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 the clinical discipline related to the provision of prostheses (artificial limbs) to people with amputations and orthoses (supportive devices) to people with musculoskeletal disabilities.
The role of the prosthetist/orthotist is a clinical one, with responsibilities including: patient assessment, prescription and supply of prostheses and orthoses, 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.
he prosthetist/orthotist combines knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology and materials with physical skills such as patient assessment, casting, measurement and alignment to maximize the function and comfort of the patient by providing the most appropriate prosthetic or orthotic treatment.
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.
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. The second year placement (1 week)
and the third year placement (3 weeks) take place outside of semester
times. The fourth year placement involves at least 10 weeks of clinical practice.
How many contact hours in the week is the
course?
Approximately 25 hours per
week averaged over the four years
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.
What is the course intake each
year?
The course admits approximately 30 students made up of both VCE and non-VCE applicants.
What was the Clear-in ENTER for
2007 entry?
In 2007 the clearly-in ENTER score was 77.00. The score fluctuates each year depending upon demand.
For Year 11 students looking at their Year
12 options which specific subjects provide the best chance of selection?
Prerequisites for entry include: VCE Units
3 & 4, a study score of at least 25 in English and a study score
of at least 25 in any two of Biology, Chemistry, a Mathematics (any),
Physics
or Physical Education.
What prerequisites do I need for 2009?
VCE units 3 and 4: A study score of at least 25 in English and a study score of at least 25 in any two of Biology, Chemistry, a Mathematics (any), Physics or Physical Education.
Are
Mature age applicants and tertiary transfers considered?
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. 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.
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 and a Supplementary Information form. These forms must be filed with the Student Selection Officer by Friday, 14th December 2007. Copies of these forms are available from the Division of Allied Health Reception. The Supplementary Information form is available on the NCPO Home Page
Are Interstate applicants considered?
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.
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 when applying for the Prosthetics and Orthotics course. STAT information is available on the VTAC website.
International applicants must contact La Trobe International on +61 3 9479 1199 or refer to www.latrobe.edu.au/international/
Are Special Entry applicants considered?
If you are 21 years of age or more on 1 January
2007 but you have not satisfied minimum tertiary entrance requirements,
you are eligible to apply through the Special Entry Scheme by completing
extra application forms available at VTAC. (www.vtac.edu.au)
If you are 21 years of age or more on 1 January
2007 and you have satisfied minimum tertiary entrance requirements
more than two years ago (ie before 2005) but have not previously
completed a semester of tertiary level studies (tertiary studies
include both university courses and post year 12 TAFE qualifications)
you may
choose to apply through the Special Entry Scheme and complete the extra
application requirements with the aim of enhancing your chances of
selection
into the Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics.
NOTE : applicants who have satisfied
minimum tertiary entrance requirements and who have completed a semester
of tertiary level studies are not eligible to apply through the
Special Entry Scheme. All Special Entry applicants must sit the Stat
Multiple Choice Test (details are available from VTAC (www.vtac.edu.au) ).
What
other avenues are there which can help gain entry in the next year if
the applicant is not successful?
Applicants may consider enrolling in an alternative
tertiary course and re-apply after first year. This may
be discussed with course representatives.
Applicants may wish to repeat Year 12 subjects
in order to improve their score.
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.
Are there any extra requirements that I need to fulfill when applying for the Bachelor of 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 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. 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, 14 December 2007. These forms are available from the Division of Allied Health Reception. The Supplementary Information form is available on the NCPO Home Page
Other than textbooks, what extra purchases would I need to make?
A toolkit costing approximately $600 and an NCPO 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.
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 accomodate students
with disabilities, there are certain requirements of the profession and
the BHS/MCPO that require specific physical abilities. These are summarised
in the document Inherent Course Requirements.
Applicants
may seek further information and advice by telephoning the Student Services
Officer
on:
Enrolment Enquiries
Division of Allied health
La Trobe University
Victoria, 3086
Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9479 5815
Fax: +61 3 9479 5784
Email: ncpo@latrobe.edu.au
For more information...
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