Department of Podiatry

Bachelor of Podiatry: Frequently Asked Questions
Updated for 2007

Q: What have been the ENTER cut off scores for the last few years?
A:2005 = 83.60, 2006 = 76.85, 2007 = 75.85. You are encouraged to apply regardless of your ENTER score as the score fluctuates from year to year.

Q: How many places are available each year?
A: The course takes approximately 90 students per year. A large proportion of these students are VCE students, however a significant provision is made for non-VCE applicants.

Q: How many years is the course?
A: The Bachelor of Podiatry is a four year full time course. Some provision is made for part time study however this must be negotiated with the Head of Department once an offer has been accepted. The course is not available by correspondence.

Q: How many contact hours is the course?
A: In first semester there are approximately 21 contact hours per week and approximately 23 hours in second semester. There are also a number of non-contact hours where you are expected to work independently.

Q: What are the prerequisites for 2008?
A: VCE units 3&4: study score of at least 25 in English, plus study score of at least 25 in two of Chemistry, a Mathematics (any), Biology, Physics or Physical Education.

Q: Are there any extra requirements that I need to fulfill when applying for the Bachelor of Podiatry?
ALL Year 12 and Non-Year 12 Applicants:
Attendance at Open Day and a course information session is strongly advised. It is also recommended that you spend some time observing the activities of a podiatrist. Details regarding this activity may be recorded on the Pi (Personal Information) form available on the VTAC website.

ALL Non-Year 12 Applicants must also complete a 'Supplementary Information' form. This form allows 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. This form and accompanying documentation must be lodged with the School by Friday the 14th December 2007. These forms are available from the Division of Allied Health Reception and here.

Q: I am currently enrolled at La Trobe University. How do I apply for Podiatry?
A: Current La Trobe University students should lodge an "Application to Transfer to Another Course" form. The form must be filled out with the Student Selection Officer by Friday the 7th December 2007. Copies of these forms are available from the Student Administration Office or the Division of Allied Health Reception.

Q: I am currently enrolled at another Institution/University. How do I apply for entry into the Bachelor of Podiatry?
A: You must lodge an application through VTAC, and complete a Podiatry 'Supplementary Information Form'. The Selection Panel will be looking for high grades of academic achievement in final overall results in the course you are presently studying as well as VCE results. Advanced standing for previous study will only be considered after an offer has been made.

Q: I am currently studying Podiatry at an interstate University. What is the application process?
A: If you are currently undertaking the first/second year of a four-year podiatry degree, you may be eligible to transfer into the first/second year of the course. Applications must be lodged through VTAC. You must also complete a Podiatry 'Supplementary Information Form' detailing your current course, the curriculum and results. Applicants will only be accepted if there is a place. It is up to the discretion of the Selection Panel as to whether an application will be accepted/considered. See the link to courses for a copy of the current Supplementary Information Form.

If you have completed first year, you may not be able to transfer straight into full time second year due to differences in podiatry courses. You may have to undertake part time studies, effectively adding a year on to the course.

Q: Is there another means of entry for people who have not satisfied tertiary entrance 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 it relates to La Trobe University and follow the instructions regarding the submission of documentation. Mature age applicants, as defined in the SEAS criteria, must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice and complete the 'Supplementary Information Form' when applying for the Podiatry course. STAT information is also available on the VTAC website.

Q : What if I live overseas? How should I apply for Podiatry?
A: All international applicants must contact the University's International Programs Office to obtain a copy of the International Prospectus and information about enrolling. The International Programs Office details are as follows:

International Programs Office
La Trobe University
Victoria AUSTRALIA 3086
Tel: (61 3) 9479 1199
Fax: (61 3) 9479 3660
Email: International@latrobe.edu.au

Q: How could I enhance my chances of selection if I do not have a Science background?
A: For applicants wishing to enhance their chances, there are a number of courses available. Short courses run by the School of Human Biosciences with particular focus on Chemistry, Physiology and Anatomy. (These are run in February each year). Work experience with a Podiatrist may also assist your application. Please call the Division of Allied Health Reception for further information regarding the short courses on (03) 9479 1750.

Q: What are the career prospects on graduating from the course?
A: Career prospects are very good. Podiatrists can practice in Public and Private Hospitals, Community Health Centres and Private Practice in either Metropolitan or Country areas. There are also limited places in academia and research after experience has been gained in the field.

Q: Is there provision for Clinical Placement - do I get to practice what you teach?
A: Students start their clinical training in their first year, but don't actually treat patients until the start of the second year. During the third and fourth year of the course, students are allocated placements at various agencies on a rotational basis. The placements vary from one day to seven weeks. The Department also operates its own clinic where members of the public may make appointments for supervised treatment by students for a reduced fee.

Q: How can I find out more?
A: To find out more about the podiatry course, it is recommended that you attend the La Trobe University Open Day which normally occurs in August. Please see here for more information.

VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre) telephone 1 300 364 133 or www.vtac.edu.au.

Content Approved by: Head of Podiatry
Page maintained by: Podiatry Webmaster
Last Updated: February 16th, 2005