version of the La Trobe undergraduate handbook Other Health Sciences Courses and Information from the handbook again.

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Contact Details For more information about undergraduate and postgraduate programs, contact: Jan Johnston, Selection Officer, School of Human Biosciences La Trobe University Victoria, 3086 Australia Telephone: +61 3 9479 5787 Facsimile: +61 3 9479 5784 Or Email: Renuka Elizer: J.Johnston@LaTrobe.edu.au

Last modified: 17 March, 2008 For more information...