Health Sciences/Physiotherapy
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Physiotherapy Practice
Length
4 years
Campuses
Melbourne, Bendigo
Course description
This course aims to prepare students to 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. Graduates may work independently or as members of healthcare teams.
Please download the Frequently Asked Questions document for additional information about the program.
Course structure
In first year, students undertake core subjects with students from other health sciences courses, focusing on basic human biosciences and factors influencing health and the roles of health professionals in the health and welfare sectors. In second year, they develop physiotherapy skills and further explore the human biosciences of anatomy and physiology.
In third and fourth years, students apply their knowledge and practical skills to the physiotherapy management of disorders across the lifespan, through case-based learning techniques and clinical experiences.
The course fosters small-group teaching to master the practical aspects of physiotherapy skills. Students have the opportunity to treat patients in hospitals and other clinical settings under clinician supervision . Please note clinical placements may be undertaken outside semesters. An Honours program commencing in third year is available to selected high-achieving students.
Contact hours
Variable across the four years, up to 32 hours per week.
Subject details
Major areas of study
Physiotherapy, physiology and anatomy, determinants of health and wellbeing.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Annual (or Total) Tuition Fee (AUD)
30 480
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Students are required to complete a National Police Check (A$15.50) annually and a Working with Children Check (no cost) at the commencement of the degree. Students are required to register each year with the Physiotherapy Registration Board of Australia, at no cost. Students are encouraged to complete a First Aid Level II course, which is not conducted by La Trobe University, variable cost approximately A$160 (is recommended students complete a Level II/Senior First Aid Certificate but it is not a course requirement). Other approximate costs include: A$100 per year for practical books, A$10 for student name badge (purchased from official LaTrobe supplier), A$42 for clinical shirt (purchased from official La Trobe supplier), A$100 for stethoscope, A$45 for cardiorespiratory medial equipment, A$20 for goniometer. Text books and cardiorespiratory medical equipment are optional. Books and equipment (other than the name badge and uniform) may be purchased from any supplier; all items remain students' personal property. Accommodation and travel costs for clinical placement may also be incurred and vary according to the venue.
Selection
Completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B certificate at postgraduate (EFS PG2a (75%) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0; or
TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or
TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or
TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or
Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 80 and at least four A's, including an A in English and two As in Science
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 96.40
International Baccalaureate - 37
GCE A Levels - 14
Hong Kong A Levels - 9
HKDSE - 16, 8 (the student must meet the higher than standard English language requirement)
Sri Lankan A Levels - AAA
STPM - 11
MICSS (UEC) - Ex Yr 12 FSP
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 80
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4.7
Sweden Slutbetyg - VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 85
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.5
Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 3.4
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.3
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Extra requirements
This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the: Health Sciences website for important information.
All students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15) and Working with Children check (no cost) before undertaking a clinical professional placement. Note the quoted costs are approximate only and subject to change.
Students enrolled in the program will be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia by La Trobe University, at no cost.
Prerequisites
Two of Biology, Physical Education, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics (any).
Semester starts
Semester 1 (February)
Career opportunities
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.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. Registration is an essential legal prerequisite for practice as a physiotherapist in Australia. Students enrolled in the program will be registered with the Board by La Trobe University, at no cost.